Written by Scott Dunford
Having lived here for just over two years now as a avid player and columnist for The Independent, I’ve played every golf course in Southern Utah and Mesquite. I’ve even worked as a volunteer at Coral Canyon and a part-time marshal/starter at Entrada for a period of time. I have developed a pretty good idea which courses offer the best views, best conditions, layout, and yes, where the toughest holes are.
Sky Mountain’s #4, a par 4, was definitely one of those very difficult holes. Even you were fortunate enough to reach the green in regulation, you weren’t out of the woods yet. In fact, if you were above the hole when the greens were fast, the chance of getting a one or two-putt for birdie or par was considered a major accomplishment. That was due to a severe, forward-sloping green, turning what seemed to be an up-and-down into a down-and-off-the-green. I think everyone who played that hole would agree it needed to be redesigned or replaced.
The good news is that they’ve abandoned that old green altogether for a new one. It’s still challenging, but will not penalize you unfairly. I don’t expect the difficulty rating to change much, but I do expect this new hole to provide a realistic chance for birdies and pars for a well-placed shot. I can’t wait to see how I score when the pin is on the upper tear! Land it on the larger lower tear and you’ll face an uphill slope that promises to generate more bogeys and double bogeys than pars and birdies. This new green also requires a good tee shot to the center or right side of the fairway, or you’ll be facing a blind approach shot. It’s now a dog leg left, versus the previous straightaway in full view from every approach.
All in all, I’m excited about this new green and can’t wait to play it. Sky Mountain’s head professional, Kent Abegglen, said that it should be ready sometime this month.
Sky Mountain is a public 18-hole golf course owned and operated by the City of Hurricane, known for its many festivals, marathons, and pioneer heritage. The course is surrounded by Zion National Park and the spectacular Pine Valley Mountains. It’s one of the most picturesque locations anywhere in the world.
This 6,383-yard par 72 course is much more challenging than the yardage indicates. You’ll be blown away by the view when you first arrive! Bring your camera, because you’ll want to capture the moment and share it with your golf buddies who live abroad. Photos like these will motivate anyone to play here on your next golf outing.
Plus, it’s still one of the best values around. During peak season or not, it’s considerably less but boasts great conditioning, a superb layout, and good food with an incredible view at the Sky Mountain Grill.
See you on the links!
