Thanks to the abundance of spring moisture and hard work from golf maintenance, the Telluride Golf Course opens for play today, May 25, with the best early season playing conditions in years. The 18-hole, par-70 spectacular Telluride course is located 9,500 feet above sea level and provides challenging holes, breathtaking panoramas and 15 percent more ball distance than at sea level.

“We are excited to provide a top level golf experience that our community can be proud of,” said Bobby Murphy, vice president of resort services for Telluride Ski and Golf “Telski welcomes our new director of golf Tim Fuhrer who, along with our talented returning staff, will insure continuity and great customer service on the course this season. The golf course has an excellent pro-shop, delicious food at the half way house, and some of the best early season course conditions Telluride has ever seen.”

Telluride Golf Course has a new, expanded reservations policy. Non-members can now reserve tee times up to seven days in advanced (after 10:30 a.m.) by calling the pro-shop at 728-2606. The pro shop is stocked with the latest in fashionable, performance golf apparel, outerwear, and accessories. An assortment of golf equipment is available at competitive prices with custom club fitting by appointment.

Private instruction and clinics are available daily from PGA professionals including lifetime PGA member Dan Smith, new director of golf Tim Fuhrer, and head golf professional Chris Neylan. Guest teaching professional Carol Price is also available for instruction.

Junior Clinics are available for kids 8 – 15 years old on Thursdays and Saturdays all season long starting May 31 for $20. Sign up one week in advance by calling the pro shop.

Chris Neylan will lead The Benchmark junior golf program for the 12th season. This program is for local kids, ages 10-16 years old with exemplary academic and extracurricular activities. Students may apply to Benchmark through Telluride Middle School, Telluride High School or the Telluride Mountain School. First time golfers and returning golfers are welcome. Benchmark participants enjoy summer golf clinics, private instruction, and space available free golf. The Benchmark program is sponsored by the Telluride Golf Club and the Annual Benchmark Invitational Golf Tournament, July 28-29.

“Benchmark is a great introduction to golf for students new to the game. It is also a chance for past participants to take their own game to the next level,” said Neylan.  “Every year, we have more participation in the program. It is great to see local students benefit and achieve so much.”

For tee times, greens fees, instruction, twilight specials or other information on the Telluride Golf Club, call 970/ 728-2606 or visit www.tellurideskiresort.com.  For club membership information, call 970/728-7302 or visit www.telluridskiandgolfclub.com.