How Vail's 1964 Golf Course Transformed the Mountain Resort

The gravel crunches under tires on Highway 6, and the air smells faintly of pine and wet dirt. It’s a specific kind of quiet that only exists in the high country before the tourists arrive in force. But if you rewind the clock exactly sixty years, that same stretch of road was about to get a lot louder, and a lot more crowded.

It was May 1964. The Vail Ski Resort had been open for just two seasons, but the vision for what this valley would become was already taking shape. The first golf course was breaking ground.

This wasn't just about adding a sport for the winter skiers to play in the summer. It was about cementing Vail’s identity as a destination, not just a ski hill. The decision to build a course right next to the base area was a bold bet on the future of tourism in Eagle County.

"The development of the golf course was part of a broader strategy to extend the tourist season and attract a different demographic," says local historian Mary Ann Smith. "They weren't just building a place to hit a ball. They were building an amenity that would make Vail feel like Aspen or Sun Valley."

The course, designed by legendary architect Edward "Ted" Robinson, opened in 1964. It was a nine-hole layout, modest by today’s standards, but it was the beginning of something significant. The land was flat, open, and strategically located near the base of the mountain. It was accessible. It was inviting.

"The terrain was perfect for a beginner's course," Smith notes. "It wasn't intimidating. You could play it in two hours. And it was right there, visible from the main lodge. That visibility was key. It signaled that Vail was becoming a year-round resort."

The cost? Approximately $150,000 to build. In 1964 dollars, that was a substantial investment. But the return on investment was immediate. The course filled up quickly. Locals loved it. Tourists loved it. It became a social hub, a place to network, to relax, and to enjoy the mountain air without the chill of winter.

"The golf course changed the rhythm of the town," Smith says. "Before that, summer was mostly about hiking and fishing. With the course, you had a structured activity that drew people in for longer stays. It encouraged people to come for a week, not just a weekend."

The facility also had a ripple effect on the local economy. It created jobs — greenkeepers, pro shop attendants, food and beverage staff. It spurred the development of nearby infrastructure, including roads and utilities. It made the area more attractive for real estate development.

"The golf course was a catalyst," Smith adds. "It showed investors that Vail had the land, the water, and the vision to support a luxury resort. It paved the way for the expansion that would follow in the 1970s and 80s."

Today, the original nine-hole course is still there, though it has been expanded and modified over the decades. It stands as a testament to the foresight of the people who built it. They saw something in that flat land next to the mountain that others might have overlooked.

"The lesson is simple," Smith says. "Invest in amenities that enhance the visitor experience. Make it easy for people to stay longer. And always, always think about the long game."

The golf course is still there. The mountain is still there. And the traffic on Highway 6? It’s heavier than ever. But the spirit of that first bet on Vail’s future? It’s still alive and well.