Maroon Creek Club Golf, Aspen

How to Play Maroon Creek Club … as a Local

(courtesy of “Aspen Intel” local knowledge from Susan Plummer, Christie’s Aspen Snowmass) …

Let's set expectations: Maroon Creek Club is a private club. Membership runs a steep initiation fee ($250,000 as of June 2026) plus high annual dues ($64,000) . PLUS there is a long waiting list. You cannot call the pro shop, book a tee time, and walk on like it's the muni. But — and this is the part nobody advertises — because part of the course sits on City of Aspen land under a 99-year ground lease, the club is contractually required to let qualifying locals play. Here are the real, legitimate ways onto the course, ranked from easiest to longest-shot.

Path 1 — Hold an Aspen Golf Club pass (the easiest route)

This is the cleanest path and the one most locals miss. Under the lease, anyone holding a season pass at the Aspen Golf Club (the muni) is entitled to one round per season at Maroon Creek — and the lease specifies "at all times," so it isn't limited to a member-only blackout calendar. You pay the City course's daily green-fee rate rather than any member pricing. To use it: buy an Aspen Golf Club season pass (verification is typically in January; passes go on sale February–March at aspengolf.com), then call the Maroon Creek pro shop, mention you're a muni pass-holder exercising your annual round, and book it. Bring your pass and ID.

Path 2 — The Pitkin County "working local" program

Separate from the muni-pass round, the lease (amended 1993) grants qualifying Pitkin County residents up to five rounds per season at the club. The lease also caps what locals can be charged: non-member local green fees can't exceed the tourist muni rate by more than 50%. To qualify, you generally need to show Pitkin County residency, proof you work in the county at least 30 hours per week, a current pay stub, and a Colorado driver's license or state ID. Heads-up for the self-employed: the club has historically been stingy about accepting a 1099 as proof of employment, which has tripped up freelancers. If that's you, call ahead and ask exactly what documentation they'll accept this season before you drive over.

Path 3 — Be the guest of a member

The classic private-club route. If you know a member, they can host you — this is at the member's discretion and is often the fastest way onto the course on short notice. In a town this small, a member friend is worth more than you'd think, and you'll get the walked-with-a-local tour the access rules otherwise won't give you.

Path 4 — Get into a charity or fundraiser event

Maroon Creek has hosted fundraisers and special events where non-members played the course. Keep an eye on local nonprofit golf tournaments — occasionally one lands at a marquee private club, and buying into the event or a foursome is a legitimate, no-strings way to tee it up there for a good cause.

Know the local-play rules before you go

Even when you qualify, non-member play comes with strings attached. Non-members can't tee off in the 8–10 a.m. member-only window. You must take both a cart and a caddie — the course isn't clearly marked, and members may walk without one, so budget for this on top of the green fee. Only a limited number of non-member tee times are released, so book early and stay flexible. And expect a standard private-club dress code: collared shirt, no denim.

The play, in one breath

Buy an Aspen Golf Club pass and use your one guaranteed Maroon Creek round. If you're a full-time working Pitkin County resident, bring a pay stub and ID and ask the pro shop about the five-round local program. Cultivate a member friend for everything beyond that, and watch for charity events. Then show up with a cart, a caddie, and an afternoon tee time, and enjoy one of the top five courses in Colorado.

Closing caveat:

These access rights flow from Maroon Creek's ground lease with the City of Aspen, and the exact terms have been negotiated and litigated over the years. The structure is durable, but the fine print can shift season to season. Confirm current specifics with the Maroon Creek Club pro shop and, if needed, the City of Aspen golf office before planning your round.