St. George, Utah, is named for the patron saint of golfing, a stately fellow who hit the desert links back when your caddy was a burro that had to pack your clubs and three days’ ration of water.
This year, skip Scottsdale — too hot! Leave Las Vegas — too many distractions! And pass on Palm Springs — too many old guys! Make your way through Greater Zion’s golf courses (for half the price of those other places!).
Here they are, roughly from west to east.
The reviews are already raving about the newest course in town — Black Desert — so be sure to pack glow sticks and your clubs. Oh, and BTW The PGA and LPGA Tours hit this course too.
Holes: 19
Par: 72
Yards: 7,200
Rating/Slope: 74.9/138
Though this country club served as the backdrop for Disney’s “High School Musical 2,” the regulars here are a bit more … mature. And it doesn’t look the same as it did back then. The course reopened in 2022 after a 17-month renovation.
Holes: 18
Par: 71
Yards: 7,065
Rating/Slope: 73.2/128
Shoot through black lava rock and if you hit a sand trap, at least it’s the pretty red kind.
Holes: 27
Par: 108
Yards: 10,240
Rating/Slope: 73.0/137
Memberships are better suited for locals or frequent visitors rather than one-timers, but there are guest days and tournaments with irresistible names like “Wicked Chix With Stix”. Yes, please!
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Yards: 6,948
Rating/Slope: 72/122
Built in 1960, when woods were still made of wood, this 9-hole course is perfect if you’re short on time.
Holes: 9
Par: 34
Yards: 2,733
Rating/Slope: 66.1/119
Walkable, if you want to track some extra steps on your FitBit, with a super player-friendly layout (meaning it’s not as hard as some of the other courses).
Holes: 18
Par: 71
Yards: 6,270
Rating/Slope: 69.2/119
Traditional course with favorable greens making it easier to putt for dough.
Holes: 18
Par: 73
Yards: 7,217
Rating/Slope: 73.7/126
Lots of water hazards so bring extra balls.
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Yards: 6,859
Rating/Slope: 73.5/138
Wide, forgiving fairways. Who doesn’t need those?
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Yards: 7,029
Rating/Slope: 73.0/137
Like you’re playing golf in a postcard.
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Yards: 7,145
Rating/Slope: 74.2/137
Steep ridge lines, deep canyons, expansive elevations, and less sand than you’d expect from the name.
Holes: 27
Par: 108
Yards: 10,310
Rating/Slope: 73.0/137
Challenging and scenic, so you can enjoy the view while you watch your slice disappear into the red rock.
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Yards: 6,363
Rating/Slope: 70.0/131
Play until the cows come home on a scenic fairway that was once farmland.
Holes: 18
Par: 72
Yards: 7,227
Rating/Slope: Varies
Let Utah.com take you where the green grass grows near lava flows on this adventure tour that’s wort...