St. George, Utah - Red Rock Golf Trail Guide

St. George, Utah has recently established itself as a top tier golf destination. Known for its sunshine, great weather, and quality golf at value prices, it also lacks the hustle and bustle of other area destinations. St. George is located on Interstate 15 just 90 minutes north of Las Vegas and four hours south of Salt Lake City. Situated in the lowest elevations in Utah (2,800 feet above sea level), it is part of a desert zone that provides very mild winter weather and fantastic golf in spring and fall. Golfer's ears will perk up when they find out it rarely rains in St. George. So much so that the locals boast that on average the sun shines 320 days a year.

The local tourism board coined the area as the Red Rock Golf Trail. On their website, www.redrockgolftrail.com, you will find information on courses, things to do and a trip planning guide. The website is a free site provided by the Washington County Tourism Office.

Where To Play

Sand Hollow Resort

In 2009, Golf Digest ranked Sand Hollow the #7 best new course. It is a must play, if your ventures take you to Southwest Utah. The 7,300 yard, 72 par 18-hole Championship Course is a balance of link style golf in the Utah desert. Holes 12 through 15 back are cliff hanging golf at its finest, with dramatic elevation changes and breath taking views of Pine Valley Mountain. The signature par 3 15th hole might be the most visual intimidating holes in the area. A long iron or wood is needed to reach the pin 230 yards away. The undulating green is guarded with sand in front and back. Stay right, as anything to the left will plummet to its death a few hundred feet below. Take a moment after playing the hole to look back at the amazing rock formations.

In addition to the Championship course, Sand Hollow has a 3700 yard par 36 links course and a Himalayan 18 hole putting course. The unique putting challenge is a mix of varied length holes from 20-50 feet.

Five Tees: 7315, 6893, 6462, 6060, 5306 yards
Rating/Slope: 73.7/137
Green Fees: $125-$65 depending on season.

Sand Hollow Resort
5625 W. Clubhouse Drive
Hurricane, UT 84737
435-656-4653
www.sandhollowresort.com

Valderra Golf Club at The Ledges

Under new ownership, the Valderra Golf Club offers a "playing in a postcard experience." Course designer Matt Dye built a masterpiece around the red rock backdrops and expansive views of Snow Canyon State Park. The signature par 4th is a straightway 389 yard hole that will require two straight shots. Standing on the green is a surreal experience with views of a 1000 foot drop into the state park.

On site is the Jack Nicklaus Academy of Golf offering half day to 3 day golf schools. Recently ranked in the top 25 golf schools by Golf Magazine, the academy has programs to work on all facets of the game. Improve your full swing in one of three Climate Controlled Teaching Bays, each equipped with the Jack Nicklaus Coaching Studio Capture and Analysis Software. Refine your putting stroke and optimize the roll of your ball in the Nicklaus Academy Putting Lab.

Four Tees: 7145, 6713, 6230, 6060, 5674 yards
Rating/Slope: 73.5/134
Green Fees: $85-$55 depending on season.

The Valderra Golf Club
1585 W. Ledges Parkway
St. George, UT 84770
435-634-4640
www.ledges.com

Sunbrook Golf Club

Sunbrook Golf club, owned by the city of St. George, features three distinct nines. The Pointe nine meanders through the foothills of the west side of St George. The Point's 5th hole is a short par-four bordering a desert cliff. Any shot to the left on this hole will end up 100 feet down on the par-five second hole.

The Woodbridge Nine, named after the fifth hole, tees of high above a bluff overlooking the island-green fourth hole. The second shot forces you to carry a lake featuring a gorgeous country-style wooden bridge.

The Black Rock Nine is appropriately named as three holes carve through treacherous lava rock. The remarkable par-four seventh defines the course. The tee box is located amidst a field of molten rock. To par the hole, favor the left side to get an angle on your second shot that requires a carry over more volcanic remains.

Green Fees: $56-$26 depending on season.

Sunbrook Golf Club
2240 Sunbrook Drive
St. George UT 84770
435-627-4400
www.sgcity.org/golf/sgsunbrook.php

Coral Canyon Golf Course

Located in what many call "Color Country" in St. George, Utah, Coral Canyon's 7,029-yard, par-72 layout provides breathtaking views of Bryce Canyon's snow-capped pink spires in the winter and Zion National Park's green springtime bloom. Fairways are generous, greens are undulating and a good time will be had by all on this modern gem.

Five Tees: 7070, 6527, 5993, 5052, 4125 yards
Rating/Slope: 73.5/142

Coral Canyon Golf Course
1925 N. Canyon Greens Drive
Washington, Utah 84780
435-688-1700
www.coralcanyongolf.com

Sky Mountain Golf Course

Sky Mountain Golf Course is a public 18-hole golf course owned and operated by the City of Hurricane. It is located in scenic southern Utah surrounded by Zion National Park and the Pine Valley Mountain range. The 6,383 yard / par 72 course is one of the best values in the area.

Three Tees: 6392, 6014, 5044 yards
Rating/Slope: 70.9/131
Green Fees: $73-29 depending on season.

Sky Mountain Golf Course
985 North Sky Mountain Boulevard
Hurricane, UT 84737
435-635-7888
www.skymountaingolf.com

Where to Stay

St. George has more than a dozen well known hotel chains from the Comfort Suites to a Marriott.

My pick is the Comfort Suites becuase they pride themselves on specializing in Southern Utah golf vacations. Accommodations were great with internet access, comfortable beds and a free continental breakfast. In addition, they have an outdoor hot tub that came in handy every night after a long day of golf. View their golf packages online.

1239 South Main Street
ST. George, UT 84770
800-428-0754
www.stgeorgecomfortsuites.com

Getting There

St. George is located on Interstate 15 just 90 minutes north of Las Vegas and four hours south of Salt Lake City. In early January 2011, St. George Municipal Airport (SGU) is planned to open with service available from Delta and United.

Best Times

St George is a year round golf destination with peak season in February, March, April. Their midseason is defined as September, October, November, December, January, and May. Summer temperatures can average in the high 90's from June thru August.

More Info

Red Rock Golf Trail
www.redrockgolftrail.com
888-345-2550