Frias broker Sam Green says Aspen golfing is a hole in one

This week, we continue our two-part series on Aspen golfing with a sit-down interview with Frias broker Sam Green, our resident golf expert! Frias Properties broker Sam Green spent 25 years in New York City. He always wanted to take up golf, but working and living in the Big Apple inhibited his ability to play. So, when Sam moved to Aspen in 2001 for the lifestyle, one of his first tasks was to get some clubs and head out to some of the amazing golf courses around Aspen.  These days, Sam spends the winter seasons teaching ski lessons with the Ski School of Aspen, and enjoys hitting the links in the summers. This week, Sam sits down with our blog team to talk about his life-changing decision to move to Aspen and his some of his memorable experiences golfing in the Roaring Fork Valley.

Q: Tell us about how you got started playing golf. A: "I played team sports - all of them. My dad was a football coach, and didn’t play or appreciate golf. Needless to say, no golf in my youth. The first time I played golf was in college. I was with my football buddies. After depositing three balls in the lake on a par three one of my dumb jock friends threw a club, which hit me in the head and knocked me cold.  I stupidly finished the round so my football buddies would think I was soft. That was a monster headache!"

Q: How would you rate the local links? A: "In the top 20 municipal courses in the country."

Q: What other area courses have you played? A: "There are some other great courses in the valley and around the state. Battlement Mesa is one of my favorites."

Q: Which local course is your favorite? A: "My 'home course’ is the Aspen course.  It’s one of the top Colorado courses.  My favorite is either the Roaring Fork Club or Aspen Glen - both [Jack] Nicklaus designs."

Q: What course has the best amenities? A: "Maroon Creek - if you know a member - or the Roaring Fork Club.   All of the courses and facilities are first-rate here."

Q: What’s in your bag? A: “Lots of wedges.”

Q: Do you prefer to walk the course or take a cart? A: “Depends on the course. Snowmass is hilly and carts are needed.  Aspen is a great walking course.”

Q: Do you go in a group or alone? A: “Love to play and compete with friends.”

Q: What do you like to play? A: “Match play is fun after a day at the office because it’s easier to be laid back and enjoy the evening.   Otherwise, stroke play.”

Q: Do you have any properties listed in a golf community? A: “Beautiful home on the famed 7th hole in Aspen Glen.   You won’t find a better house or lifestyle than that for a million dollars.”

Q: What do I need to know before buying a property on a golf course? A: “Where’s the water, which way does it flow, and how far you are from the tee box.  Buy a home out of reach.  The tee box is more likely to provide an errant shot than the fairway.” Sam has experience in real estate development, management, rentals and sales. For more information, call Sam direct at (970) 429-2448 or e-mail him at Sam@FriasProperties.com.