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Skol Ranch reviews
14
0
Relaxing Private Play in the Hills 2+ years
Reviewed:
Played on:Jul 8, 2021
Played the course:once
Pros:
A secluded selection of par-3s that provides a pleasant sampling of gettable holes.
-Amenities: Natural tees that aren't rutted, some small paver tees, temp tee signs with number and distance, solid single-chain baskets. The hosts also give you a full-color map/brochure that is very helpful.
-Privacy: A private ranch pretty far from any cities means that you'll likely have the course to yourself and definitely have pristine views and that fresh, secluded feeling. For many people, this will make the experience extra special.
-Views: I would put it slightly above average for the Colorado courses I've played. At times, tall peaks are visible, but even when they aren't, the scrubby hills are neat.
-Shot Shaping/Gameplay: One tweener par-4, but otherwise all par-3s ranging from short woods to medium open shots. Generally on the more open side, but only a few holes are tree-free. Elevation is used well, as it should be in this environment. Speed control will be important for many greens, and you'll have to make choices about what shots you're throwing, but there's flexibility and definitely the potential for scramble after almost any tee shot. Definitely quirky ace runs, but also some intimidating shots like the top of the world dogleg on (17) or fun shots over gullies on (7), (8), and (15). Really not very many places to get in trouble.
-Fun Factor: For a good rec or higher player, the birdie opportunities are copious. The course isn't draining, which adds to the secluded charm.
-Amenities: Natural tees that aren't rutted, some small paver tees, temp tee signs with number and distance, solid single-chain baskets. The hosts also give you a full-color map/brochure that is very helpful.
-Privacy: A private ranch pretty far from any cities means that you'll likely have the course to yourself and definitely have pristine views and that fresh, secluded feeling. For many people, this will make the experience extra special.
-Views: I would put it slightly above average for the Colorado courses I've played. At times, tall peaks are visible, but even when they aren't, the scrubby hills are neat.
-Shot Shaping/Gameplay: One tweener par-4, but otherwise all par-3s ranging from short woods to medium open shots. Generally on the more open side, but only a few holes are tree-free. Elevation is used well, as it should be in this environment. Speed control will be important for many greens, and you'll have to make choices about what shots you're throwing, but there's flexibility and definitely the potential for scramble after almost any tee shot. Definitely quirky ace runs, but also some intimidating shots like the top of the world dogleg on (17) or fun shots over gullies on (7), (8), and (15). Really not very many places to get in trouble.
-Fun Factor: For a good rec or higher player, the birdie opportunities are copious. The course isn't draining, which adds to the secluded charm.
Cons:
Not really much to complain about.
-Challenge: It's not a particularly challenging course due to the ease of scrambling, and it doesn't have any multi-shot holes. To me, that cuts out a lot of the variety that would make it a destination course. That said, it's still a fun romp, and I think that was the hosts' intention.
-Amenities: I don't subtract points, but obviously permanent baskets and nice tees always sparkle up a course.
-Access: Hard to get to, and you'll need to make arrangements about a time. Not a big deal, since that's kind of the point of a secluded private course.
-Challenge: It's not a particularly challenging course due to the ease of scrambling, and it doesn't have any multi-shot holes. To me, that cuts out a lot of the variety that would make it a destination course. That said, it's still a fun romp, and I think that was the hosts' intention.
-Amenities: I don't subtract points, but obviously permanent baskets and nice tees always sparkle up a course.
-Access: Hard to get to, and you'll need to make arrangements about a time. Not a big deal, since that's kind of the point of a secluded private course.
Other Thoughts:
Skol is a fun, private course of par-3s that provides an exceedingly relaxing round. The shaping is very solid, and the setting is enough to give it an extra ratings boost. I have it as a 3.5. I wouldn't consider this a destination, but it was well worth visiting during my two months in Colorado.
