Grizzly Ranch Golf Club
Grizzly Ranch Golf Club
250 Club House Dr
Portola, CA 96122-5418
United States
Telephone
Overview
Located in the Sierra Nevada foothills 50 miles northwest of Reno, Grizzly Ranch is a getaway, escapist golf and a refreshing trek through nature. When given such serenity and untouched natural beauty, it’s important not to overcook the design. The late architect Bob Cupp didn’t. He layered the holes onto a basin of forest floor with minimal buildup, directing them easily up and down the tilted property and positioning the greensites in ways that mingle thoughtfully with creeks and dry washes.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
100 Greatest Public: Ranked 95th, 2021-'22.
Best in State: Ranked in the top 40, 2011-'14. Ranked 42nd, 2021-'22. Ranked 53rd, 2025-'26. Ranked 55th, 2023-'24.
Previous ranking: 55th.
2025-'26 ranking: 53rd.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“This course is set in a mountainous region outside of Tahoe. Plenty of incredible views on approach shots and off tees. Feels very secluded alone in nature. And a few heroic approach shots require shots over ravines add to the enjoyment as these are still playable for the average golfer. The course has a diversity of hole styles with a blend of long/short/uphill/downhill plays. Some landing areas are a little narrow for the average golfer with minimal bailout, but overall the course is quite playable."
Read More2025
Review
“off the beaten path, but worth the drive, especially if you like mountain venues."
Read More2025
Review
“Overall a pleasant surprise in a fairly remote area. setting is very enjoyable in the pine trees."
Read More2025
Review
“An absolute gem that I would definitely play again and recommend to others. Wonderfully fun golf course carved out of the hillsides and pine trees."
Read More2024
Review
“Less than an hour from Reno and just over an hour from North Lake Tahoe / Truckee, this course is worth the mundane drive to get there. Mountainous terrain with rolling fairways among the large elevation changes on the course makes for a fun round. A couple of split fairways on the back take the driver out of your hand, something I'm not a fan of, but all in all this place should be on your list. Beautiful setting and a fair, fun course. It's a top 100 public course in the country so get there if you can."
Read More2024
Review
“Really fun Bob Cupp design in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada range. The course had a nice variety of holes. Wonderful views with very good playing conditions throughout. The staff was very welcoming. The course is a little out of the way but definitely worth a visit."
Read More2024
Review
“Each hole feels like it is in a world of its own! A nice golf experience!"
Read More2024
Review
“Grizzly Ranch is a beautiful golf course set in a pine-filled environment about an hour north of Reno. This course made the tail end of the top 100 public list a couple years ago, so it should be judged in that context. I found good variety here, with engaging shots over a beautiful mountain landscape at mile-high elevation. This is a good golf course. I found it most engaging off the tee, with approach shots lacking a bit of character and memorability. My favorite holes involves obscuring something either from the tee or the approach, a feature in evidence at #s 3, 4, 8, 10, 11 (great green!), and 17. I hold it back from greatness due to two awkward par fives on the back nine, with the 12th needing perhaps an extra back tee, and the 18th trying too hard to fit in a water hazard when it needs more width."
Read More2023
Review
“Terrific layout variety, excellent conditioning. Definitely check your yardages relative to the terrain slopes and extra distance at elevation."
Read More2023
Review
“A very nice mountain course in which the design gives the player a little of everything. Par 5's too long and tight for the average player."
Read More2023
