Has anybody played the new Nicklaus at Promontory? I think it was open this fall, and is the Weiskopf course next or is it Forrest's short course?
Michael,
A little late responding, but I did play both existing courses at Promontory over the weekend. The short course is next on the schedule, with the Weiskopf down the road a little bit.
Both courses are good, with my personal preference being the Dye Canyon course. The Nicklaus is solid, but really dang hard. Its 8100 yards from the tips with a rating of 78.7/155. Lots of good holes, but its hard hole one after another. Only weakness is probably somewhat because of the lay of the land. The first five holes go down a canyon, then the next 8 go back up, and the last few somewhat back down to the clubhouse again. Those uphill holes are also into the prevailing wind, so its a loooong stretch of holes. I do recommend playing the course if in the area, but be prepared to bring your A game! It was probably a little too hard to be really enjoyable for me, but still a well thought out course with some good greens. I played it from 7300 yards, which even at elevation was a tough challenge.
The back nine at the Dye course is the gem of the facility IMO. It fits the name well (Dye Canyon) as it winds through a canyon going in a loop that allows the holes to gradually change direction moreso than the Nicklaus course. #12, 14, 15, 17, and 18 are all really solid holes. I'd make a case this should be a top 100 modern quality layout.
I can't compare these courses to the others in the area as those two and Willow Creek in Sandy are the extent of my experience of Utah golf. I look forward to seeing some of the other courses in the area on another trip, its a beautiful place.