Utah, a southwestern state in the United States, is renowned for its majestic national parks and unique desert landscapes. However, few know that nestled in the shadow of Zion National Park lies a collection of world-class 4-star golf courses, built upon vibrant red sand. For over two decades, this “garden of Eden” has attracted golfers from around the globe to experience Utah’s sand hills and conquer the challenges nature has bestowed.
Through nature’s wondrous artistry, Utah boasts a magnificent landscape where towering red rock mountains harmonize with breathtaking sandstone valleys. The eroded terrain over time has created an elevated desert with soft sand dunes and bunkers, facilitating natural drainage for golf course greens like never before. This has provided an ideal canvas for talented architects to unleash their creativity and design unique and challenging desert golf courses.
Top Desert Golf Courses in Utah
Dixie Red Hills is among the oldest golf courses in Utah, a charming 9-hole course nestled within a canyon. Green Spring, opened in 1989, is famous for its challenging par 3 5th hole and par 4 6th hole, surrounded by jagged rock outcrops.
Scenic view of Dixie Red Hills desert golf course
Courses like Sunbrook and Entrada at Snow Canyon may initially resemble the famous courses in Palm Springs or Scottsdale with their palm trees and blue lakes. Yet, they possess a distinct charm, imbued with a sense of timelessness and fairways that traverse peculiar black lava flows. Entrada, in particular, offers a more challenging experience, with unpredictable and gusty winds demanding skill from even the most seasoned golfers.
Distant red mountains provide a stunning backdrop for the Entrada at Snow Canyon Country Club desert golf course
Coral Canyon Golf Course maximizes Utah’s unique terrain. Its name, “Coral Canyon,” perfectly describes its most striking feature: large rocks radiating various shades of pink under the sunlight.
Sunbrook desert golf course adds water features to the beautiful landscape
Sand Hollow Resort: The “Gem” of Utah Desert Golf
Located southwest of Coral Canyon, Sand Hollow Resort is the region’s most prominent design. This 27-hole golf resort was built by John Fought, a two-time PGA Tour winner.
The first nine holes of the 18-hole course meander through red hills, deep bunkers, and lush green shrubs, creating a picturesque setting for golfers.
Coral Canyon desert golf course fully utilizes the characteristic scenery of Utah
However, the real challenges await on the back nine. Reaching the par 3 11th hole, you’ll feel like you’re standing at the edge of the world. Beyond the green of this sloping hole lies a vast, breathtaking canyon.
The next four holes will test the courage of those with a fear of heights. To the right of three out of four holes are towering cliffs, and to the left are abysses plunging over 30 meters to the canyon floor. The terrain here is ideal for designing captivating and dramatic desert golf courses.
Aerial view of Hole 10 at Sand Hollow desert golf course, a masterpiece blending nature and man-made design
The par 4 13th hole perches precariously on a ridge (the only hole with no cart access to the fairway), and the par 4 14th hole sits on a hillside. Both demand golfers to exert their utmost effort to conquer them.
Hole 13 perched beside a cliff is a significant challenge for those with a fear of heights
The par 3 15th hole is equally demanding, situated on a rocky edge significantly higher than the tee area. There’s no room for error if you aim to complete this hole flawlessly.
You'd be hard-pressed to find a more majestic golf hole than the par 3 15th at Sand Hollow desert golf course
The final three holes continue the design’s harmony between natural greenery and red rock formations. While perhaps less dramatic, they provide golfers with a wonderful finish to their round.
Southern Utah: A Budding Desert Golf Mecca
Southern Utah evokes images of a harsh land with rugged terrain and climate, even likened to the landscape of another planet. However, it’s precisely the dry weather, high altitude, and thin air that create perfect conditions for desert golf courses.
Notably, much of the area remains operational during winter thanks to its year-round warm climate. Moreover, golfing costs here are significantly lower than in Phoenix or Las Vegas. It’s no exaggeration to say that southern Utah is a potential golf tourism paradise, waiting to be explored. If you’re a golf enthusiast seeking unique experiences, don’t miss the opportunity to discover Utah’s sand hills and savor unforgettable moments on these stunning desert golf courses.