Keystone Ranch GC: Hurdzan Designs New Environmentally Correct Course

By Don Dowell
Rockies Golf Daily Course Reviewer

KEYSTONE, Colo. -- Now under development is a second 18-hole golf course at Keystone Resort. This new River Course is being designed by Michael Hurdzan, well known for his environmentally friendly projects.

"Golf courses can be safe havens for both nature and golfers," said Hurdzan. His recent projects include building an experimental golf course called Willow's Walk in Massachusetts.

"We took a site that was almost dead and built a golf course on it," he said of the old gravel pit mine that had endured twenty-five years of illegal dumping. "There were no birds, rabbits or squirrels. Since we have built the course, the Massachusettes Audubon Society has spotted over 80 species of birds there."

"We've proven golfers and wildlife
can share the same space."

Dealing with the natural sensitive areas was important to Keystone Resort. Hurdzan's design is one that will improve some wildlife and wetland areas, accommodate area hiking and biking trails, allow access to fishing spots while using the best natural resources to create less run-off and erosion.

The River Course will be a par 71 layout. Following the dramatic drop of the opening tee shot, the front nine will generally meander along Snake River with fewer elevation changes.

The back nine will feature more dramatic elevation changes as golfers make their way through the pine forest. The layout which will offer many views of the mountain corridors should have a longer playing season according to Hurdzan, the 1997 Architect of the Year (Golf World).

The course will feature large fairways. "We want a course that people can play and have fun doing it," said Hurdzan. Yet there will be plenty of challenges from those playing the tips. "These tees are designed for the scratch golfers to five handicaps," Hurdzan added.

Tour the Course:
Hole # 1 - Green - Par 5, 528 yds
Hole # 2 - Par 4, 433 yds
Hole # 3 - Par 4, 412 yds
Hole # 3 - Green
Hole # 8 - Par 4, 422 yds
Hole # 10 - Par 4, 463 yds
Hole # 12 - Par 3, 171 yds
Hole # 14 - Par 3, 172 yds
Hole # 15 - Par 4, 403 yds
Hole # 17 - Par 4, 414 yds
Hole # 18 - Green - Par 5, 589 yds

Head PGA Professional: Steve Kaiser Course Designer: Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Par 72 Blue Tees, 7090 yards, Rating: 71.4, Slope: 130 White Tees, 6521 yards, Rating: 68.9, Slope: 120 Red Tees, 5596 yards, Rating: 70.7, Slope: 129 The course is open from late May to late September.