South Mountain is a public course located approx. 15 miles south of Salt Lake City in Draper, UT. Its a sprawling David Graham/Gary Panks layout that while literally carved out of the side of the mountain, was blended in fairly well with its surronds. The routing was done in a very natural-looking way over the rugged landscape which created both a beautiful and very challenging layout.
Natural washes, seasonal creeks, and large ravines were used to both interface strategically with the golfer as well as provide scenic backdrops to many holes. While housing can be seen from the course its set very far back on high bluffs. In addition, as this is a mountain course, it is very unwalkable, specifically the back nine. However working with the constraints given them, the architects did a fine job in selecting the most usable spots to locate playable golf holes. The hole routing is greatly varied as only 3 holes are followed by a hole with the same par. (3 par 4s were followed by another par 4). The par 5s are all medium to long yet still reachable with a well struck tee shot. While 3 of the par 3s were fairly short, they all employed plenty of trouble. The par 4s provide the greatest amount of variance as 5 of them play well over 400 yards and 3 of them are pretty short that demand precise tee and approach shots.
The fairways were in good conditions and provided various challenges with its undulations. Often the desired landing zone would have the most amount of undulation in the fairway. Whereas laying up might provide a better lie, it results in the longer shot to the green. The fairways played fairly fast and firm and running the ball onto the green was an option on most holes. The greens were a little moist, which they probably do to keep them alive in the 100 degree summer days and very dry local climate. That being said they still play reasonably quick and true. As well, most of the greens have at least two tiers on them making it difficult to two putt if your approach did not find the correct level. The bunkering was well done and they varied greatly in terms of size and postition from hole to hole.
OVerall I was most impressed with the course as it is presented visually to the golfer and in the variety of the holes as they come at you. Scenenically, every golf hole has a spectacular views of the entire Salt Lake Valley and/or Wasatch Mountain Range. With a $35 weekend green fee, it was a very good value.
Enjoy!!
Hole 1 - Par 4
The opener is a short par 4, yet demands a precise tee shot with the trouble down the right hand side.
The approach shot if laying back off the tee with an iron:
Looking back towards the tee. The fairway bunker almost looks a bit like a Engh bunker.
Hole 2 - Par 5
A good drive is needed to get home in 2....
as the approach shot is very demanding. You cannot miss left on this approach as it falls away into a ravine.
Hole 3 - Par 3
A beautiful little par 3 that is played over the same ravine as it extends down from the previous hole.
You can see the undulation in this green, hitting to the correct level is a must.
Hole 4 - Par 4
This is a neat little short par 4. You can go up the left hand side and get the best angle to the green....
But don't miss the tee shot long or right or another ravine awaits. I laid back and played this approach:
A look at the green..
Hole 5 - Par 4
A pretty ho hum hole, seemed like a transition hole to get to 6.
The approach to a semi-skyline green:
Hole 6 - Par 5
A medium length par 5 that pinches in the farther up the fairway you go...
A look at the mounding in the fairway can be seen here:
The approach in to another skyline green:
Hole 7 - Par 4
This hole plays tighter than it looks all the way to the green. The balls don't really kick back to the fairway if you find the mountain side.
The approach in needs to be precise with a wash right and slope to the left.
The green is tucked into a little slot canyon with a beautiful dry wash behind it.
Hole 8 - Par 3
This is the lone long par 3 on the course. Plays uphill about 215 yards.
The green complex framed by the mountain in the background.
Hole 9 - Par 4
A long par 4 to finish the front 9 that plays pretty tight.
The approach shot in that once again shows the movement in the fairways.
The green complex as seen from the right side:
Back 9 to follow in a few minutes....