By Jim Bebbington
A rain-softened Green Valley Ranch Golf Club yielded some low scores Wednesday in the first day of the 2026 Inspirato Colorado Senior Open, with several players saying the course is still among the finest they get to play.
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“This course is in phenomenal condition; the rough is really thick and juicy,” said John Balfanz, a co-leader after the morning rounds of the three-day tournament. “I love this golf course; it is so much fun. It’s in great shape. There’s lots of volunteers. This is by far the best tournament outside, maybe, a PGA Tour event.”
Balfanz owns a home-building company in Bakersfield, Calif., and returns every year to the Colorado Open because of that experience.
Wednesday he was among the morning groups and shot 6-under par to stay toward the top of the leaderbard. Overall he hit eight birdies – including each of the first four holes – and two bogeys.
“The last month my game is really starting to come around,” he said.
Also at 6-under after the morning rounds was Steve Holmes, a teaching professional from Simi Valley, Calif.
Holmes said he was able to hit approach shots close to the pins for most of his birdies. “I drove the ball well, which is nice, and the course is in great shape,” he said.
Holmes finished second to Jonathan Kaye in the 2024 Inspirato Senior Open.
The three day tournament goes until Friday at Green Valley Ranch Golf Club. Go here for latest scores.
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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