It’s been a bit since I posted some on-course pics, but this past week I played Wasatch Mountain Lake course, and it would be an injustice not to share… Fall foliage is coming into season quickly up in the mountains above the Salt Lake Valley, and NOW is the time to get out and enjoy the views. Wasatch Mountain Lakes course is tucked away in Midway, so right around the limit of what I’m willing to drive (an hour) to play. The Lake course has more width and forgiving fairways than the Mountain course, but also less dramatic elevation change holes, and less trickery. You know where you need to hit, its all laid out in front of you for the taking. Greens were in really good shape, but could have been rolling a hair or two faster to be honest.
Hole 2, from behind the green:
Wow, course looks amazing and the fall colors make it that much more stunning! Between Soldier Hollow and Wasatch, would you recommend one over the other? I’ve driven by both and thought Wasatch looked like a better experience but S.H. gets a lot of love from people I’ve talked to.
That is a really tough question, as both Soldier Hollow and Wasatch Mountain each have 2 courses. I think it really depends what you are looking for… For me, Soldier Hollow has more interesting green complexes, more length, better strategic bunkering, and has more difficult decisions on second shots as a consequence of that…Great place to play with your friends who “usually hit 300” off the tee to make show that length off! Unfortunately the creep of development in Midway has robbed Soldier Hollow of that austere, solitary feel. It’s not like they jammed houses in right off the fairways, but you’ll see what I mean if you hop on the website and check out the flyovers right on the home page. For me, Wasatch Mountain is dripping with that serenity, and even though the course might not be quite as challenging, that’s what takes the cake. There’s a quietness at Wasatch that is tough to describe, but makes me think of that quote “Golf is the best way to spoil a good walk”. I will recommend both sets of courses to friends, but I think Wasatch has my heart. Guess I need to get out to Soldier soon to see if it can convince me to change my mind…
Hey y’all, I’m new to the thread here and I’m looking for guys to play with! Definitely interested in seeing more courses in Utah, I live in West Haven in northern Utah and am very familiar with courses in the Ogden and Davis County, I’m heading to St. George to play some courses this December as well and want to try out any and every course that I can in the Salt Lake area and anywhere close by. If you have recommendations and if you’d want to meet up for a round, let me know!
Welcome! I’m right around your neck of the woods so I’d definitely be available to meet up for some rounds. I know a few Salt Lake courses have been mentioned in this thread that I hope to play once the season returns. Don’t have any inside info for any St. George course, the only course I’ve played in that area was in Mesquite at Casa Blanca. Looking forward to meeting up some time!
Sorry for such a late reply, but this debate hits close to home for me…
Soldier Hollow, by far, has the better tracks. No question. I’ll agree with @huck1far that Soldier isn’t as serene as it once was, but you also don’t get nearly as many 5-6 hours rounds there as you will at Wasatch. I will say that Wasatch consistently has fantastic greens, but when soldier is in prime shape, it’s as good as any other, and plays as difficult as any, (public course) in the state (except maybe Thanksgiving Point and Sand Hollow). Oh, and the views of Mt. Timpanogos from some of the holes at Soldier…exceptional.
I’ve averaged 60+ rounds a year at Soldier for the last 5 years (around 100 the last 2) and that place just does it for me. IMO, both tracks at Soldier are in the top 5 courses (public) in the state. I try to get over to Wasatch a handful of times each year, but only to play the Mountain Course. The lake course has some great holes, but also some that I’d be happy to never play again. That course also attracts every Utah golfer over the age of of 80 as their home course.
To summarize, IMO, Soldier is the better golf. Both places are fun, Wasatch is pretty in fall. Though Wasatch is worth playing, I’d take Soldier over Wasatch 99% of the time (which I do). Hope this helps.
P.S. - If either of you ever want to tour either place with someone who knows them well, I’m always looking for people to play with. Happy to show you around. I live around the corner from both courses.
That’s great insight, much appreciated! Once the season rolls back around I would be interested playing them both some time. Kind of ashamed I’ve gone so long without playing Soldier Hollow.
Just joined this group. I’ve been at Willow Creek for the past 3 years, and now have my stuff turned in at SLCC…hoping to hear back in the next couple weeks. I’d be happy to play with any of you, as I enjoy meeting new guys and playing lots of golf! I’m sure I know some of you already.
Welcome! I’m not familiar with Willow Creek nor SLCC since my only way into country clubs at the moment is thru state am qualification (been close but still haven’t broke that barrier). Good luck on your app to SLCC!
How do you like WC? Is SLCC a step up or are you just trying to expand options?
If the weather this year is anything like last year we’re only about a month and a half away from the start of the season. Still getting used to the idea of February golf in northern Utah. But once it does start I hope to play a few rounds with anyone on here who’s interested! Should be a good year!
SLCC is played much less than willow creek…and I like the Golden Age design. Let’s get out and play for sure. I’m @linksgolflife on IG, easy to DM me there. You can play private clubs in Utah pretty easy if you’d like…just start meeting and playing with members.
Hey, I posted a few months ago asking for course recommendations since I was in the process of moving here. Well, now that I have moved here, I have another request:
What Men’s Leagues or other competitive golf leagues do y’all recommend in the SLC area? I’m assuming they won’t start till April or so, but I wanted to start browsing and see what was out there. Thanks!
I’m in North-North Utah, aka South Idaho. Would love to get down and play with you sometime! Likewise-- if there are any clubs in Idaho you want to check out, I’ve got a pretty good connection pool to get on the private clubs up this way.
As for local Men’s associates, I don’t have a ton of recommendations @TheSwimmingPool. I found my local club by calling around to different pro shops and finding an organization that had good weekly turnout. Usually they’re pretty transparent about what the competitive scene is like, especially if you’re looking for a specific handicap range. There’s no shortage of great courses that way, so I’m sure you’ll find a good one!
I’m in North-North Utah, aka South Idaho. Would love to get down and play with you sometime! Likewise-- if there are any clubs in Idaho you want to check out, I’ve got a pretty good connection pool to get on the private clubs up this way.
My brother lives up in the Teton Valley so I am back and forth between SLC and there quite often, may have to set something up sometime!
Thanks for the info on the leagues too. I was thinking I would start with contacting the SLC City and County courses and seeing what they had, but was just gonna pose the question here and see if anyone had personal experiences. I’ve never played in a Men’s League so it’s somewhat of a blackhole for me.
One Hundo P, we’re playing this summer. Need to make it up to check out Idaho Club’s new clubhouse. Did you put in to reschedule an event up that way @The_Cad_Says?
I’ve never played in a men’s association but want to this year. I’ve heard bonneville is over crowded. I’m probably going to play at Glendale because it’s close to my work.
