Golf Granby Ranch
About
Nestled in the heart of the Rockies, Golf Granby Ranch boasts unbelievable mountain vistas. It consistently ranks as one of the top public golf courses in Colorado. Formerly known as Headwaters G.C., the course originally opened as a nine-hole layout in 2001 and has since expanded to a full 18 holes and underwent a renovation by Nicklaus Design. The golf course tumbles across dramatically hilly terrain that does more than offer great views, it also gives each hole a unique character. Sand traps can be found throughout, you'll even see some in the middle of the fairways, which is a Nicklaus signature. There are also natural lakes and ponds that come into play on several occasions. The golf course can be a tough but six sets of tees make it approachable for any skill level.
Tee | Par | Length | Rating | Slope |
---|---|---|---|---|
Black | 72 | 7123 yards | 73.1 | 134 |
White | 72 | 6601 yards | 70.1 | 126 |
Yellow | 72 | 6009 yards | 67.2 | 113 |
Red | 72 | 5276 yards | 68.1 | 121 |
Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Out | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | In | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Black M: 72.8/137 | 540 | 209 | 413 | 408 | 358 | 462 | 597 | 194 | 419 | 3600 | 472 | 512 | 153 | 388 | 404 | 381 | 446 | 228 | 539 | 3523 | 7123 |
White M: 69.7/125 | 480 | 180 | 355 | 348 | 332 | 431 | 557 | 168 | 391 | 3242 | 405 | 485 | 139 | 361 | 377 | 353 | 425 | 159 | 518 | 3222 | 6464 |
Yellow M: 66.6/115 W: 72.6/138 | 440 | 172 | 317 | 332 | 305 | 399 | 523 | 158 | 344 | 2990 | 357 | 452 | 124 | 320 | 344 | 308 | 370 | 149 | 462 | 2886 | 5876 |
Green M: 63.6/104 W: 68.4/129 | 408 | 141 | 290 | 299 | 266 | 360 | 486 | 119 | 275 | 2644 | 330 | 405 | 66 | 299 | 300 | 247 | 324 | 121 | 410 | 2502 | 5146 |
Red W: 64.4/122 | 361 | 141 | 238 | 256 | 233 | 291 | 352 | 119 | 269 | 2260 | 290 | 349 | 66 | 228 | 246 | 247 | 275 | 121 | 363 | 2185 | 4445 |
Handicap | 5 | 15 | 11 | 9 | 13 | 1 | 3 | 17 | 7 | 4 | 8 | 16 | 14 | 18 | 10 | 2 | 12 | 6 | |||
Par | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 36 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 36 | 72 |
Handicap (W) | 5 | 15 | 13 | 11 | 9 | 1 | 3 | 17 | 7 | 12 | 6 | 14 | 8 | 16 | 10 | 2 | 18 | 4 |
Course Details
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Reviewer Photos
Golf in the Mountains (really a Valley)
I have played Granby Ranch at least a few dozen times. That in and of itself should be some type of endorsement.
I have always played in "Shoulder Season" as rates are below $50 and with Golfnow in the $20-35 range. Granby Ranch has been under a couple different owners in the dozen years I have been going, but the layout is always the same. This isn't really Mountain golf, but golf in a valley. The front nine really has zero elevation changes until your approach to #9. The back nine has a couple of elevation changes, but nothing more than a club. The back nine does have plenty of views towards Rocky Mountain National Park for the fans of eye-candy. The two nines are separated by quite the drive between them, but you really shouldn't walk this course unless you are just doing the front nine.
In the afternoon, the winds can be up and are at least two clubs.
The course itself is for fans of what you see is what you get. There is absolutely no quirk. This is good for a resort style experience where you don't want to get beat up or have a 5 hour round due to everyone looking for their ball. I do know that the two back tees will provide plenty for anyone as the fairway bunkers seemed to have been placed with these tee boxes in mind. Never seen anyone tear this place up from any tee box. I shoot around my handicap here as do my single digit friends.
The most challenging holes, for me, must be the 6th and 16th. Both are long. The 16th has a creek in front and is a dogleg so the drive must be pure. The approach plays into the prevailing wind. The 6th also plays into the prevailing wind. The par 3s vary in length. The back nine par 3s have water in play or out of bounds. The front nine's are longer. All par 5s are easy to reach if you choose 3 shots and manage to stay in the fairway-as it should be. Miss the fairway on your fist or second and par can be had, but recovery isn't simple. Two shots is difficult but not impossible. Miss and 6 is in play quickly. The course doesn't have any trees nor a lot of sand. Sand is really only in play if you miss the fairway-no cross bunkers. Over all, this is typical American hit it in the fairway or pay the price golf but with nice mountain views. Nothing unique here, but no holes that are bad or that leave you wondering what the architect was thinking. That seems to be what most golfers want. Greens are typical size with a little undulation or tiers. Nothing that leaves you wondering nor needing a membership to figure out.
The course has a range plus putting green, so it has what you need. During the summer, the grill is open and quite good. There are also days when the family holes (2 of them) are open and you can take the kids. These used to be warm up holes, but now they are rarely open.
Others have mentioned this, but the course is rarely full. I have gone around many times in 3 to 3.5 hours and have never been over 4. If you happen to show up on the rare day that there is an outing or a group on vacation, the staff is very nice and will let you tee off the back. Rather than wait for 1/2 -1 hour and be stuck behind 4 groups, I have gone off the back first a few times. Very nice indeed.
If you are up in the mountains looking for a game on your way to Rocky Mountain National Park or staying in this area, then play here. I wouldn't plan a vacation around it (but who plans a Colorado Vacation around golf as opposed to the Mountains?) If on that type of vacation and you want to get in 18 on your way in or out-this is a good place to be.
Poor value for money
Let’s start with the good. The course is fine, and it’s in very good shape. There are 5 different sets of tees, so you can definitely find a distance that suits everyone in your group. It’s not particularly hard, but if you miss the fairway and end up in the native grass you’ll probably be dropping.
Now the bad. The facilities are not very good. The “cart path” is a rough dirt and gravel path the entire way. Very bumpy and uncomfortable. Trucks passing by down the dirt road cover you in dust. There are not beverage carts or water stations on the course. Port-o-potty is your only bathroom option.
If this course were $50, it would be fine. But it’s $100, and for $24 more you can play at Pole Creek which is 15 minutes closer to Winter Park and is one of the nicest courses I’ve ever played. This place just isn’t worth the money you’ll spend.
WOW
The scenery at this course is amazing, staff was friendly and helpfull. 1st timers take extra ball's cause you have no idea where to miss it safe here. If you see carts driving past you has your driving in they are just going to hole 10.
Fun course with views
Greens and fairways could be in better shape, but you could tell they were putting in some effort to fill in problem areas. Views on the front 9 are great (besides the big dirt pile / gravel pit by the clubhouse which is also a main view on the front 9). The back 9 turned out to be my favorite. I wasn’t expecting the hills and fun course layout!
Great course despite greens
Yes the greens are in pretty bad shape and there is nothing flashy about this course at all, but after playing Pole Creek, Grand Elk and Fossil Trace this week, we enjoyed playing here just as much and at half the price. Other than the greens the rest of the course is in great shape and the layout is really intriguing, especially the back 9. Signage is almost nonexistent, so study and follow the map on the score card. And bring your own cooler, food and beverage. You will enjoy this course.
Horrible greens
Greens have really bad winterkill you can't even take putting seriously...30 to 70 percent of the greens were dead....rest of course in great shape .
Fairway condition was great. Greens were lacking consistency. Putting was challenging. Very bumpy.
Gramby Ranch
Course in good shape, we had special on pricing, Hot Deal, which made it affordable for us, otherwise we could not play here. cart paths are dirt on back nine, dusty, bathrooms not good, water available and a cart came by twice for anything we would like to buy, drinks, etc.,
Fun course
When we first drove up to the course we weren’t particularly impressed. But once you are down among the fairways and greens, it’s a fun and fair course. The conditions this summer are excellent and the wild flowers and other natural plants make the environment unique.
Most beautiful Colorado
Always enjoy the beauty and splendor of playing this course
Play here many times. Course in good shape, and a fun layout. I like the back 9 a lot, even if there are long distances to drive in your cart. Always a good value.
A fun, stimulating course with subtleties that emerge on repeat visits
This is a really enjoyable course that may be the best overall course in Grand County. The check in was seamless. The practice facilities were good. The conditions were excellent. The greens were consistent and enjoyable. Repeat rounds will make this more enjoyable and interesting as you pick up on some subtleties. Note, #16 has an area short of the green that isn't visible on a longer approach shot, so a drive up to preview it is worth the effort.... or consider laying up if you're not sure you'll carry to the green. This is worth the effort to come play.
Nice course sweet views.
Greens and course were in good condition for early season. Enjoyable.
Great Scenery
Course in great shape and pace of play excellant. The back nine is somewhat confusing to mannuver, signage would help.
Take a snack for the drive between nine and ten. The scenery is breathtaking and not to be missed.
Always fun. Course is in good shape. Not perfect, but plenty good.
Windy and smoky, but interesting
Tough conditions last week at Granby Ranch, but it was a course worth playing once. I'm generally not a fan of the courses I've played in Grand County (I found Pole Creek to be overhyped and was just kind of lukewarm on Grand Elk) but this track was okay. I tend to like mountain courses that have more nuance to them (like Lakota Canyon or Eagle Vail) but in a pinch this course will do. Hole 12 was great, really fun par 3.
Fun and Fast
Our groups were first on the course, therefore, we played really fast. The course is in good condition. The greens are a little slow, but expected. Most of this course is out in the open, with few trees protecting it. The day we played was perfect. It can be tough on windy days. The staff treated us well. We had a great time and will return again.
Hidden gem
Wonderful scenic layout and course was in tremendous condition. Greens challenging but also in great shape. Staff was friendly and helpful; cart service superb. One of best values in CO. Will be playing here again for sure.