 GRAND ELK RANCH & GOLF CLUB (866-866-1121)
Colorado golf course review
The Grand Elk Golf Club in Granby is an 18-hole championship course designed in collaboration by Craig Stadler and Tripp Davis. This links style layout has been recognized as
the best walking experience in the region, with walking allowed at any time. The property is set in the midst of the Colorado Rockies with outstanding views of the mountains on each hole.
Named as one of America's Best New Courses (Golfweek) upon opening in 2005, Grand Elk features fine conditioning along the layout that plays on the valley floor with wide,
undulating fairways bordered by tall native grasses and natural areas. There is a nice variety in hole design with several forced carries, along with strategic doglegs and straight
forward holes - each laced with sod faced bunkers and some with strategic water features.
On property the clubhouse includes a pro shop and Grand Elk Grill (with outdoor deck) open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Practice facilities consist of a targeted grass range,
plus putting/chipping green. There also are locker rooms with showers for both men and women, and members and their guests can enjoy the swimming pool and Jacuzzi. On
course the yardage marking system consists of 100, 150 and 200 yard markers measured to the center of the green and UpLink GPS on all carts provides accurate information from tee to pin.
In total there are 60 sand bunkers of various shapes and sizes, and water hazards come into play on 4 holes. The green complexes are large and undulating, with swales and
collection areas awaiting offline approaches. Uniquely, the flagsticks on the putting surfaces are about 1/2 size of the traditional flagsticks - perhaps because of the wind, which
really can be a factor on this opening terrain. The par five17th was our favorite hole of the design - a risk/reward par five over a lake and natural area that doglegs to the left. Golfers
who bend the ball right to left, van sincerely cut off some distance if they are willing to take the chance.
There are 5 sets of tee boxes that play to distances and slopes measuring 7144 yards/130 slope, 6626 yards/127 slope, 6214 yards/120 slope, 5617 yards/115 slope and 5095
yards with a slope of 124 for ladies hitting from the forward tees. As the slope ratings indicate, this is a fair yet challenging experience for all levels of golfers.
This is one fine links inspired layout that is reminiscent of British inland courses. The views of the snow capped peaks of the continental divide are awesome. For more info, visit
our page for the course, with a direct link to their website by clicking here.
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