The US state of Colorado will gain its first new golf course this decade with a new 18-hole layout that is under construction near the town of Berthoud.

The TPC Colorado course has been designed by architect Art Schaupeter, with construction set to get underway later this year.

“The site features dramatic mountain views of the Front Range and in particular Long’s Peak, as well as views across three large water bodies – McNeil, Welch and Lonetree reservoirs,” Schaupeter told GCA. “This is a combination that is very rare on the Colorado Front Range. The golf course has been designed to maximise these views.”

Schaupeter explained that eight holes are positioned alongside these bodies of water, with perhaps the most challenging run of holes coming on the back nine.

“Holes 13, 14 and 15 will provide great challenges and great opportunities for the players as they consist of the longest par five hole, the longest par three hole and finally the shortest, most reachable par five hole on the course,” he explained. “Birdies, eagles, bogies and double bogies will all be in play on this stretch of holes as players position themselves for the finishing stretch.”

The course will grow in throughout 2017, with a grand opening scheduled for 2018.

“The design philosophy for the golf course focuses on creating maximum fun and maximum interest for all golfers, fully engaging them emotionally in their golf round,” Schaupeter added. “Big, broad golf holes will provide a multitude of strategic playing options and different lines of play for all golfers to discover and consider.”