 River
Valley Ranch's
Fine Finishing Holes
By Michael Hunsinger
Rockiesgolf.com Course Reviewer CARBONDALE, Colo. - The finishing
three holes at River Valley Ranch make for an exciting, scenic, and
difficult end to the round. These are great golf holes, where you
must fight fatigue and concentrate to the end.
Start down the home stretch with No. 16, a 237-yard par 3 that plays downhill over water to a well-guarded green. A small creek meanders its way through the fairway; be sure to take enough club to carry it. The green is large, but surrounded by bunkers and trees, with more trees and the Crystal River behind the green. Hole No. 17 is a 623-yard par 5, the longest hole on the course. This hole borders the Bald Eagle Preserve Area along the Crystal River, and has OB along the left side. Unless you are a very big hitter, play for three to the green and shoot for accuracy. A lateral hazard lies on the right side and OB on the left, with numerous bunkers along the fairway. A par is a great score on this wonderful hole, and keep an eye open for an occasional bald eagle along the river. Hole No. 18 is a 452-yard par 4, featuring the most intimidating tee shot on the course. The Crystal River stares you right in the face, and once cleared, the fairway is lined with tall cottonwood trees. Even with a good tee shot, you are usually left with a long iron to the well-protected green. Pars and bogeys are great scores on this beautiful finish of River Valley Ranch’s final three holes. And after ending your round, check out the many amenities available at River Valley Ranch.
RIVER VALLEY RANCH:
Location: Carbondale, Colorado
303 River Valley Ranch Drive
GM/Head Golf Pro: Dave Alvarez
Superintendent: Daryl Dinkel
Awards: "Top 10 you can play" Golf Magazine,
March 1999
Season: April-November
Attire: Soft spikes and proper golfing attire
Fees: Summer $80 (offseason, $40; twilight after 3:30 p.m.,
$45
Phone: 970-963-3625
Fax: 970-963-0312
Turf: Penn links
Carts: Not mandatory
Owner: Crown Golf Properties
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