Great golf at Red Sky Ranch, several holes reviewed

Summer in the Vail Valley means warm days with blue skies overhead.  It is the perfect setting for playing golf at one of the many gorgeous courses scattered throughout the valley.  Two of my favorite courses are found at Red Sky Ranch in Wolcott, Colorado, just west of Vail and Beaver Creek.

The Tom Fazio course, measuring  7113 yards, begins with a back drop of sage brush and wild flowers before it climbs the hillside into aspens and scrub oaks.  The course is considered generous tee box to green, but the enormous, undulating greens challenge golfers of every ability.  The 600+ yard 5th hole is a tough par 5, especially if the prevailing wind is blowing in your face.  After teeing off over a wetland, golfers must avoid the native grass that creeps next to the fairway from the left.  The green is guarded by several deep bunkers that must be carried to be on in regulation.  A birdie or par on this hole is a definite reason to celebrate.

The Greg Norman design, measuring 7500 yards, is stunningly laid out across the sage covered alpine ranch land.  Each green is surrounded by an apron or short cut of grass, that encourages crafty wedge or putter play.  One of my favorite holes is the beautiful par 4, 479 yard 3rd hole. It starts from an elevated tee box, from which big hitters may choose a 3-wood as the downward sloping fairway ends in a pond.  Golfers are then faced with a challenging 2nd shot over the water, especially if they must hit a long iron, onto the elevated green.  The green has a deceivingly significant slope that often sends putts yards past the hole.  Par on this hole is well earned.

If alpine sunshine and green grass make you think of golf, then Red Sky Ranch is a must on your next trip to the Vail Valley.  For more information, go to www.redskyranch.com or to view available real estate in the Vail Valley, go to www.vailpropertysearch.com

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