(Rendering by Peter Flory)
In the windswept sandhills of eastern Colorado, a bold new vision for American golf is taking shape. Dream Golf’s latest project, Rodeo Dunes, is not just another golf development — it’s a statement of intent, designed to fuse the rugged charm of Irish links with the untamed beauty of the American West.
Approved on June 20, 2024, the original permit for Rodeo Dunes set in motion a development process that is as thoughtful as it is ambitious. Grassing was completed on the 1st course just two weeks ago, and from the outset, the project has sought to honor the land it’s built on. “This sand is very gifted for the type of golf experience we want to provide,” said Tom Ferrell of Dream Golf, noting that materials have been sourced locally as much as possible.
The design team is world-class: developers Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw — the latter, a two-time Masters champion — bring their renowned minimalist style to the dunes. Their resume includes Sand Hills Golf Club, located just two hours north in Nebraska, widely regarded as one of the best modern golf courses in the country. While the community takes pride in Sand Hills, its private status has kept it exclusive, much like Ballyneal in Holyoke, CO. Rodeo Dunes, in contrast, will be fully public — welcoming anyone with a love for the game.
The first course, built by ONCORE Group, is scheduled to open in July 2026. Tee times will go on sale in fall 2025, and the momentum won’t stop there. Preconstruction for a second course will begin in summer 2025, with completion anticipated in 2027. Long-term plans include a full 20-year build-out, though, as Ferrell noted with a chuckle, “No — we will not be incorporating an airport.” Community and accessibility are central to Rodeo Dunes’ philosophy. Already, 215 founding members have signed on. The first course alone is expected to create around 100 caddie positions, along with jobs in maintenance and eventually food and beverage. Embracing the traditions of walking-only courses, Rodeo Dunes will not allow golf carts — except for those with physical disabilities. The course will also contribute meaningfully to the WGA Evans Scholars Foundation, a program that offers full tuition and housing scholarships to caddies, available locally through the University of Colorado Boulder. Since overnight lodging won’t be available at launch, surrounding hotels stand to benefit from increased tourism. In the long term, Rodeo Dunes is expected to evolve into a resort destination.
Environmental stewardship is also a key pillar of the project. With only 75 of 250 acres designated as irrigatable, the course sharply contrasts with traditional water-heavy designs. “Building a lush oasis in the middle of the desert would be foolish and irresponsible,” Ferrell said. Instead, the course will blend with the native topography, using fescue grass and natural winds to create a firm, fast, and authentic links experience.
The project tagline captures this vision perfectly: “Rugged Irish links meet the spirit of the American West.” When completed, Rodeo Dunes will offer a premium, yet approachable experience, with rounds expected to cost between $250 and $300. But more than just a golf destination, it aims to become a cultural touchstone — a place where passionate golfers connect with the land, with each other, and with the timeless spirit of the game.
Many thanks to Tom Ferrell for taking the time to provide updated information to dispel the inaccurate assumptions and false rumors that have been floating around! The goal of Rodeo Dunes is to be a good neighbor and a good steward of the land, and we’re excited to welcome them for the benefit of our communities. Stay tuned for future updates by clicking here.
