Two golfers walk on the green during sunset

The 4UR Ranch is renowned for its world class fly fishing and horseback riding. Further, with archery, shooting sports, hiking, biking, hot springs and more, there’s no shortage of things to do. But if you’re looking to get competitive with a little less bang than shooting sports, golf may be what you need. Our partners at the Rio Grande Club in South Fork can offer just that.  Let’s take a look! 

 

The Rio Grande Club is a par 72, 18 hole championship course.  From its longest tees, it is 7,053 yards.  Upon its opening in 2002, it was quickly ranked #6 in the country for best new upscale public course by Golf Digest.  Recently, in 2022, Golf Digest named it one of the best places you can play in Colorado. The course has a full range, putting green and a chipping green, complete with a sand trap.  Everything you need to prepare for the breathtaking challenges on the course.  

 

The course itself is immaculately picturesque. The front nine varies dramatically from the back nine. Elevation ranges from 8,100’ to 8,560’ throughout the course.  The front nine is a mix between a parkland course and a links course. It features rolling fairways that remain fairly open on some holes. Other holes can be bordered by beautiful cottonwoods, aspens and pines, giving it a beautiful, isolated feel.  Throughout the front nine, water is present on many of the holes.  Some have ponds present while others border the Rio Grande. The par 3 #6 has its tee shot carrying the Rio Grande to reach the green.   Once you make the turn, the course changes and offers new challenges.  

 

A golfer tees off from an elevated tee box, overlooking a long par 5 hole

The back nine is where you’ll see dramatic changes in elevation as the course takes the identity of a mountain/desert course.  If the elevation is used correctly it can significantly help, if not, it can really change your approach shot strategy.  The par 3 #14 can cause some headaches, it’s a long 190 yds that has Alder Creek winding through the hole; be careful.  As you come to the final #18, the views are incredible.  The highly elevated tee box on the par 5 offers incredible views of the mountains and the course.  The elevation and raised tee box can make even the most average drive fly over 300 yards.  The hole is protected by a pond that borders the left side of the approach and green. Careful precision is required around this hole for shots 2 and 3.  


If this challenge seems like something you’d like to take-on, you’ll be extremely happy, even on a bad day to be playing there.  Through our partnership, our guests will get a special rate and can take a boxed lunch from our dining room to help tackle the challenge.  Just let us know when you’d like to play and we will set up your tee time and rental clubs if necessary.   Further, some members of our staff are always willing to play if you need a partner.