Bella Ridge Golf Club, the highly anticipated new addition to Colorado’s golf landscape, will welcome players for limited preview play beginning October 6 on the scenic Front Range. This 18-hole, par-72 championship course—expertly managed by Troon Golf—was thoughtfully crafted by renowned golf course architect Art Schaupeter, whose vision transformed the rolling hills of the Podtburg family’s former dairy farm into a dynamic and visually stunning layout. Blending strategic design with natural elevation and panoramic mountain views, Bella Ridge promises an unforgettable playing experience rooted in Colorado heritage and elevated by world-class execution. Limited tee times are now available on the club’s website – bellaridgegolf.com.
Championship Design Meets Colorado’s Natural Beauty
Located in the heart of northern Colorado between Denver and Fort Collins, Bella Ridge Golf Club in Johnstown offers a dynamic and visually stunning golf experience that’s as challenging as it is rewarding. Stretching to a formidable 7,268 yards from the championship tees and scaling down to a manageable 3,200 yards from the forward tees, the course caters to every skill level with six distinct tee boxes—ensuring that both seasoned players and newcomers can find their ideal setup.
Designed by Colorado native Andy Schaupeter, the visionary behind TPC Colorado in nearby Berthoud, Bella Ridge Golf Club is a masterclass in terrain utilization. Golfers will encounter over 200 feet of elevation change throughout their round, creating dramatic shot-making opportunities and panoramic views that shift with every hole. The layout flows seamlessly with the natural contours of the land, offering wide, undulating fairways that invite aggressive play while demanding strategic precision.
Greens are thoughtfully sculpted to reward creativity, with subtle breaks and bold complexes that challenge your short game and reward well-executed approaches. Surrounding it all are breathtaking vistas of the Rocky Mountains, with Longs Peak standing sentinel in the distance—an inspiring backdrop that elevates every swing. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or soaking in the alpine serenity, Bella Ridge Golf Club promises a round that’s both exhilarating and unforgettable.
Bella Ridge Golf Club Amenities in Progress with Full Experience Coming in 2026
While final construction projects are being completed around the clubhouse, golfers will enter the property through a temporary entrance, with food and beverage services limited to beverage cart service. In 2026, Bella Ridge Golf Club will unveil an outstanding practice facility, featuring 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 feature a golf simulator for year-round play and enjoyment, a well-equipped golf shop, and a variety of delicious food and beverage options in Virgil’s Lounge.
“This has been an exciting project to be a part of. 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,” said Schaupeter. “I think the golf experience will be very fun and interesting for all golfers. Each hole has its own individual character and challenge. Golfers will find that the course continues to ratchet up in interest, challenge, and fun throughout the round.”
Bella Ridge Golf Club, a daily-fee course, is equipped with the latest technology, including GPS-equipped golf carts, a fully integrated mobile app to streamline the player experience, and state-of-the-art agronomy equipment that promotes water conservation and sustainability. The course features a mix of bluegrass/rye grass fairways and 007XL Bentgrass greens.
A Family Legacy Inspires a Community Golf Destination
The idea to build a golf course in the Johnstown area was first proposed nearly a decade ago, and the Podtburgs are a family that has always enjoyed playing golf together. The family has owned and operated the dairy farm in Johnstown for more than 45 years.
“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. “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.”
Photo courtesy of Troon Golf
