LAKEWOOD — By the time Fox Hollow Golf Course opened to the public on July 31, 1993, the fairways and greens had a whole year to take root.
In the new clubhouse, on the other hand, there hadn’t been quite enough time to get an alarm system installed, recalled Bill Jewell, Lakewood’s regional parks and golf manager.
“We had someone spend the night in the clubhouse the first week,” Jewell said.
Lakewood’s first municipal golf course is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and marked the milestone July 29-Aug. 3 with a week of special events and discounts.
Golfers were treated to free carts one day, tips from the pros and half-price balls at the driving range on another. A backyard bash with hot dogs and burgers was planned for the weekend, and on July 31, Fox Hollow’s real birthday, course fees were rolled back to 1993 rates — about half the price of a round today.
Over the years, the course has matured nicely, said Craig Parzybok, head golf professional.
“In the 20 years, we’ve had 1.4 million rounds of golf, and I’m sure we’ve had several hundred thousands of people through the restaurant,” Parzybok said. “It’s been a wonderful asset for the community for recreation and dining.”
The mission of Fox Hollow hasn’t changed since that first day, Jewell said — to provide a “semi-country club” experience, something between the typical municipal golf course and a private country club.
“We’ve always tried to provide outstanding customer service. We have really tried to make sure people leave happier than they arrive,” Parzybok said. “That’s always been our goal.”
Rounds have fluctuated over the years, hitting a high-water mark of 83,000 in 1999. Since then, competition from other courses, the economy and weather have taken a bite out of play at Fox Hollow, Jewell and Parzybok said.
In 2012, Fox Hollow and Homestead, the city’s other golf course, tallied a total of 102,000 rounds. About 62,000 of those rounds were played at Fox Hollow, Parzybok said.
In 1994, the course’s first full year of operation, Fox Hollow hosted 76,300 rounds and was named the No. 2 best new municipal golf course in the U.S.
No major changes have been made to the 27-hole course since it opened and Jewell said that’s intentional — the course architect, Denis Griffiths of Denis Griffiths & Associates in Atlanta, did such a good job initially that large-scale improvements haven’t been needed.
Smaller improvements in the near future could include a renovation of the clubhouse restrooms, possible patio expansion and upgrades to the driving range. The city also recently launched online tee time reservations.
Not that it was all smooth sailing to today, Jewell said.
The project was delayed about six months when a group called Friends of Bear Creek sued the city to stop construction of a golf course on the property, which is part of Bear Creek Lake Park.
Ultimately the city prevailed, and construction began in 1992, with an eye toward blending the holes into the surroundings and minimizing environmental impact.
Today, wildlife is a regular sight among the course’s 27 holes, Jewell said.
“We have deer, we have elk, the typical coyotes, foxes, rabbits, birds,” Jewell said. “You’ve got the creek running through — it’s a great setting for a golf course and it’s a great setting for wildlife.”
Sandy Shaw, who golfs at Fox Hollow three times a week, moved across the street from the course 15 years ago.
Fox Hollow is still one of most beautiful courses she’s ever golfed, she said.
“It’s a beautiful course, and they keep it in great condition,” Shaw said. “Some of the holes, you’re just in awe no matter how many times you see it.”
Emilie Rusch: 303-954-2457, erusch@denverpost.com or
