Fazio at Red Sky Ranch and Golf Club

Red Sky Ranch's Fazio Course, nestled in the Vail Valley, reveals an unexpected tapestry of high-country links, a departure from typical Colorado mountain golf. Sculpted by Tom Fazio, the course embraces the rolling sagebrush and native grasses, offering wide fairways that belie the strategic challenges that await. It's a course that favors the bold, rewarding aggressive lines while punishing timid approaches that can lead to difficult up-and-downs around the subtly contoured greens.

Opened in 2002, the Fazio Course quickly established itself as a player's haven. The design emphasizes playability, but with a strategic demand for intelligent course management - the elevation change here is more dramatic than you might imagine, and can easily catch even seasoned golfers off guard. Favoring players who can draw the ball, it's known for its well-placed bunkers and undulating greens, which require a deft touch.

Red Sky Ranch is much more than just a golfing destination - it's a private enclave where golf is only one amenity. Its membership is known for its laid-back approach to the game. While the on-course competition can be fierce, the clubhouse atmosphere is distinctly friendly, and it's not uncommon to see members engaged in lively banter after a round.