River Valley Ranch Golf Club:
Golf as it Should Be

By Michael Hunsinger
Rockiesgolf.com Course Reviewer CARBONDALE, Colo. - I recently had the opportunity to play River Valley Ranch, hosted by general manager and head golf professional, Dave Alvarez, and golf course superintendent, Daryl Dinkel. I must say I was extremely impressed by the courteous staff, golfing amenities, and above all, the incredible condition of the golf course.

The greens were the best I can recall playing in many years, quick but manageable pace, and smoothness beyond compare. I was also impressed with the condition of the bunkers, which there are many. The sand is soft and fluffy, and very playable. Bring your sand wedge, because you are going to end up in a few of these bunkers by the end of the day.

River Valley Ranch was built in 1996 and designed by golf course architect Jay Morrish. The course is located in Carbondale, Colo., at 6,200 feet above sea level, 12 miles up valley from Glenwood Spring, and 30 miles down Valley from Aspen. At this elevation the climate allows for a golfing season of April through November.

River Valley Ranch's layout features a wide variety of holes, with some playing through what was once pasture land, four holes playing over the beautiful Crystal river, and others through sagebrush and pinon trees. Designed features include bunkers, large greens, changes in elevation, water hazards, all with glorious views of Mountain Sopris and the Crystal River valley.

From the back tees at 7,348 yards, which challenges the best golfers, to the forward tees at 5,168 yards, all levels of ability can enjoy this spectacular golf course.

The practice area is well maintained and offers many choices. I especially enjoyed the large putting area and the area to practice wedge shots at different yardages to a practice green. At River Valley Ranch carts are not mandatory, which as a walker of the course I appreciate. Carts are electric, which is a nice ecological choice.

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The pro shop is well-stocked and reasonably priced with a complete line of many types of merchandise. There is a lovely designed restaurant and bar, which offer many choices for food and beverage. Rental clubs are available along with golf lessons and clinics.

The opening hole at River Valley Ranch is a 408-yard par-4, that plays over and along the Crystal River. A generous landing area should leave you with a short iron to a well-bunkered green. Holes No. 2 and 3 play right at the majestic Mount Sopris, with No. 2 being a 514-yard par-5. Water is along the left and high rough on the right, demanding an accurate tee shot. Large fairway bunkers line the right side on your approach shot along with a lake on your left.

Very reachable in two, but trouble for wayward shots. No. 3 is a 224-yard par 3, with a carry over a small creek. The greens slopes right to left, so play your shot slightly to the right and let it feed to the hole.

By now you will probably have experienced some of River Valley Ranch's greatest assets, bunkers and greens. As I stated earlier the greens were very true and wonderful to putt on. The bunkers gave me the confidence to play real golf sand shots. It was obvious that the golf course maintenance crew has done an exceptional job on this course.

Holes No. 4, 5 and 6 were all quite different, with many choices of how to play from tee to green. No. 7 was one of my favorite holes because it is a short par 4, giving the amateur a chance for an eagle, or if you make a mistake (like me), a double bogey.

From the back it is 322 yards; from the club tees (where we played) 269 yards. The green is well bunkered and slightly elevated, the bunkers being many and in difficult positions. There is a lay-up area which leaves you a short iron to the green, but I never even thought about that. Accuracy is a premium, and the opportunity is there for birdie or possibly that elusive eagle.

The back nine from the back tees begin with a difficult tee shot on No. 10, that goes (hopefully) over the Crystal River and slightly uphill. Avoid the fairway bunkers and a par 4 is very possible. Holes 12 through 15 take you up on the higher pasture land of River Valley Ranch and have great views of landmarks on all sides. As always, each hole has its own distinct features and offers the use of all clubs in the bag.

Holes 14 and 15 are difficult par fours with characteristics of their own. No. 14 is a 421-yard par 4, with water down the left side and then cutting through the fairway. A long but narrow landing area is there to receive your tee shot. Your approach shot needs to be good, this green has many bunkers, and they are some of the most severe on the course.

No. 15, playing at 485 yards, is the longest par four on the course. Fairway bunkers line both sides and there is no room on the left side for error. A large wasteland is between your tee and the green, as the whole plays down into a narrow valley. There is room to bail out on the right near the green. Holes 16, 17, and 18 are featured in this article as the feature finish. These are simply great golfing holes to finish your round.