For the second time, Sanctuary, a private golf course in the foothills south of Denver owned by RE/MAX International co-founders, Dave and Gail Liniger has been ranked among the Top 100 golf courses in the United States by Golf Digest (May 2001). This year, in the “Aesthetics” category, Sanctuary finished fifth, behind only Pebble Beach and Cypress Point on California’s Monterey Peninsula, Augusta National in Georgia and Fishers Island on Long Island, New York. In the “Memorability” category, Sanctuary ranked 12th.

Pebble Beach was ranked No. 1 overall – edging out Pine Valley for the first time since the magazine’s rankings began in 1985.

Golf Digest placed Sanctuary at 89th -- down from a previous 48th. The drop reflects new emphasis by Golf Digest toward historic tradition and course “walkability.” The publication made note of the lower-ranking effect on mountain courses due to its change in criteria.

Many mountain courses were strongly affected by the new system with the accompanying article specifically mentioning Sanctuary and neighboring Castle Pines Golf Club as those most impacted.

Located south of Denver, near Sedalia, Colo., Sanctuary is a multiple award-winning wildlife preserve golf course designed by James J. Engh Golf Design Group of Castle Rock, Colo. Over a period of four years, 55 events at Sanctuary have generated a total of $7.3 million for 34 nonprofit organizations. Over 21 events scheduled this simmer.

Published: April 26, 2001

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