Grizzly Ranch Golf Club

Grizzly Ranch sits in the Sierra Nevada foothills near Portola, California, at an elevation of approximately 5,000 feet. Bob Cupp designed the course, which opened in the early 2000s as the centerpiece of a private residential community. The layout occupies rolling, forested terrain with significant elevation changes and takes advantage of the natural mountain topography. Cupp routed holes through stands of pine and fir, incorporating rock outcroppings and native grasses into the design. The course plays across varied terrain, with several holes offering long views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Cupp's design philosophy emphasized strategic options and playability across different skill levels, with multiple tee boxes allowing the course to stretch or compress considerably. The routing includes both open meadow holes and tighter, tree-lined corridors, creating variety in shot-making demands. Water features appear on several holes, though the design relies more heavily on bunkering, elevation change, and natural landforms for challenge. Grizzly Ranch operates as a private club serving members and property owners within the development. The high-altitude setting means a shorter season than courses at lower elevations, typically running from late spring through autumn. The mountain environment provides a distinct character compared to California's coastal or valley courses, with cooler temperatures and dramatic seasonal changes in the landscape. The club includes typical private amenities, with the golf course as the primary recreational focus of the property.