Utah: A Golfer's Paradise in the Mountains and Desert
The Beehive State offers a surprising array of world-class golf courses, each with its own unique charm and challenges. But it's not just about the game; it's an adventure through breathtaking landscapes.
Let's tee off with the Black Desert Golf Course in Ivins, a masterpiece by Tom Weiskopf. This 7,500-yard course has hosted PGA and LPGA tours, offering a stunning backdrop of red rock mountains and lava-blasted fairways. The resort's Stay and Play Package lets you elevate your game and experience the spa, dining, and more.
And then there's Glenwild Golf Club and Spa in Park City, a private club with a Tom Fazio design. At over 7,000 feet elevation, the ball travels further, adding an exciting twist. The club's warm charm and luxurious amenities make it a golfer's dream.
For a unique public course, Soldier Hollow in Midway stands out. Built on the site of the 2002 Winter Olympics, it offers 36 holes with two distinct 18-hole courses. The Gold Course is a challenging links-style layout, while the Silver Course is more forgiving.
Sand Hollow Resort in Hurricane is a bucket-list destination. Ranked as Utah's top public course, it boasts three courses with dramatic elevation changes and holes along red rock cliffs. Holes 12, 13, and 15 are renowned for their beauty and difficulty, especially 'The Devil's Throat' at hole 15.
Wasatch Mountain Golf Course in Midway is another gem, offering two 18-hole courses with scenic, tree-lined fairways. The Lake Course provides a forgiving terrain, while the Mountain Course is more challenging. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, too!
Entrada at Snow Canyon in St. George is a private club with a recent redesign by David McLay Kidd. The new layout winds through ancient lava flows and streams, creating a visually stunning and challenging course. The club offers a wellness center, fine dining, and more.
Thanksgiving Point Golf Club in Lehi is considered Utah's top public course by many. Designed by Johnny Miller, it's just a short drive from Salt Lake City, offering a challenging layout and the beauty of Ashton Gardens.
Bonneville Golf Course, a local favorite in Salt Lake City, provides panoramic views of the valley and mountains. Its fairways, designed in the 1920s and 1950s, offer a classic golf experience.
Coral Canyon Golf Course in Washington is renowned for its affordable excellence. Designed by Keith Foster, it contrasts manicured fairways with vibrant red rock mountains. The panoramic views of Zion National Park and Pine Valley Mountain are breathtaking.
Lastly, Birch Creek Golf Club in Smithfield offers an 18-hole championship course with a serene setting. The front and back nines provide distinct experiences, with the back nine featuring a highly elevated final green.
But here's where it gets controversial: Which course offers the best combination of beauty, challenge, and overall experience? Is it the high-desert adventure of Sand Hollow, the luxurious Glenwild, or perhaps the stunning redesign at Entrada? Share your thoughts in the comments and let the debate begin!
