Utah: A Golfer's Paradise Hidden in Plain Sight
When most people think of Utah, they envision snow-capped mountains and thrilling outdoor adventures. But here’s the twist: Utah is also a golfer’s dream, offering some of the most breathtaking and unique courses in the country. From the red rock deserts of the south to the majestic mountain ranges in the north, Utah’s golf scene is as diverse as it is stunning. And this is the part most people miss—these courses aren’t just about the game; they’re about experiencing nature’s grandeur while perfecting your swing. Let’s tee off with the 10 best golf courses in the Beehive State.
1. Black Desert Golf Course - Ivins
Boldly dubbed Tom Weiskopf’s final masterpiece, this 7,500-yard course is a golfer’s paradise nestled among red rock mountains and lava-blasted fairways. Just nine miles from St. George, it’s a proud host of PGA and LPGA Tours. But here’s where it gets controversial—is it the course’s stunning design or its all-inclusive package (green fees, forecaddie, meals, and a keepsake) that makes it a must-play? The resort’s spa, hiking trails, and Stay and Play Package (room + golf for $175 extra) certainly sweeten the deal. Question for you: Is this the ultimate golf getaway, or is it overhyped?
2. Glenwild Golf Club and Spa - Park City
Golf isn’t just a sport at Glenwild—it’s a lifestyle. Designed by Tom Fazio, this 7,564-yard, par-71 course challenges players with strategic bunkering while catering to all skill levels. Located in the Wasatch Mountains, it’s a surprising gem in a region known for skiing. But what really sets it apart? Its high-altitude setting (over 7,000 feet) makes your ball fly farther, adding an unexpected thrill. Controversial take: Does altitude-enhanced gameplay level the field or give an unfair advantage?
3. Soldier Hollow Golf Course - Midway
Built on the site of the 2002 Winter Olympics, this 36-hole public course offers two distinct experiences: the championship Gold Course and the more forgiving Silver Course. The Gold Course’s narrow fairways and panoramic views of Heber Valley are a golfer’s dream, but the Silver Course’s wider fairways make it perfect for a relaxed day. Here’s the debate: Which course truly captures the essence of mountain golfing?
4. Sand Hollow Resort - Hurricane
Ranked Utah’s #1 public course, Sand Hollow is a bucket-list destination. Its front nine offers traditional rolling fairways, while the back nine is a high desert adventure with dramatic elevation changes and holes along red rock cliffs. Hole 15, ‘The Devil’s Throat,’ is a jaw-dropper—a precise shot over a deep canyon. But here’s the question: Is it the course’s beauty or its challenge that makes it unforgettable?
5. Wasatch Mountain Golf Course - Midway
With two courses—the Lake and the Mountain—this 36-hole facility is a scenic gem. The Lake Course’s forgiving terrain and water hazards contrast with the Mountain Course’s dramatic elevation changes. Controversial interpretation: Is the Mountain Course’s mandatory cart rule a convenience or a detractor from the experience?
6. Entrada at Snow Canyon - St. George
Recently renovated by David McLay Kidd, this links-style course winds through black lava flows and mountain rock, offering both beauty and challenge. While it’s a private club with a hefty initiation fee, public access is possible through The Inn at Entrada. Thought-provoking question: Should exclusive clubs like this open their doors more often to the public?
7. Thanksgiving Point Golf Club - Lehi
Designed by Johnny Miller, this public course is Utah’s largest at 7,714 yards. Its layout around the Jordan River and Ashton Gardens blends natural beauty with golfing challenge. Here’s the debate: Is its proximity to Salt Lake City its biggest draw, or is it the course’s design?
8. Bonneville Golf Course - Salt Lake City
A local favorite, Bonneville offers panoramic views of the Salt Lake Valley and Wasatch Mountains. Its classic fairways and subtle greens make it a strategic challenge. Controversial take: Are its low prices ($20 for 9 holes) a steal or a sign of lesser quality?
9. Coral Canyon Golf Course - Washington
Known for its affordability and ‘Mars-like’ red rock scenery, Coral Canyon is a visual feast. Its wide fairways cater to all skill levels, but is it too forgiving? Question for golfers: Does its beauty outweigh the lack of extreme challenge?
10. Birch Creek Golf Club - Smithfield
With distinct front and back nines, Birch Creek offers a serene experience in the Wasatch Mountains. The final hole’s elevated green is a thrilling conclusion. Here’s the debate: Is it a hidden gem or just another mountain course?
From red rock canyons to Alpine forests, Utah’s golf courses are more than just fairways—they’re adventures. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, the Beehive State promises an unforgettable experience. Final thought-provoking question: Which of these courses would you play first, and why? Let’s tee up the discussion in the comments!
