Growing Up Right

Architect Brad Bell's Empire Ranch golf course in Folsom, California is one of the newer daily fee courses in the area. Built in 2002, the course is maturing nicely.  With a commitment to “investing in the asset, delivering a private club-type experience to the golfer, while maintaining a partnership with the community,” General Manager, Sean Silva has a game plan for the long-term.

Protecting the asset means keeping the course in great condition.  “We do so many little projects that aren't that visible but that keep Empire Ranch rated one of the top conditioned courses in the area,” says Silva.  Maintaining the bent grass greens and keeping the poa anna to just about 5% of the surface area (probably one of the only courses to do so in the area) is one of those little things that contribute to Empire Ranch's unique identity. 

This is a links style course and the objective is to keep it that way, but some more trees were needed for shade and aesthetics, so a couple of years ago 200 indigenous trees were planted. Empire Ranch's generous fairways have not been affected as the trees were planted so that they really don't come into play.  These charitable fairways beg you to use driver, but any wayward shot finds thick weeds or a hillside lie.  Wetlands come into play on numerous holes requiring precise shot making.  AND you will want to pay attention on the greens:  They are fast and firm.  This course, though not long, will challenge you for accuracy and will require a steady hand and steely nerves on the greens.

Service plays a big role in the golfing experience at Empire Ranch.  The driving range is grass and there are sand, chipping and putting areas.  The staff is friendly, efficient and went out of their way (literally as they drove us out a special order on hole #13) to make our day a special one.  The restaurant facility is full service, and they have begun to offer special events.  Their Mother's Day Brunch was a huge success, and their banquet menu can support any large group for a golf outing or tournament.

Being an active participant in the community is also a large part of Empire Ranch's identity.  The Empire Ranch team and the local home owner's association partnered recently to clean up and repair fencing on a blighted field near the course. The course contributes its assets also.  Local high school teams play and practice free of charge, and the course will serve as the home course for Folsom Lake College's golf teams.  “These young players are our future local golfers, so we want to grow with them,” says Silva.

For more information go to www.empireranchgolfclub.com 1620 East Natoma Folsom, Ca. 95630 916.817.8100