Grizzly Ranch Golf Club

I had an opportunity to play this course about three weeks ago. It is a real gem. It was a bit hard to get a tee time and I can understand why. The weather that day was in the 90’s, clear, no wind and the course is nestled in between the pines at 5,800 feet.
The course was in excellent shape, fairways were immaculate, not a lot of unrepaired divots. Some courses are really scarred up that way, not this one. I spent a lot of time looking around, looking back to the tee, just taking it all in. It was magical. The greens were medium fast and undulating but not in an unfair way. If you can read greens it is a real help here.
The layout was tough but fair, just a little narrow for my taste, but then I am a spray hitter. The holes were interesting and each one had it’s own character. The practice facility was top notch. No annoying mats on the driving range. Range balls were included in the green’s fees, and at the price I paid I can see why, so I was able to hit some before and after my round.
The staff was friendly particularly the pro. I was made to feel welcome and the starter did a good job of explaining the course. The tee times were spread out enough, so that pace of play was not an issue.
I was staying in Reno so it was a bit of a hike, nearly an hour. I am from Seattle so I don’t get down that way much, but have had an opportunity to play a number of courses in that neck of the woods. As far as quality goes this is definately the very best I’ve played in the extended Reno-​Tahoe area. I have played a lot of really nice courses all over the western part of the US and Hawaii over the last 50+ years and I think this was probably one of the top ten tracks I have played anywhere, period, it is that good.
Should you get a chance to play this course, jump at it. I know I am going back next time I am in the area.
Every course has downsides but it is tough to identify any here. I can only think of two.
1. There was no cart girl, which is always annoying. When it is in the 90’s hydration is important, so it is nice to have someone come by with ice and beverages occassionally.
2. If you are paying full rack rate, which I did, this course is just a little on the high side, especially considering how far it is to get there unless you are staying in the immediate area.

I have to preface this review by saying I did not lift a club, strike a golf ball and my blood pressure was not through the roof.
Back in my days of golfing I would usually go through a dozen golf balls in eighteen holes. Titlelist loved me, in fact one year I think they sent a christmas card.
Since my stroke 15 years ago, I have not been able to play golf. So this outing was pure pleasure, I w as s just riding along.
My brother and cousin wanted to know if I wanted to join them and just ride along.
You could not have asked for a more beautiful day, alittle breeze, and not to warm.
Everyone at Grizzly ranch is so friendly and accommodating. The minute we arrived our clubs were wisked out of the car and put on the carts. For me to drive around the course it was 15 bucks, which i thought was fair.
The course itself is beautiful and well kept up. It is moderately hilly, with a couple of water holes. This course definitely rewards you for staying in the fairway. Stray off the fairway, good luck.
The dry grass is extremely long and makes it difficult to find your ball.
I thought I knew all the classic golf swear words, but I think i learned some new ones. The cool thing was you get incredible mountain vistas, and my only stress was getting a cold beer out.
I can get used to this, and can can honestly say I did not lose one ball.