Like the Legends course, I have played the Ranch course many times over the years and it always such a good test of my game. Most recently I played here 07/14/12 from the blue tees at 74.1/135/6900 and I always can get a good read on my game. Since the houses have gone up on about half of the holes the Ranch course is the more distracting of the two courses as residents will have parties, dogs will be barking, etc. That aside the course features some minor elevation changes and winds through the rolling hills on the other side of the clubhouse from the Legends. The course starts out with a couple mid length par 4s and then starts to require some course knowledge with lay ups off the tee being the best option off of #3 and #6 in my opinion. Hole #7 is a as tough a par 3 as someone can want, playing 200+ yards over a hazard and bunkers. Plus, the bail out right leaves a tough chip. In fact, the par 3s offer a great variety and normally I hit different clubs on each par 3. The back is the tougher of the two nines, and I would rank it as one of the toughest nine’s in the Central Valley. Hole #11 has water in play and then #12 and #14 bring a barranca into play while #15 and #17 have hazard all down one side. Hole #12 (620+ yard par 5 that typically plays into the wind) is one of the toughest holes that I have ever played since it requires a lay up off the tee to avoid the barranca. I never have less than 5 iron in for my 3rd shot. Holes #12, #14, and #15 will require excellent shots in order to make some pars. Most of the course is straight forward except for a couple semi blind shots. The maintenance is always top notch and the rough can be very thick, although this time it was not. I do not seem to putt as well on the Ranch course and I think the greens here might have more subtle breaks than the Legends, so that might have something to do with it. The Ranch course has 16 great holes and 2 poorly designed holes (#3 and #12). Because of #3 and #12 and the homes I would have to pick the Legends as my favorite, but the Ranch is still a great course. The value is good as it can be had for $30 to $40 depending on the time of the day and pace of play always seems to be less than 4 hours. If someone could squeeze in 36 holes between the two courses it would be worth a day trip from Sacramento or the Bay Area.

Course Pictures (click any picture to scroll through the gallery):