Utah's Hidden Golfing Gems: Unveiling the State's Top Courses
Utah: A Golfer's Paradise Unveiled
When you think of Utah, skiing and outdoor adventures might be your first associations. But did you know that this state also boasts some of the most breathtaking golf courses in the country? From the majestic mountain ranges in the north and central regions to the iconic red rock desert landscapes of the Old West in the south, Utah offers a unique golfing experience like no other.
The 10 Best Golf Courses in Utah
1. Black Desert Golf Course, Ivins
This masterpiece designed by Tom Weiskopf is a 7,500-yard wonder, having hosted both the PGA and LPGA Tours. Surrounded by stunning red rock mountains and fairways carved from lava, it's a golfer's dream. With rates varying by season, you'll enjoy green fees, a forecaddie, food, and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as access to practice facilities and a special keepsake. The resort also offers a spa, wellness center, fine dining, hiking trails, and an airport shuttle for just $45. For an unforgettable experience, consider the Stay and Play Package, which includes a room and a round of golf per person per night, with same-day replay for an additional $175.
2. Glenwild Golf Club and Spa, Park City
Golf at Glenwild is more than just a sport; it's a way of life. This Tom Fazio-designed course, a challenging 7,564-yard, par-71 layout, caters to players of all skill levels with its strategic bunkering. Located in the valley of the Wasatch Mountains, just a 30-minute drive from Salt Lake City International Airport, this private club offers a warm and luxurious experience. With an elevation of over 7,000 feet, players can enjoy a unique high-altitude game, where the ball travels further, adding an exciting twist. Contact the club for membership pricing and be part of this exclusive golfing community.
3. Soldier Hollow Golf Course, Midway, UT
Soldier Hollow is a unique public course located in Wasatch Mountain State Park, offering a 36-hole experience on the site of the 2002 Winter Olympics' cross-country skiing and biathlon events. Designed by Gene Bates, it features two distinct 18-hole courses: the Gold Course and the Silver Course. The Gold Course is the championship course, with a challenging links-style layout and narrow fairways that test your skills while offering panoramic views of Heber Valley and Mount Timpanogos. The Silver Course, on the other hand, is more manageable with wider fairways and fewer elevation changes, perfect for a relaxed game. Just a 35-minute drive from SLC International Airport, this course is an affordable and fun choice for golfers of all abilities.
4. Sand Hollow Resort, Hurricane
A short drive from St. George airport, Sand Hollow Resort is a must-play destination for golf enthusiasts. Ranked as the number one public course in Utah and one of the best in the country, it offers three courses to choose from. The championship course is a true adventure, with the front nine providing a traditional experience and the back nine offering dramatic elevation changes and holes played along red rock cliffs. Holes 12, 13, and 15 are particularly renowned for their beauty and design, with the 15th hole, "The Devil's Throat," requiring a precise shot over a deep mountain canyon. With costs varying due to desert conditions, this course is a photographer's dream and a golfer's paradise.
5. Wasatch Mountain Golf Course, Midway
Located in Wasatch Mountain State Park, this 36-hole facility features the Lake and Mountain courses, renowned for their scenic, tree-lined fairways and excellent value. The Lake Course, opened in 1967, offers a forgiving terrain with beautiful trees and water hazards, while the Mountain Course, renovated in 1998, provides a more challenging experience with significant elevation changes and panoramic views of Heber Valley. With fees starting at just $85, including a cart, this public course is a great choice for visitors, and you might even spot some local wildlife like deer and elk.
6. Entrada at Snow Canyon, St. George
This challenging course in southern Utah's desert city of St. George offers a unique experience. Originally designed by Johnny Miller and Fred Bliss, it was recently reimagined and renovated by David McLay Kidd. The new design winds through ancient black lava flows, mountain rock, and beautiful streams, creating a visually appealing yet challenging links-style course. With wide, contoured fairways and strategically placed bunkers, it offers a fun challenge for all golfers. While Entrada is a private club with an initiation fee, the public can access it by booking a room at The Inn at Entrada, allowing you to enjoy this luxurious club's amenities, including a wellness center, fine dining, and tennis courts.
7. Thanksgiving Point Golf Club, Lehi
Designed by Johnny Miller, this public course is considered the number one public course in Utah by Golf Digest. Just a 20-minute drive from Salt Lake City, it's convenient for visitors, offering a large 7,714-yard layout with multiple tees to accommodate all skill levels. Built around the Jordan River, it features the stunning Ashton Gardens, blending botanical beauty with the river and mountain views. With affordable rates starting at $65 to $85, it's a great option for those looking for a financially friendly round. Rent a set of Callaway clubs on-site if you're traveling and want to give it a go!
8. Bonneville Golf Course, Salt Lake City
This beloved 18-hole public course, designed by William Tucker and later by the Bell father-and-son team, offers a panoramic view of the Salt Lake Valley and Wasatch Mountains. The fairways, lined with mature trees, require accuracy, creating a classic feel with a strategic approach. The sloping course and subtle breaks in the greens make for a challenging putting experience. With inexpensive pricing, starting at just $20 for nine holes and $40 for 18 holes, it's a great value. Cart fees are also reasonable, at $10 for nine holes and $20 for 18 holes.
9. Coral Canyon Golf Course, Washington
Known for its high-quality experience at an affordable price, Coral Canyon is just a short drive from St. George. Designed by Keith Foster, it boasts manicured fairways and greens that contrast with the rugged red rock mountain landscape. Set among desert vistas and mountain canyons, the scenery is truly unique. With panoramic views of Zion National Park, Pine Valley Mountain, and the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve, it's a golfer's delight. The wide, forgiving fairways cater to all skill levels, and the course offers practice facilities, a clubhouse, dining, club rentals, and lessons from PGA pros. Seasonal pricing ranges from $75 to $150, including a cart, range balls, and tax.
10. Birch Creek Golf Club, Smithfield
Birch Creek Golf Club, just north of Logan, is an easy drive from Salt Lake International Airport. This public 18-hole championship course is set in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains, offering a serene view of Cache Valley. Designed by Bill Hall and Ray Howard, it feels like two courses in one, with a wide and forgiving front nine and a back nine featuring elevation changes. The strategic placement of bunkers and mature trees adds to the challenge. With reasonable pricing, averaging $48 during the week and $58 on weekends and holidays, it's a great choice for a memorable golfing experience.
Utah's golf courses offer more than just a game; they provide an opportunity to enjoy the sport amidst some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the nation. From the high desert fairways in the south to the Alpine trees in the north and central regions, a golf trip to Utah promises an unforgettable adventure for golfers of all levels.
