Written by Scott Dunford
If you’re looking for a good test of course management coupled with a dash of scenic red rock desert landscapes, look no farther than Sun River Golf Club. A country club atmosphere where golf is available to everyone and all ages, set in an award-winning master planned retirement community just six miles south of downtown St. George.
Sun River provides a quiet, superbly planned community with a lifestyle of some of the best amenities and facilities available to adults age 55 and older. The residents enjoy an active lifestyle complete with a 35,000 square foot community center for indoor and outdoor swimming, fitness gym, pottery, woodworking, pickle ball, basketball, tennis and much more. The main event however is the Sun River Golf Course, one of the best values in Southern Utah golf! You don’t have to be a resident or member to enjoy this golf course.
Sun River Golf Course is an 18 hole, championship 6704 yard course. It was designed to maximize the scenic beauty of the Virgin River basin. It’s surrounded by some of the most colorful desert landscape in the country and complimented with the only bend grass greens in southern Utah.
There are plenty of risk reward shots with a mix of easily managed fairways and hazards. Players of all skill levels have a chance to play the round of their life. And there are no quirky holes here! Most of the tee shots favor a slight fade, but those who draw the ball or hit it straight won’t be disappointed due to firm fairways that promote length for well executed tee shots. Furthermore, the staff is friendly and more than willing to share pointers to ensure you’ll have a round to remember.
Neil Economy, Head PGA Golf Pro, has the knowledge, passion and experience to help players of all ages realize their golfing potential. He’ll offer a quick tip, or you can schedule a personalized, one-on-one instruction that will help you get to the next level.
Jim Blair, Golf Operations, is the reason this course is in such great shape! Jim has tremendous experience in managing golf courses across Utah. He’s a golfer’s golfer and has competed in four Senior PGA National Championships. It’s no wonder why locals and visitors to this area love to play these immaculate greens and lush fairways.
If you get hungry, Hank’s Riverwalk Grill offers casual and fine dining favorites. Many people are familiar with Hank from his other restaurant, Oscar’s in Springdale Utah. Hank’s Riverwalk Grill is a resident favorite and a true endorsement for guests who seek an upscale luncheon or elegant dinner with someone special. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.
Need a place to stay and play? Sun River offers a vacation villa option for prospective residents to stay and experience the active adult lifestyle that their residents enjoy. Vacation Villa packages start at $99 for a two night, three day stay and includes discounted prices on golf and use of the Community Center.
Sun River Golf Club rates in my top ten golf courses in Southern Utah and Mesquite for affordability, playability, and conditioning. It’s a must play for anyone visiting or considering moving here. There’s so much to do here and always someone to do it with as a resident. Get out and have some fun with people who share a similar dream of an active lifestyle. If you’re just looking for a great place to play golf under $50 during peak season, this is a deal! Plus they now have GPS golf carts and GolfBoards.
Yes, I said GolfBoards. Very cool! Experience the natural terrain in a way previously reserved for surfers and snowboarders. They add another fun way to get around every hole with the added advantage of “go anywhere” on the course. With the increase on nonresident play, it’s highly recommended to book a tee time in advance, so give them a call to play or better yet, consider Sun River as your final destination and commitment to growing older wiser. See ya on the links.
