Brendan Caffrey
Brendan Caffrey
Red Sky Ranch & Golf Club: Norman
Wolcott, CO • Private
Red Sky Ranch & Golf Club: Norman
1099 Red Sky
Wolcott, CO 81632
United States
Overview
There are two 18s at Red Sky Ranch, one designed by Greg Norman, the other by Tom Fazio. Public play on each alternates on a daily basis. A ridgeline separates the two courses (the ridge is designated as a wildlife corridor), with the Norman 18 positioned on an old sheep ranch on the western slope, affording long-range views of the Rockies to the west and south as well as gorgeous sunsets. Typical of a Norman design, the greens are big but docile, and the bunkering is plentiful and dramatically shaped.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
100 Greatest Public: Ranked since 2013.
Highest ranking: 66th, 2021-'22.
2025-'26 ranking: 87th.
Second 100 Greatest: Ranked 194th, 2013-'14.
Best in State: Ranked seventh, 2011-'12. Ranked eighth, 2013-'14, 2021-'22. Ranked 10th, 2017-'20. Ranked 11th, 2015-'16, 2023-'26.
2025-'26 ranking (and previous): 11th.
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
“Situated in the Colorado mountains not far from Vail and Beaver Creek, Red Sky Ranch built two golf courses, one by Tom Fazio and the other by Greg Norman. Norman was clearly given the more challenging land of the two. While Fazio’s course is on the lower half of the mountain with more gentle rolling hills and would get the nod of being the better of the two, Norman had the daunting task of designing a layout on the side of a mountain. This is quite apparent while standing on the lower holes on the front nine looking up the mountain and one might even ask how it was accomplished. Norman’s courses around the world are often evaluated as being too difficult for the average golfer but in Red Sky’s case, he designed a very good golf course with sufficient landing areas and greens that are fair, albeit challenging to read given the nature of a mountain slope. He saved the best for last as the par 5, eighteenth provides both strategy and aesthetics. The downhill drive needs to be positioned in the right location or it will fall off into less desirable lies as the approach shot not only has the challenge of water but also has the backdrop of the log-cabin style member’s clubhouse. Without question, mother nature provides views on this course that cannot be duplicated many other places."
Read More2025
Review
“Extremely subtle greens that were a real challenge to read."
Read More2025
Review
“It’s a must play if you’re in the area. A fun course to play. It rewards good shots for scoring."
Read More2023
Review
“Excellent Greg Norman design and very fair considering it is located on the side of a mountain. Great views and in very good condition."
Read More2023
Review
“Top notch club with two great courses. Either course is a treat, both in views and challenge. Worth going out of your way to play!"
Read More2023
Review
“excellent course to play"
Read More2022
Review
“This is a fun but difficult course built on the side of the mountain with stunning views of Vail Valley."
Read More2022
Review
“I can't imageine how difficult it was for Norman to route this course on a side of a mountain. It is fun and beautiful."
Read More2022
Review
“Red Sky Ranch with the Fazio and Norman courses provides the best overall golf experience in the Vail Valley. The Norman course is more difficult than the more playable Fazio course."
Read More2018
Review
“Mountain course west of Vail with great views of the valley."
Read More2018
