Rodeo Dunes
In the modern era of golf destinations, a number of popular pilgrimages require considerable effort to reach their far-flung locales. Think Bandon Dunes on the Oregon coast, Sand Valley in rural Wisconsin, or Cabot Cape Breton in picturesque Nova Scotia, Canada — all of which reward golfers with spectacular surrounds and special golf for their planning and patience.
Rodeo Dunes, the newest name in the booming world of golf travel, changes that equation.
Located just 50 miles northeast of downtown Denver, this bold new destination from Michael Keiser — the son of Bandon Dunes founder Mike Keiser and the visionary behind Sand Valley — offers the same adventurous spirit and minimalist design philosophy, yet sits a short drive from one of the busiest airports in the world. It’s the first destination golf property within the Keiser portfolio that feels worlds away while being remarkably accessible from just about every major U.S. market.
“It’s so easy to get to from all corners of the country,” says Michael Keiser, who is also overseeing new golf resort developments in Texas (Wild Spring Dunes) and Florida (Old Shores).
“You can land at Denver International and be playing golf less than an hour later. Day of arrival, day of departure — you could realistically play 36.”
Check out what’s to come from the design team — plus a look at how you could prepare your fits with some FootJoy recommendations:
A new kind of destination
Rodeo Dunes is set on nearly 4,000 acres of rolling sand hills outside the tiny town of Roggen, Colorado, a one-gas-station stop that might otherwise go unnoticed if not for what’s taking shape across its rugged, windswept terrain.
The land, long owned by the Cervi family that runs America’s largest rodeo production company, is now home to a visionary golf development that blends the natural drama of the American West with the timeless feel of links golf — in this case an inland links stretched across vast swaths of sand.
The first of six planned courses was designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw and opened for limited preview play in fall of 2025. It’s a layout that evokes the scale and spirit of their legendary Sand Hills design — the Nebraska private club that in many ways gave rise to the build-it-right-and-golfers-will-come ethos -— yet with a wilder, more unfiltered edge.
Holes weave wonderfully between dunes as high as 90 feet, and approach shots often play up to elevated greens benched into natural ridges. Split fairways, blind or semi-blind looks, and enormous sandy blowouts provide endless intrigue and variety.
“I love the charm of those courses built in Ireland and Scotland before heavy machinery,” Keiser says. “The default was: if you have to move it, maybe you just leave it. We wanted to lean into that here.”
Rodeo Dunes
Roots in the west
The project is deeply tied to the land and its stewards. The Cervi family has ranched nearby since 1883, and their iconic cattle brand — one of the oldest in Colorado — doubles as the course’s tee markers. The partnership between the Cervis and Keiser family took years to form, with both sides united in their commitment to preserving the land’s heritage.
“We hope that golf in its own way becomes a complement to what the Cervi family has done for generations here,” says Coore.
The property’s vast expanse of dunes looks straight out of Ireland or the coast of Scotland, yet its character is purely American frontier. This portion of the broader Cervi property was of little use for cattle or other purposes, with too much unstable sand and movement in the land — characteristics that ironically made it perfect for building golf courses. It just took a bit of time to convince the Cervi family, none of whom were golfers, of that… and what the positive economic impact could be on the area.
Rodeo Dunes
Golf first, resort next
While Rodeo Dunes already has the golf world buzzing, Keiser is taking a measured approach to development. Only “founders” — the 200-or-so supporters whose financial backing helped fund construction and the resort’s vision — will have access to the first course in 2026. The property opens fully for public play in 2027, at which time the clubhouse and on-site accommodations and other amenities will be built out.
The second course, designed by longtime Coore-Crenshaw associate Jim Craig, will break ground in 2026 and could open for limited play late the following year. Plans also call for a short course, an enormous Himalayas-style putting green, and up to four more full-length layouts over time — all within the same striking dunes terrain.
The growth is intentionally deliberate, with golf coming first.
“We grow through our founders and through real estate,” Keiser said. “It just takes time. These courses are expensive to build the right way.”
The 2027 public debut gives those who want to be among the first to stay and play a chance to plan ahead. And early demand is expected to be sky-high, as accessibility sets Rodeo Dunes apart.
Rodeo Dunes
Access and appeal
Denver International Airport is among the five busiest in the world, with direct flights to more than 200 destinations, including nearly every major city in the United States. Only a handful of U.S. states don’t have direct flights to Denver. Whether golfers come from either coast or major markets like Chicago, Dallas or Phoenix, Rodeo Dunes is one flight and short drive away.
For those who have had to navigate canceled flights, multi-leg travel and long car rides to experience world-class golf design in special sand-swept locations, it’s a welcome alternative.
At the risk of being overdramatic, there’s also something poetic about Rodeo Dunes’ emergence in the plains of Colorado, a part of the country synonymous with adventure, open space and broad horizons. Anyone who’s been captivated by TV shows like Yellowstone knows the appeal of the sense of freedom the American West evokes. It’s very hard not to feel that at Rodeo Dunes.
“Modern life can feel so contrived,” Keiser says. “We try to create places that feel real and authentic. That’s what this land gives us.”
Roggen, Colorado, might just be a small speck on the map — one that Keiser found during an airport layover while scanning Google Earth maps for open land with sand expanses — but it’s poised to become one of golf’s great new gathering spots.
Denver International Airport
Packing for golf in Colorado
As a seasonal golf destination, Colorado can vary in temperature greatly. Depending on when you decide to make your trek to Rodeo Dunes, we’ve worked with our friends at FootJoy to provide a list of products that can help you in both the warmer and cooler seasons.
Après Tee Collection
In a destination known for the “Après ski” culture, the team at FootJoy has put their own spin on this vibe with their “Après Tee” collection. This Limited-Edition lineup features an assortment of items for both men and women. Wearing any of these unique items will let people know that you enjoy the finer things in life after a round at Rodeo Dunes.
Moxie 5-Pocket Pant
We love versatile items when we are packing for our travels, and these new Moxie 5-Pocket Pants from FootJoy provide a great fit with jean style pockets which we love because they tend to keep tees and ball markers in your pocket better than other products. Perfect for your time on property and on the course, these are great pants to own in multiple colorways.
Solid Lisle
You can never go wrong with a well-built solid polo and FootJoy has you covered with over 20 color options in their ProDry Performance golf shirts. Subtle changes to the design include an even better fit, a stylish button pattern, and a longer shirt tail to help your shirt stay tucked in throughout your round. It’s great on its own, and perfect if you need to layer it with additional layers in the cooler season.
Premiere Series – Packard LX
We LOVE these shoes! As part of a generation who grew up loving FootJoy Classics, the Premiere Series has brought back the traditional designs that we’ve always loved with modern technology to give golfers the best of both worlds. With LifeShield Waterproof Technology and an an OrthoLite® EcoPlush FitBed® to create a comfortable walk on the Colorado terrain, you’ll certainly look good which will hopefully lead to you playing well at Rodeo Dunes.
