Mature landscaping and rolling hills are trademarks of the 155-acre oasis called Sky Ranch Golf Course on the west edge of Sterling, where you’ll find water on nine of the 18 holes and plenty of challenging greens.
The course, one of the five oldest in Colorado, was known as the Sterling Country Club for nearly 95 years, then changed hands a few times before being acquired by Sterling Golf Investments in August of 2020, when it took its new name.
Since then, conditions on the course have made a marked turnaround under the care of superintendent John Waddle, a Sterling native who returned home to get the course back in shape.
The longest hole on the 6,436-yard course, No. 16, is a 534-yard par 5 that requires a straight shot from the tee to avoid the rows of trees on the left and right of the fairway.
The course’s signature hole, No. 7, is all about risk vs. reward. A 30-foot periscope helps ensure golfers’ safety on the blind tee shot, and you’ll need a skillful chip or iron shot to find the green on the second stroke or you’ll be in the water on this challenging par 4.
Another tricky hole is No. 11, where golfers must play through a tight gap in a stand of trees. Miss the window, and you might find your ball bouncing off the cottonwoods and into the irrigation canal. While one of the shorter par-4 holes on the course at 350 from the blue tee, you’ll need to get your ball on the right level of the two-tiered green if you want a chance at birdie.
Sky Ranch offers amenities to extend golfers’ visits to the course, including a driving range and practice greens to hone your shot, as well as a full service bar and grill to fuel up before or after a round of 18. There’s also a fully-staffed pro shop that offers apparel and equipment, as well as club fitting and grip repair. The facility can also be rented for special events, with a full service tent that holds up to 400 guests for weddings, reunions or other celebrations.
For regulars, the club offers a selection of monthly and annual passes that include benefits like 10-day advanced reservations and discounts on merchandise and cart fees.
Warmer months offer leagues for men and women as well as full schedule of tournaments, including the course’s signature event, the Bud Light 4-person Scramble that is held in September each year.
For more information, call 970-522-2836 or visit skyranchgc.com.
