River Valley
Ranch's Grand Opening

By Amiee B. White
Rockies Golf Daily Contributing Writer

Carbondale, Colo. - River Valley Ranch in Carbondale, Colo., officially opened July 17th. Residents from throughout Colorado turned out for the grand opening of this, the newest public golf course in the Roaring Fork Valley.

Located just 30 miles north of Aspen, River Valley Ranch is being dubbed the best new public course in Colorado by many golfers.

In terms of scenery, this Jay Morrish-designed, championship course happens to have 13,000 ft. Mt. Sopris looming over the back nine and the Crystal River dashing through holes 1, 8, 10 and 18. The course also offers challenging play.

"From the back tees, this golf course will definitely challenge the best of golfers," says Ken Everett, general manager of the club. "Yet, with the large greens and variety of tees, golfers of all levels should enjoy the layout. Jay (Morrish) describes it best when he says 'if a player becomes lost in his thoughts while viewing the mountains, there are several holes that will jolt him back to reality.'"

Jay Morrish, Golf World Magazine's 1996 Architect of the Year and the River Valley Ranch course designer, offered a few tips on how to play the new greens. "If you hit the ball between the hazard and the middle of the fairway, you'll be rewarded on the course," he promised. "There are no death sentences here."

River Valley Ranch is the latest golf course to open in the Roaring Fork Valley, an area known for its golf course exclusivity and high-priced, private club memberships. The Valley is home to only one other public course, Aspen Municipal, while it is brimming with four private courses, Maroon Creek Club, Aspen Glen, Snowmass Lodge and Club and the now, Roaring Fork Club.

River Valley Ranch golf course developer, Steven Crown, CEO of Crown Golf Properties of Chicago, hopes that the further expansion of public golf courses in the Roaring Fork Valley, such as River Valley Ranch, will increase the number of golf vacationers in the Aspen area.

"I hope other (local, private) courses go public," remarked Crown, "The more public courses people have to play on, the more likely people will plan golf vacations in the Valley."

Crown and his family have a vested interest in the tourism and economic vitality of the Roaring Fork Valley. Aside from owning the Snowmass Lodge, Club and Golf Course in nearby Snowmass Village, the Crown family members are also the sole, private owners of the Aspen Skiing Company. Aspen Skiing Company controls Aspen, Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass ski areas.

"Our family is very excited about this course" said Crown. "The Roaring Fork Valley is very near and dear to our hearts and we're very proud...to bring a great public course to Carbondale."