Course: The Ranch Golf Club

Location: San Jose, CA

Date Played: July 24, 2008

Played By: Ross

Overall Rating: 95

Friendliness of Staff: 8
Out of this kind of club and all that I had been hearing about it from the locals I really expected staff to greet you, help with your clubs and make small talk but there was none of that, even considering our group was having a mini tournament. There were 2 guys in the pro shop, one of them being new and getting a lesson on their computer system so they seemed pre-occupied. What was truly impressive about this course, however, was the fact they had a starter/ranger and a beer cart that stayed relatively close to the groups to assist in anyway they could. This course's scenery and elevation are similar to that of Wolf Creek in Nevada and make it very tough to really have staff out on the course. I found it very impressive. The ranger was a terrific guy, offered guidance on what to hit and the beer cart was Johnny on the spot.

Facilities/Pro Shop: 8
If there's an area that's lacking at this course it's their actual golf facilities. Their putting green is small and their driving range consists of two mats to hit into nets. They really don't have the room for an actual driving range, being set atop a mountain with nowhere to go but down. They completely make up for it with their restaurant and bar area, outdoor grilling area and patio. What a great place to have a small banquet or function. The clubhouse in gorgeous but don't come here with tons of time to spare and warm-up because you really can't.

Quality/Value of Food/Snacks: 7
We had the opportunity to experience their entire F&B operation. They catered a full luncheon for us after our event. The set-up was fantastic, tons of options between hot dogs, burgers and even sausages. I have to admit I was a bit let down on the quality of their food. I found the burger overcooked and tough, but I guess I'll give them the benefit of the doubt when preparing for a larger crowd.

Fairway Conditions: 10
Again similar to wolf creek, you basically drive up and through a small mountain range in the middle of downtown San Jose to encounter a golf course nestled among the valleys and hills with rolling gorgeous green fairways. They are beautiful and in great shape. There's not much more they can do.

Greens Conditions: 10
Other than being extremely difficult greens with their tiers, they are amazing. One green even has a bunker right in the middle of it splitting multiple tiers. When you approach that hole you can't believe what you're looking at. That's their signature 15th hole. So many of their greens have multiple tiers and major breaks in them and make it very difficult, but that's what it's all about. Lightning fast and rolling true, you'll love the overall course conditions at The Ranch.

Scenery: 10
Other than Cabo Del Sol, their scenery at The Ranch is unmatched for me so far. Wolf Creek and here are on the same level and have so many similarities. Wolf Creek might be a bit nicer but I'll tell you, you don't expect what you get when you arrive at the Ranch. The elevation changes are so dramatic it takes your breath away and you're literally sitting there having no clue what club to hit. You can't tell whether you're 200 or 400 yards away. It's so deceiving. When you're on top of the mountain on hole 10 you have great views of downtown San Jose and can even make out the San Fran skyline. I was blown away by this course's views.

Difficulty of Course: 9
This course will eat you alive. If you struggle on most courses, you will really struggle here. Their tee shots are very difficult because you're not sure what to hit, some are blind shots, and you have to carry valleys and ravines or water. Then you have their greens which are near impossible to putt on. Unless you're inside 20 feet good luck! To make matters worse, if you're on the wrong tier, forget about it. There is, however, tremendous risk reward. There are a couple holes where if you're confident enough and have enough guts, you can go at the green on a 300-yard hole but it's straight down hill and if you don't make it you're in water and if you go long you're in woods and brush.

Value Received: 9
Considering you're on the west coast and in California, you have to expect to pay more for golf. That being the case, with how amazing this course is I found their greens fees to be reasonable. $80 during the week and $100 on weekends, which includes your cart. I'd say that's a pretty good deal for this course. Anything lower would be a bargain and anything higher you might think twice. Good price point. I would have been even more impressed if they went out of their way with swag, or gave you free water on your cart or a divot tool. Never the less, great value.

Speed of Play/Design of Course: 10
You can't even imagine what it took to build this course and the vision behind it. Thing of beauty. These courses like the Ranch and Wolf Creek are a whole different level of golf and are truly gorgeous to just stand there and admire the views. Make darn sure you bring your camera! Not to mention, with how spread out it is and the elevation changes you have no waits and your play moves right along. There are so many holes that are truly amazing, including the 3rd hole to mention.

19th Hole: 9
They have a huge bar and patio area with a great selection of beer and mixed drinks. Nice breeze coming through and a great place to just relax and enjoy a drink after your round. It's not the type of place that bustles with activity but just great place to kick back. Has a nice design to it to make you feel comfortable too.

There is a beer cart on the course. +5

Comments:
If you're in the area, PLAY IT!! What a great course that not too many people have heard about outside the area. Dramatic elevation changes, incredible hole design and a real challenge make this course a place of destination. Go see for yourself, jump on their website and check out their photo gallery. You won't be disappointed.