Van Batchelder, GM/Director of Golf
Van Batchelder brings over 40 years of golf experience to his Director of Golf position at Grizzly Ranch Golf Club. His experience ranges from managing some of the country’s best golf courses to being a professional golfer competing on mini tours, the South American Tour and winning the 1994 Arizona Open. His first Head Golf Professional job was at Los Caballeros Golf Club in Wickenburg, Arizona. Since 2011, Batchelder has been the Director of Golf at Grizzly Ranch.
Batchelder is also a horse enthusiast. He brings his passion for ranch life to the club, which can be noted by the golf shop’s western attire alongside traditional golf wear. “The boots have been a fun deal,” notes Batchelder. “It’s been a nice niche.”
Batchelder played collegiately at Fresno State as a walk-on in 1979-80 when the team finished 10th in the country at Nationals.
People often hear him say, “I have three great daughters, Lauren, Nikki and Katy.” He also enjoys time with his four grandchildren.
Caleb Olsen, Head Golf Professional
In 2008 a fellow Marine brought Olsen onto a golf course in Oahu, Hawaii, and there began his love for the game. For the past five years, he has developed his career as a Head Golf Professional, going on three years now at Grizzly Ranch. Currently Olsen is working toward his PGA Class A Status.
Immediately following high school, Olsen joined the United States Marine Corps. During his service from 2005 to 2009, he served two tours in Iraq. He met his wife, Kimberly in the Marine Corps., and they have four daughters, Katelynn, Madilynn, Hunter and Rylie.
Mike Baty, Golf Course Superintendent
Baty brings over 17 years of experience to his Superintendent position at Grizzly Ranch Golf Club where he is responsible for the management of all turf and landscaping. He started at the club in 2004 as the Assistant Superintendent. In 2009, he was promoted to Superintendent.
Baty was part of the “Grow In” at Grizzly Ranch and notes that as “a career highlight”.
In 1998 he moved to California from Texas and took a job at Beale A.F.B. where he made one visit to the course and knew that being a Superintendent was for him. He earned his Turf Certificate from the University of Georgia and completed the GCSAA Intern Program. He then worked at Peach Tree Country Club and Serrano Country Club and then El Dorado Hills Golf Club before joining Grizzly Ranch.
He enjoys golf, horseshoes, bowling and watching his two daughters, Sarah and Stella play volleyball. He resides next to the course with his daughters and wife, Shannon.