Colorado State University Athletics
Ptarmigan Country Club, the home course for the Colorado State women's golf program, plays host to the annual Colonel Wollenberg's Ram Classic which dates back to 1995. The golf course was designed in 1979 by the legendary Jack Nicklaus to accent the dramatic vista of the Rocky Mountains. This signature course offers golfers of all skill levels a variety of challenges in its several hundred acres of terrain, featuring 97 sand traps, lush bent-grass greens, four different tee boxes on every hole, rolling topography, and 100 feet of elevation change from south to north.
PGA head golf professional, Jeff Ulvedal and his staff offer members a variety of social and competitive events and activities. The Men’s and Ladies’ golf associations are very active, and the junior golf program is touted by Mr. Ulvedal as one of the most extensive in the region. Corporate golf events are organized throughout the season, and are designed in a manner to not interfere with the enjoyment of the Club by members and their guests.
Under the supervision of Scott Robbins, Certified Course Superintendent who has been with Ptarmigan since its opening, the maintenance staff prides itself in maintaining the greens and tee boxes at the highest possible level. The soft-spike requirements also help ensure that the playing surface remains healthy and strong.
History
In the late 1970s, a small group of local businessmen and investors purchased the land that now comprises the Ptarmigan subdivision and secured the services of Mr. Jack Nicklaus to design a golf course. The project stalled for a few years because of the economy, but the front nine opened for play in June, 1987 and the back nine opened a year later. As cash flow allowed, improvements were made to the course and the Club, including the construction of the current clubhouse, which was built in 1996.
In 2004, Mr. Ron Flack purchased Ptarmigan from an investment group. He has since directed many improvements, including a remodel of the upstairs Lounge and Dining Room, a renovation of the Pro Shop and Grill, the addition of a practice green adjacent to the range, and the diligent attention to detail required to maintain a golf course in magnificent condition all year round.
Today, the Club’s members enjoy a fabulous golf and social experience. Men’s and ladies’ golf associations have developed and conduct extensive tournaments and social events, which the Club has augmented with brunches, winetasting dinners, and theme nights. The Club hosts many annual tournaments and special events as well. The USGA hosted the 1991 and 1993 Local US Open Qualifier at Ptarmigan and the CSU Women’s Ram Fall Classic is a much-anticipated annual golf event for nearly 20 colleges and universities in the western United States.
