Lakewood Country Club | Lakewood

Here is a full, detailed profile of Lakewood Country Club in Lakewood, Colorado, capturing its historical significance, facilities, membership structure, and overall prestige:

🏛️ Overview and History

Lakewood Country Club (LCC) was established in 1908, making it one of Colorado’s oldest private country clubs. Originally known as Colorado Golf Club, it was renamed to Lakewood Country Club in 1913. Located just minutes from downtown Denver in the city of Lakewood, the club has evolved through multiple eras of golf architecture, clubhouse expansion, and social evolution. It sits on about 200 acres of meticulously maintained terrain at the base of the Rocky Mountain foothills.

📜 Notable Historical Highlights

Original architect: Tom Bendelow (1908), one of the pioneers of American golf course design.

Redesigned by: Donald Ross (1916), a legendary golf course architect known for creating strategic, naturalistic courses.

Restoration and enhancements:

Press Maxwell (1961)

Gil Hanse (1993) to restore Ross’s classic elements

Todd Schoeder (2008, 2015) for modern conditioning and playability

The club has hosted prestigious tournaments, including:

U.S. Women’s Amateur (1965)

LPGA Mile High Open (1955–1956)

Colorado State Championships and several regional amateur/professional events.

⛳ Golf Course Details

General Specifications:

Holes: 18

Par: 71

Yardage (from back tees): ~6,894 yards

Slope Rating: 139

Course Rating: 72.1

Course Style: Parkland with rolling fairways, tree-lined corridors, and well-protected greens

Features:

Narrow landing zones that demand accuracy off the tee

Subtle elevation changes that require creative shot-making

Deep bunkers, water hazards, and multi-tiered greens

Signature Holes:

Hole #4: A strategic par 3 with well-guarded green and visual intimidation

Hole #6: A long par 4 with a severe downhill slope and dogleg right

Practice Facilities:

Full driving range with target greens

Two putting greens

Short game area with bunkers

Professional teaching staff, club fitting, and junior clinics

Seasonal leagues, men's and women's club events, and golf mixers

🏊‍♂️ Recreational Amenities

🏊 Swimming Pool Complex

Heated outdoor pool, open Memorial Day through Labor Day

Swim team and private lessons available

Poolside service from the cabana bar and grill

Host to family swim nights, dive-in movies, and summer celebrations

🎾 Tennis Facilities

Multiple outdoor tennis courts

Available for open play, lessons, and organized league play

Seasonal junior programs and tennis camps

💪 Fitness Center

Modern cardio and resistance equipment

Free weights and functional training tools

Personal training services available

Group fitness programming for members: yoga, Pilates, boot camps

🍽️ Clubhouse & Dining

Rebuilt in 2007, the clubhouse blends elegant architecture with modern amenities, offering panoramic views of the course and surrounding mountains.

Key Dining Venues:

Main Dining Room – Upscale, white-tablecloth service for formal dining, Sunday brunch, and holiday events

Grill Room – Casual dining for lunch, after-golf meals, and family nights

Terrace Patio – Open-air dining with stunning views, available seasonally

Private Dining Rooms – Multiple rooms for special events, business meetings, and family gatherings

Events Hosted:

Weddings

Corporate banquets

Member milestone parties

Holiday galas, wine dinners, and themed social nights

🧒 Youth and Family Programs

Lakewood Country Club places a strong emphasis on intergenerational engagement, offering:

Junior golf camps and leagues

Swim team and pool games

Tennis clinics for all ages

Seasonal events such as Easter egg hunts, Halloween parties, gingerbread workshops, and back-to-school parties

Babysitting services and "Kids Club" nights during adult events

💼 Membership Structure

LCC operates as a member-owned, 501(c)(7) nonprofit social club, meaning it's governed by its own board and maintained through member dues.

Categories of Membership:

Full Golf Membership: Unlimited access to golf and all amenities

Associate Golf Membership: Limited golf access with full social privileges

Junior Membership: For members under a certain age (usually 35 or 40), often with tiered dues

Senior Membership: For long-term members reaching retirement age

House/Social Membership: Access to dining, pool, and social events, but not golf

Pool-Only Membership: Summer seasonal access to the aquatic complex and cabana services

Estimated Dues & Fees (based on common industry figures for comparable private clubs):

Initiation Fees: Typically range from $20,000–$60,000 (subject to change based on category and promotions)

Annual Dues:

Full Golf: ~$10,000–$15,000

Junior Golf: ~$3,500–$5,000

Social: ~$2,500–$4,000

Pool-Only: ~$500–$1,000

Monthly food & beverage minimums often apply ($100–$200/month)

All memberships typically extend privileges to the member’s spouse and children under age 25.

📈 Financial Stability and Governance

Operates with strong financial health, with recent IRS filings indicating revenue nearing $9 million annually

Maintains a capital improvement fund to ensure ongoing enhancements to its golf course, clubhouse, and infrastructure

Members vote on board positions and major capital projects

Staff includes a General Manager, Head Golf Professional, Executive Chef, and Membership Director

📝 Summary

Lakewood Country Club is a premier destination for private club living in the Denver metro area, offering:

A storied championship golf course with over a century of heritage

World-class dining, fitness, aquatics, and tennis amenities

A vibrant calendar of social and family-friendly events

A strong tradition of member engagement, governance, and financial stability

It remains one of the most respected private clubs in Colorado, striking a balance between classic traditions and contemporary lifestyle offerings for its members.