Bella Ridge opens Monday

Bella Ridge Golf Club to Open for Preview Play Oct. 6

Bella Ridge Golf Club, Colorado’s newest golf course near Johnstown, will open for limited preview play on Monday, Oct. 6.

The 18-hole, par-72 championship layout was designed by golf course architect Art Schaupeter on the rolling hills of the Podtburg family’s former dairy farm. Limited tee times are now available on the club’s website – www.bellaridgegolf.com, 

Located between Denver and Fort Collins near Johnstown, Bella Ridge will play as long as 7,268 yards from the back tees to as short as 3,200 yards with six sets of tees to choose from.

Course architect Art Schaupeter, a Colorado native and designer of TPC Colorado in nearby Berthoud, took full advantage of the land’s natural movement as golfers will experience 200 feet of elevation change during their round. Wide undulating fairways and green settings that reward creativity and precision are surrounded by scenic mountain views with Longs Peak towering in the distance.

While final construction projects are completed around the clubhouse, golfers will enter the property through a temporary entrance with food and beverage limited to beverage cart service.

In 2026, Bella Ridge will unveil a practice facility, including a 400-yard-long practice range, a short-game area and a 15,000 square-foot practice putting green. Professional instruction will be available for juniors and adults. When the clubhouse opens, it will have a golf simulator for year-round play and enjoyment, a well-equipped golf shop and delicious food and beverage options in Virgil’s Lounge.

“This has been an exciting project to be a part of,” Schaupeter said. “The Podtburgs have been committed from day one to building a wonderful public-access golf course and from my first tour around the property I knew that this land could yield something special. I think the golf experience will be very fun and interesting for all golfers.  Each hole has it’s own individual character and challenge. Golfers will find that the course continues to ratchet up in interest, challenge and fun throughout the round.”

The daily-fee course uses GPS-equipped golf carts and the new grasses feature a mix of bluegrass/rye grass fairways and 007XL Bentgrass greens.

The Podtburgs have owned and operated the dairy farm in Johnstown for more than 45 years and began 10 years ago planning this course. They moved their dairy operations to a new site north of Greeley.

“As a family who has spent our entire lives in Johnstown, Colorado, it’s an incredible honor to bring this course to our community,” said Rick Podtburg, one of a group of brothers behind the project. “We’ve poured over eight years into designing and building something truly special, and we always felt this land, with its elevation changes, lakes, and spectacular mountain views, was meant for golf. Those mountain views became the inspiration behind the name Bella Ridge, a name that captures both the natural beauty of the property and the elevated experience we will provide.  As our town continues to grow, we believe this course will be a timeless amenity that reflects the pride we have for Johnstown and creates a place for connection, recreation, and lasting memories.”

Colorado AvidGolfer Magazine is the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it, publishing eight issues annually and proudly delivering daily content via coloradoavidgolfer.com.

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