Founded in 2005, the semiprivate Grizzly Ranch Golf Club has ample tee times for the public. Located in the Graeagle resort area, golfers are deep in the Sierra Nevada mountains an hour north of Truckee. The Bob Cupp design is impressive and sports a wide range of tee box challenges from 5374 yards to over 7100 yards. Golf Digest ranked it the #1 course in the Sierra Nevada in 2014.
Indeed, the wide assortment of cowboy boots and clothes offered in the golf shop illustrates the ranch flair. An abundance of picturesque holes meandering through dense forest brings that wonderful pastoral feeling of mountain courses. A large practice range with excellent turf provides an expansive meadow view. A fire danger alert sign reminds us of the wooded location.
Shown immediately on the Par 4 Hole #1 is the primary character of the course. Ample thick pine trees combine with ample fairway bunkers and tall primary rough create a consistent challenge. Wayward shots fall into tall wild grasses. Approach shots often require navigation over substantial chasms to irregularly shaped greens such as Hole #4 and the approach shot at the Par 5 Hole #12.
A separate Lake House restaurant and bar overlook the 18th green and the signature covered bridge. Wooden Adirondack lawn chairs are a great place to watch golfers finish while enjoying the afternoon and sipping a fine brew.
The experience at Grizzly Ranch Golf Club was fun. As a private members’ club that allows public play, they keep it in great condition. Carved through the Sierra Mountains far from the hustle and bustle of Lake Tahoe, it’s one of the must-play courses in the Graeagle area of Eastern California.
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