After all, that could have meant any of three courses in the greater Denver metro area: Heritage Eagle Bend in Aurora, Heritage Todd Creek in Thornton or Heritage at Westmoor in Westminster.

But, as of this year, that should be an issue no longer. Heritage Eagle Bend still goes by the same name, but several years back, Heritage Todd Creek became Todd Creek Golf Club. And, heading into this golf season, Heritage at Westmoor is becoming Walnut Creek Golf Preserve.

“Over time, we’ve strengthened our commitment to sustainability as well as the preservation of the unique biodiversity evident among our native flora and fauna,” Walnut Creek Golf Preserve head professional Brian Carlson said on the Golf Westminster portion of the city’s website. “The new name, Walnut Creek Golf Preserve, more acccurately captures what golfers experience when they play our course — a chance to enjoy a challenging championship course while exploring one of Colorado most naturally pristine landscapes.”

Walnut Creek is a small tributary that traverses the city-owned public course before joining with the Big Dry Creek. The city says the course is home to more than 77 wildlife species. It was designated an Aububon International Certified Signature Sanctuary in 2002, three years after the course opened.

In 2017, Walnut Creek will host several state and regional competitions, including U.S. Open Local Qualifying on May 8, the AJGA Hale Irwin Colorado Junior by Transamerica June 6-8 (beginning at least a three-year run), a Drive Chip & Putt subregional Aug. 19 and U.S. Women’s Amateur Four-Ball Qualifying on Oct. 3.