Lives
Western Colorado
Handicap
20-24
Skill
Intermediate
Plays
Once a week

Review Statistics

Average Rating

4.0
4.0
Total 1 Reviews

Rating Breakdown

1 Reviews
5 Stars
0
4 Stars
1
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Recommended Courses
1
Not Recommended Courses
0
Helpful Votes Count
2
Not Helpful Votes Count
0
First Review
12/24/2019
Last Review
12/24/2019

Reviews Map

Reviews

4.0
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River Valley Ranch Golf Club

Played On 10/15/2019
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Prettiest and best valued course in the area

This course is located in a mountain valley within an attractive residential development. Some of the photos of the course on its website were taken about 20 years ago before the surrounding houses were built, but are otherwise indicative of the beautiful scenery there. The adjacent yards and houses are set back a sufficient distance from the fairways that only the most extreme errant shots will land outside of the course itself.

The tee boxes, fairways, and greens are very well maintained. That requires irrigation, and an unintended consequence of that is that the sand in the numerous bunkers is typically wet and heavy, making shots out of bunkers (especially, green side) very difficult for players who are less than expert. Also, the "native" grass that surrounds most fairways becomes so thick where it is irrigated that balls disappear into it. However, the fairways are generally somewhat wider than average and the grass in the rough is kept mowed sufficiently short that it is easy to find balls in it.

The course is moderately hilly and as such is more "walkable" than other courses in the area that are set among steep ravines. However, very few players walk there because (1) there is no price break, (2) the distances between holes add substantial walking length, and (3) there are no benches and few places with drinking water.

Other than the lack of a price break for walking, the cost of a round with a cart (which includes a basic quality GPS) is consistent with other public courses in the area, and is particularly a better value than the courses in the Aspen area about 30 miles away.

The driving range and practice greens are quite good, except at times when the tees on the range are moved up so far that only irons are allowed to be used. (I think that I am typical in needing a warm-up with my driver the most, especially at this course where the first hole is very challenging.)

The restaurant and bar in the building with the pro shop are attractive, with a spectacular view from the patio. It is very good for a full lunch or dinner, but is lacking in the type of basic, inexpensive items like hot dogs or cold sandwiches that I am more interested in having after a round of golf.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
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Commented on 01/01/2020

Thanks for your review! I do want to clarify that the restaurant does offer grab and go turn food for golfers including hot dogs, breakfast burritos, sandwiches and more. We have a text menu on the 8th tee for ordering food. Hope to see you out on the course again!

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