Our sim course pick – January
January 11, 2026 – Erik Holm
Each month, we highlight one simulator course we truly recommend. Courses that are fun to play, look great on screen, and give you that feeling of being somewhere else for a while. For January, the choice was easy.
Gozzer Ranch
This is my new favorite course on the simulator.
Gozzer Ranch is located by Lake Coeur d’Alene in northwestern USA, surrounded by forests, mountains, and dramatic rock formations. Designed by Tom Fazio, it is considered one of the finest private golf courses in the country.
It looks demanding, but it is incredibly well thought out.
Small details make a big difference. A subtle false front on the first green. A backboard slope behind the sixth green that can save a shot that goes slightly long. A drivable par 4 on hole 12 with a split fairway, where the natural contours can help even a modest drive roll toward the green.
Nothing feels random. Bunkers, fairways, and green complexes all serve a purpose. They force decisions and reward smart play.
One Of The Highest Ranked Courses In The US
Gozzer Ranch has been ranked among the Top 100 Courses in the US since 2013. Its highest ranking was 27th, and it is currently ranked 43rd for 2025–26. It has also been ranked the number one course in Idaho every year since 2011.
That kind of consistency says a lot. This is a course built to be played again and again.
Back On Trackman – Rebuilt And Improved
Gozzer Ranch was previously available on TrackMan, but is now back in a fully rebuilt and upgraded version in Virtual Golf 3.
Everything has been reworked. Terrain, visuals, lines, and overall flow feel more accurate and more immersive. On the simulator, you really notice the elevation changes, the tee shots played along cliff edges, and the wide views over the lake and surrounding mountains.
Several holes run alongside basalt bluffs with drops of over 100 feet. On a simulator, that creates real pressure. You have to commit to the shot.
Course Facts
- 18 holes
- Par 72
- Length approx. 6,700–7,300 yards depending on tees
- Designed by Tom Fazio
- Private club, opened in 2007
- Challenging, but fair
Why I Recommend It
This is a perfect simulator course.
It rewards good decisions more than raw power. It looks stunning on screen. And it feels exclusive without being over the top.
If you want a course that challenges you and makes you want to book another round straight away, Gozzer Ranch is an excellent choice.
Enjoy the round!
