Red Sky Golf Club was established 20 years ago. The 36-hole course club was given a bold moniker by the Vail Valley. It was referred to as “Pebble Beach in the Mountains” at first.
Many golfers find any comparison to Pebble Beach sacrilegious. Red Sky, to use the classic description of Pebble Beach, is a wonderful meeting of fairways, mountains, and an exhilarating, thrilling golf experience, which just so happens to be at 8,000 feet instead of sea level. Red Sky is a rare representation of mountain-golf, featuring two different layouts that flow gracefully through a picturesque, rugged landscape.
Golfweek’s rankings reflect these qualities. Red Sky’s Tom Fazio Course opened in 2002 and is No.1 against strong in-state competition. The Greg Norman Course is No. 1 on Golfweek’s Top Courses in Colorado. 4. These courses are also prominent in national rankings.
No. 7 at the Norman Course – Red Sky Ranch Golf Course
Red Sky quickly became a national club due to the quality of the amenities and golf. Tinsley Cusworth is the Director of Club Sales and Marketing. However, about a third are Coloradans. There are many national members, including Floridians and New Yorkers, who use the direct flights to Eagle County Regional Airport which is just a 20-minute drive from Red Sky. Red Sky, Cusworth stated, is a convenient “sanctuary” that can be used by both adults and families.
Cusworth stated that many of our members come from other states. They don’t want to play golf and have meetings. They are here to relax and unwind. Red Sky does the same for its members.
Red Sky offers resort play for guests who stay at hotels owned by Vail Resorts. Daily play alternates between the Fazio or Norman courses. However, this doesn’t diminish the member experience. Each course has its own practice area, and members have access to a 24,000-square foot clubhouse on Norman Course. The facility offers a variety of amenities, including a large swimming pool, men’s and ladies’ locker rooms, as well as a boardroom and two tennis courts. The Silver Sage restaurant is the centerpiece of the clubhouse. Here, guests can enjoy local cuisine while taking in the stunning sunset over Castle Peak to their west.
No matter when you visit, life is good in Vail Valley. Cusworth stated that Red Sky members who visit year round and have a second membership to a Vail ski resort are more than 60%. Some live on-site. Red Sky owns 87 lots. About two-thirds are developed. None of these properties affect the golf courses. Cusworth sees Red Sky as “the middleman” that allows members to enjoy all Vail Valley has, including fly fishing, rafting, and horseback riding. All of these activities can be organized through the club.
No. 3 at Red Sky Ranch Golf Course – Fazio Course
Red Sky’s 20th season has brought a wide range of activities to the club. The club’s early members were parents over 60 who wanted to share memories with their grandchildren and children through activities throughout the valley.
Red Sky has taken several steps to accommodate multigenerational families. Cusworth pointed out that the legacy membership is available for adult children who pay only annual dues.
This strategy is also evident on the golf course, where club has been adding new forward and combo tees steadily to improve playability for older members and their children who are just starting to learn the game.
Andrew Hedrick, General Manager, stated that while it doesn’t change the hole’s design or character, it encourages those who have aged over the past twenty years and have a slower swing speed. “We are seeing a shift in our (members) demographic with more families and they are trying to get mom, dad, and the kids to participate. It’s crucial to listen to your members and respond accordingly.
No. 2 at Red Sky Ranch Golf Course, Fazio Course
By: Martin Kaufmann
Title: For its national membership, Red Sky delivers the best in mountain golf
Sourced From: golfweek.usatoday.com/2022/08/10/for-its-national-membership-red-sky-delivers-the-best-in-mountain-golf/
Published Date: Wed, 10 Aug 2022 15:39:51 +0000
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