Salt Lake City: Golf in early April?

[Peter Pratt]

My wife and daughter are skiing in Park City the first week in April. The average temps in SLC are in the high fifties--good enough. Where should I look to play golf?

Thanks!

[Kalen Braley]

Hi Peter,

I live in the SLC area and can make a few recommendations.  How many rounds are you looking at getting in? And if you choose to play on Sunday, its pretty easy to get on any course  

[Peter Pratt]

Kalen,

Thanks! I'm looking at 2 rounds. How far is Thanksgiving Point from SLC? Is it worth the drive?

I'd love to hear your suggestions.

[Kalen Braley]

Hi Peter,

Thanksgiving point is one of the courses I would have recommended to you.  Its only about 20 minutes south of Salt Lake and they usually have some great deals going on this time of year.  It is a cart only course, but has some very noteworthy holes.  I took some photos of it a few weeks ago and will be posting them soon.

There is also a course about 1/2 hour north of SLC which is on the "thrifty 50" list called Valley View.  The other course that comes to mind is WingPointe and is literally right at the airport.  Its a fun links-style course with some fun holes.

There are some other nice courses up on the benches and higher elevations, but they will likely still be closed then.

If you would like to get together for one of the rounds, I could arrange a tee time.

Thanks,

Kalen

[Bill Satterfield]

I agree with Kalen, Thanksgiving Point should be your first priority and I think you'd be quite impressed with ValleyView.  Most of the course is located on in a valley and completely house free.  Since Wingpointe is located down on the valley floor it probably is open for a longer part of each golf season than any other SLC area course.  Bountiful Ridge, another great muni, may be too high of elevation for April.  Kalen, isn't Bountiful Ridge over 5000 feet of elevation?

[Bill Satterfield]

One other note, playing Thanksgiving Point in the morning will give you a MUCH better chance of a reduced amount of wind.  That course takes a beating most every afternoon, but they do offer twilight rates so you'll have to weigh out the options.  Tough course (especially greens) with some great holes, the collection of par 3s is probably the best in all of Utah.

[Kalen Braley]

There are some very nice holes out there.  I still need to get those pics up on the site.

And yes Bountiful ridge has some very nice views and some nice holes.  I would have mentioned it, but its up high on the bench and doubt it will be open.  Plus it has a couple of "waterfalls" and such so not sure what Pete would think about that.  For the price though its very tough to beat and I can overlook a few man made ponds and such.  

[Matt_Ward]

Peter:

TP is the real deal and worth a play if your schedule alllows. Getting to Lehi is not that difficult as the course is just off I-15.

The Johnny Miller design has a number of interesting holes and sufficient distance to handle just about all players.

This is one layout that gets far little attention outside of its immediate area.

One other choice if conditions permit is a layout in Draper, I believe called, South Mountain. I played the course a few years back and while it's pure cartball -- it does have a few interesting holes. Gary Panks and David Graham teamed up here -- they also did the superb effort at Chaparral Pines in Payson, AZ.

For what it's worth - the closing hole at South Mountain is one of the state's best public holes -- nearly 460 yards and plays slightly uphill to the clubhouse if my memory serves me correct.

[Kalen Braley]

Hey Matt,

I've yet to get out to South Mountain but I've heard mixed reviews on it.  I suspect the reasons why the average person doesn't like it for its blind and semi blind shots is why those on here might like it.

I too really like Thanksgiving point and it has some great holes...I'll get those pics up pronto.

Kalen

[Matt_Ward]

Peter:

You have to keep in mind that the elevation of Park City is a good bit higher than SLC. Consequently, although the "high temps" are what you mentioned that doesn't mean that snow cover cannot exist at that time.

I would say that a round at Glenwild would be well worth your time provided it is open and you can gain access. One of the finest TF layouts I have played.

As an FYI -- it will be interesting to see how Team Nicklaus does with the upcoming 2nd 18 at Promontory later this summer.

[Peter Pratt]

Thanks to all for your comments. It looks like TP is a must play for me. Glad to hear it's close to SLC.

Peter

[Garland Bayley]

One other note, playing Thanksgiving Point in the morning will give you a MUCH better chance of a reduced amount of wind.  That course takes a beating most every afternoon, but they do offer twilight rates so you'll have to weigh out the options.  Tough course (especially greens) with some great holes, the collection of par 3s is probably the best in all of Utah.

Besides, if you play in the morning with the wind down, you won't have to worry so much about those forced carries on 3 and 17. Sorry, couldn't help myself guys.   Well, really I could, but didn't want to.  

Carts only! Unbelievable!

[Kalen Braley]

Hey Garland,

I think we fully understand your opinion of TP, so how many times will it be necessary to re-state the same thing?  5 times? 10, 20, or even 50?

I suspect you have something better to do than to constantnly be-rate the same course over and over.   Unless you have a personal beef with Johnny Miller or something of that nature.  If so, then duly noted, no need to state it now.

As has been said, the course is not for everyone, and if its that unacceptable to you then by all means don't play it if you ever come to the area.  The course it what it is and is a very enjoyable and playable course to many in here that have played it, as well as many other courses as well.

In this case the good doctor prescribes for you more "real golf time" for you and less in front of the computer screen.  

[Garland Bayley]

Kalen,

Unfortunately, as you well know, my job sits me in front of a computer screen all day.

As a choker, we united chokers of the world all have it in for Johnny Miller.  

The carts only policy at TP was the cincher. Won't even consider playing it when I come through the area. I am actually a bit aghast that the top recommendation of this thread is a carts only course.