The Best Golf in Southern Utah
When the courses of Northern Utah are covered with snow, Southern Utah is ripe with elevated golf experiences that rival the best in the world.
Driving around Southern Utah, red rock landscapes abound. The area serves as the gateway to The Mighty 5®, some of the most famous national parks in the country. And yet, there’s another defining characteristic — oases of green dot the landscape.
This place is a golfer’s haven.
St. George opened its first golf course in 1965. Now, almost 60 years later, golf courses have sprouted all over the region. Head east and you’ll find incredible public gems in tiny towns close to national parks like Arches and Canyonlands. Stay in St. George and you’ll have a wide array of options within a 30-minute drive. (Read: St. George Golf Courses)
In contrast to more well-known golf hubs, the courses in Southern Utah offer a peaceful and uncrowded atmosphere with lower price points and plenty of lodging options nearby.
Whether you’re looking for a beloved municipal, true links style or a layout that challenges the world’s best, you won’t be disappointed.
So where to start? Here’s a breakdown of the best golf in Southern Utah.
"Driving around Southern Utah, red rock landscapes abound. The area serves as the gateway to The Mighty 5®, some of the most famous national parks in the country. And yet, there’s another defining characteristic — oases of green dot the landscape. This place is a golfer’s haven."
Black Desert Resort
Photo: Courtesy of Black Desert Resort
Black Desert Resort
Ivins, Utah
The newest and arguably most luxurious course to be added to Southern Utah’s repertoire is Black Desert Resort. Nestled at the intersection of the Colorado Plateau, Mojave Desert and Great Basin, Black Desert has climbed to No. 1 in Utah on Golfweek’s Best list of public-access courses and No. 26 among all resort courses in the U.S. At 7,500 yards, this championship track is a cherished Tom Weiskopf design. The World Golf Hall of Fame member passed away in 2022 and Black Desert was his final design.
A key characteristic of the course is the black lava fields that weave throughout the holes and sit in contrast to the distant orange and red towering cliffs. Course conditions are topnotch, with well-manicured firm greens, wide fairways and plenty of risk-reward challenges from the back tees. Enjoyable for a resort guest or tour professional. Fitting since after a 60-year hiatus, the PGA Tour made its return to Utah in 2024 to host the inaugural Black Desert Championship as part of its FEDEX Cup fall series. The LPGA Tour will head to the course in the spring of 2025.
Green fees include a host of other benefits like complimentary food and beverage, forecaddie, tee gift, cart and access to the driving range which features TRACKMAN technology and a 36-hole putting range. Beautiful accommodations include nearly 800 hotel rooms and residences, a shopping center, premiere dining and a spa. This resort has clearly earned its place as the new king of the region.
Dixie Red HIlls
Photo: Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office
Dixie Red Hills
St. George, Utah
While there are 21 courses within a 15-mile radius of St. George, there’s no better place to start than at the epicenter of it all, Dixie Red Hills, the city’s first golf course.
Located right off Bluff Street next to vibrant sandstone cliffs, Dixie Red Hills is a 9-hole par-34 layout, making it a perfect choice for all skill levels and those wanting to get in a quick nine before or after exploring other parts of the area (Read: Make St. George Your Zion National Park Basecamp). Despite its length, each hole is filled with character. Many scenic rock formations surround the course with some just steps from the green, making it feel like you’re playing on a prehistoric playground.
Golfers love this municipal treasure for its fun layout, walkability and affordability. A shake from the Iceberg Drive Inn down the road completes a perfect day.
Sand Hollow Resort
Photo: Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office
Sand Hollow Resort
Hurricane, Utah
Less than 15 minutes west of St. George is Sand Hollow Resort. Featuring two golf courses, a 9-hole Links course and 18-hole Championship Course.
Like the links courses in the British Isles, Sand Hollow’s Links course has large undulating greens and fairways that blend into the natural landscape. Players can be creative, with lots of space to strategize different approaches to holes. Hand-built stone “sheep fencing” pays homage to the origins of the sport. Also, characteristic of a links course, there’s not a tree to be found, so don’t forget the sunscreen.
The 18-hole Championship Course offers a completely different feel. Consistently ranked a “Top 100 Resort Course” by Golfweek, various holes feature incredible cliffside views, dramatic elevation change and red sand bunkers. A must for epic golf and photos.
Hideout Golf Course
Photo: Courtesy of Hideout Golf Course
Hideout Golf Course
Monticello, Utah
On the southeastern side of the state in the small town of Monticello, is an 18-hole course regarded as one of the best kept secrets in the West, Hideout Golf Course.
Only an hour from Canyonlands National Park and Moab, and 30 minutes from Bears Ears National Monument, the Hideout is an under-the-radar spot that was built on a reclaimed uranium mine. Drastic elevation changes and uneven lies are a rollercoaster of a good time that will test your shotmaking and luck. For instance, the 15th is an uphill hole where tee shots travel about 75% of their usual distance. What appears to be a relatively short hole sneakily plays much longer. In contrast, the par-4 8th hole features an overall drop of 100 feet from tee to green, making the 402 yardage less daunting.
One of the best parts about the course is the remoteness you’ll feel in the high desert environment. The Abajo Mountains rise majestically in the distance with juniper, pinyon pine and Gambel oak trees scattered throughout the landscape making it feel less like a traditional round of golf and more like a scenic hike through nature’s beauty.
With a population of less than 2,000 in the surrounding community, the course is rarely crowded and rates are reasonable. A round of 18 holes walking will only set you back $38 ($56 with a cart) and seniors over 60 only pay $29 ($47 with a cart).
The Hideout is a great stop as you make your way to the Four Corners or many other outdoor adventures along U.S. Route191 — a destination in and of itself with three portions designated as National Scenic Byways.
Utah's National Parks
Known as the Mighty 5, each national park can be an entire vacation all in itself. The best visits include a mix of activities inside and outside of the park, and guided experiences to bring the stories of these remarkable landscapes to the forefront.
Sky Mountain Golf Course
Sky Mountain Golf Course
Hurricane, Utah
About halfway between St. George and Zion National Park is an 18-hole public course called Sky Mountain. The driving range might be the most scenic in Southern Utah, or even the West as it’s framed by the large red Pine Valley Mountains. Dramatic backdrops continue throughout the front nine as holes weave through the incredible desert landscape.
Fairways are wide but undulating and natural elevation changes add dimension and unique perspectives to each hole.
You won’t find a better bang for your buck as the price to walk 18 holes ranges from $48-$68 (with a cart $68-$88) depending on the season. Save $10 if you play during their Twilight period, after 12:30 p.m. Take a seat at the Sky Mountain Grill to enjoy a burger and fries while watching jack rabbits play in front of the panorama.
Overall, Sky Mountain is a fantastic and unassuming option for golfers of any skill level.
The Ledges
Photo: Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office
The Ledges
St. George, Utah
Built in 2006, the Ledges Golf Club is a 7,200-yard par 72 golf course designed by Matt Dye, nephew of legendary course designer Pete Dye.
Dye worked as a greens constructions specialist for many years. At The Ledges, the greens are some of the most interesting in Southern Utah due to their unique contours, multiple undulations and fast speed.
The Ledges was an early crown jewel of Southern Utah’s golf resorts, with a private club feel despite being open to public play. Now, almost 20 years later, it is still well maintained and enjoyed by locals and visitors.
The practice facility includes a full-length 300-yard turf driving range (with balls included for all players to warm-up before their round) and two practice greens.
The front nine offers a good chance to warm up with little elevation change, wide fairways and few hazards. The back nine presents more difficult terrain. Numbers 14, 15 and 16 feature canyon vistas and carries over desert washes and ravines.
The clubhouse overlooks the 18th hole and the restaurant, the Fish Rock Grille, provides a perfect spot to enjoy a post round drink or meal while gazing at Snow Canyon State Park.
Thunderbird Golf Course
Photo: Kane County Office of Tourism
Thunderbird Golf Course
Orderville, Utah
Thinking of visiting Zion National Park? Take a drive east along winding Utah State Route 9, the Zion Park Scenic Byway, and you’ll come out on the other side in the small town of Mt. Carmel.
Here you’ll find Thunderbird Resort. Family-owned and operated since 1931, the resort includes the Best Western East Zion Thunderbird Lodge, Thunderbird Restaurant & Gift Shop, Thunderbird RV Park and Thunderbird Golf Course.
Established by Fern Morrison in 1962, the 9-hole golf course is the only course for 60+ miles and the perfect place to enjoy stunning views, good company and a slice of the “ho-made pies” at the neighboring retro restaurant. (Read: Utah’s Pie-Ala-Road)
This small-town golf course may be off the beaten path, but it oozes charm and character. With its quirky layout, uneven fairways and simple amenities, it offers a refreshingly unpolished experience. Nine holes walking is just $15, and with a cart will add $5.
The surrounding scenery, laid-back atmosphere and down-to-earth feel make it a treasured spot for those who appreciate a game with personality and a lot of heart, rather than pristine perfection.
Even more, it’s only an hour from Bryce Canyon National Park and 20 minutes from Kanab.
Green Spring Golf Course
Photo: Greater Zion Convention & Tourism Office
Green Spring Golf Course
Washington, Utah
Only a 5-minute drive from town is another great value for the quality of golf, Green Spring Golf Course in Washington, Utah.
When it’s snowing up north, at this laidback municipal course you’ll pay $85 for 18 holes with a cart during prime season, February through April. That drops to $45 from June to August when the weather heats up.
Green Spring offers similar amazing views of desert and mountain scenery with some additional water hazards, forced carries and approaches. The fifth hole requires a 175-yard carry across a red rock canyon to a green perched on the edge, aptly named the “Bottomless Pit.” The following hole doesn’t offer much respite. Named, “Devil’s Gulch,” the approach requires clearing a canyon that has eaten plenty of balls and was ranked as the most difficult hole in Utah for many years by The Salt Lake Tribune.
The 11th and 15th holes play over wetlands that are home to various birds such as mallards, wigeons, yellow warblers, coots and more. The finale, 18th hole, is a 502-yard downhill par 5. There’s something new around every corner at Green Spring Golf Course guaranteeing a memorable experience.
Places to Visit Between Tee Times
-
Four Corners Area
Visit the Four Corners area of Utah and learn about each of the Four Corners states--Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah. Plan your visit now!
-
Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum
Edge of the Cedars State Park Museum in Blanding, Utah, is the site of a prehistoric Native American village. Explore history here!
-
Quail Creek State Park
Quail Creek State Park welcomes day-trippers and overnighters to boat, camp, fish or paddleboard at Quail Creek Reservoir.
-
Dixie National Forest
This forest stretches for 170 miles across southern Utah. Visitors can experience its brilliant red spires and cliffs by car or by hiking one of the nature trails in the canyon.
Dixie National Forest
-
Glen Canyon and Lake Powell
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area offers more than 1.2 million acres of unparalleled opportunities for land- and water-based recreation.
Lake Powell
-
Zion National Park
Whether you are trying to catch your breath while climbing the trail to Angel's Landing or watching the shadows constantly change the mood of the Court of the Patriarchs, Zion National Park is always ready to quench your appetite for outdoor wonder.
Zion National Park
-
Snow Canyon State Park
Located at the edge of the Mojave Desert, Great Basin and Colorado Plateau, Snow Canyon State Park explodes with dramatic geology perfect for your outdoor adventure — and photo opportunities.
-
Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
Monument Valley, Utah, an iconic symbol of the American West, is the sacred heart of the Navajo Nation and the ideal setting for your next adventure in the warm, high desert climate of southeastern Utah.
Monument Valley
-
Red Cliffs Desert Reserve
At the Red Cliffs Desert Reserve and National Conservation Area, you’ll find hiking, camping and rock climbing with a backdrop of fascinating geology and wildlife.
-
Goosenecks State Park
Located north of Mexican Hat, Goosenecks State Park is an easy-to-get-to area with a million-dollar view. The San Juan River begins in the mountains of Colorado and travels to its junction with the Colorado River at Lake Powell.
-
Natural Bridges National Monument
As you start to descend toward Natural Bridges National Monument, the groundcover becomes more luxuriant and the trees taller. You cannot see the chaotic landscape of Natural Bridges from the highway– it is only revealed once inside the park.
-
Manti-La Sal National Forest
The Manti-La Sal National Forest consists of three blocks located in central, eastern and southeastern Utah. The area has an abundance of lakes and is great for fishing, hiking and more.
-
Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park
Coral Pink Sand Dunes are open for hiking and kid-friendly playing. About 90-percent of the dunes are open for OHV riders, an attraction for which this state park has become ever popular.
-
Bryce Canyon National Park
An alpine forest with as many red rock hoodoos as trees. At dawn and dusk, mule deer graze the forested plateau along the road into Bryce Canyon.
Bryce Canyon National Park
-
Bears Ears National Monument
A pair of towering buttes stand against beautiful scenery. The twin buttes are so distinctive that in each of the native languages of the region their name is the same: Hoon'Naqvut, Shash Jáa, Kwiyagatu Nukavachi, Ansh An Lashokdiwe, or in English: Bears Ears.
Bears Ears National Monument
-
Sand Hollow State Park
Beachside camping, boating and OHV trails are all within easy reach at Sand Hollow State Park. Plan your trip to this local favorite today!
-
Kodachrome Basin State Park
Kodachrome Basin covers 2,240 acres of canyon country and is surrounded by Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument on three sides.
-
Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands is home to many different types of travel experiences, from sublime solitude in the more remote stretches of the park to moderate hikes through the Needles district to the opportunity to create your own version of one of the West's most photographed landforms, Mesa Arch.
Canyonlands National Park
Southern Utah Golf Basecamps
-
Bluff
Rich in human and natural history, Bluff is a central point along the Trail of the Ancients National Scenic Byway. It is a gateway to Monument Valley, Bears Ears National Monument, Valley of the Gods and Hovenweep National Monument.
-
Kanab
Kanab, Utah is classic American West, surrounded by towering Navajo sandstone cliffs and vistas of sagebrush. Kanab's self-proclaimed title, "Little Hollywood," is fitting for its many abandoned film sets.
-
Monticello
The southeastern Utah town of Monticello lies on the sheltered eastern slope of the Abajo Mountains, overlooking a maze of sandstone canyons and plateaus.
-
Springdale
As the gateway to Zion National Park and nestled along the North Fork of the Virgin River, Springdale is an ideal place to get outfitted for adventure in Zion and numerous other parks, monuments, and recreation areas of the western Colorado Plateau and the desert southwest.
-
St. George
St. George is perfect for family adventures, luxury spas, extensive shopping, championship golf and nearby outdoor recreation assets.
More Inspiration
-
Ice and rock, snow and splendor: Winter in Southern Utah
Come along on a five-day expedition to see Southern Utah’s wintry face, explore national parks, ski its mountains and find ways to play in the snow.
-
Best Hikes in St. George During Winter
While Utah's Greater Zion offers a few hundred trails, we’ve highlighted seven of the best hikes in the state's southwestern corner, from deep canyons to high peaks.
-
Escalante River Canyon Trail
Located in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, the Escalante River Canyon river trail winds and knots its way east and south.
-
5 Expert Tips to Prepare for Your Utah National Parks Adventure
If you’re planning to visit Utah national parks for a hike, learn important tips to maximize your experience and keep you and your family safe.
-
Slot Canyons: A Guided Hike Through Nature's Masterworks
It's said that southwestern Utah offers the highest concentration of slot canyons in the world. Well-prepared visitors can hike right into some of them, but the best experience is with a guide.
-
Explore the Tushars on Snowshoe
Ready to experience snowshoeing in Utah? Eagle Point is a Utah favorite location. Check out this snowshoe excursion then plan yours today for fun and adventure.
-
8 Elevated Ski Experiences That are Uniquely Utah
If you dream of the possibility of hitting six resorts in one day or carving your own lines from snow-covered summits served by helicopters, then this listicle is made for you.
-
Exploring Mule Canyon: House on Fire and Cave Tower
Driving the up the dusty, terracotta-colored road toward Mule Canyon in Cedar Mesa, you get a sense that this is a special place, though you might not be able to put a finger on why.
-
Hole N'' the Rock
Your road trip in Moab might call for a stopover at the famous Hole N” The Rock.
-
15 Must-Do Adventures in Kanab
Looking for fun things to do in Kanab? Check out our list of the 15 must-do adventures in Kanab and start planning your visit today.
-
8 Reasons Why Ski School Is Cool
Ski school is cool, and it’s where beginners to experts find the secrets to skiing (and Utah’s secret powder stashes). Learn to ski the entire resort.
-
5 Road Trip-Worthy Restaurants in Kanab, Utah
Hungry for a culinary renaissance? Or a small-town staple? Whatever you’re craving, fuel your outdoor adventures at these favorite Kanab restaurants.
-
Kiva Koffeehouse
Kiva Koffeehouse is a welcome stop for fresh food and espresso tucked on a hillside down a dirt driveway near milepost 73 on the scenic byway.
-
See the Fall Leaves Near Utah's National Parks
Sure, any of Utah’s Mighty 5 national parks are spectacular year round — covered in snow, peppered with spring wildflowers, and baked in sunshine. But find them exponentially special when the changing fall leaves are in juxtaposition to the immaculate red rock cliffs.
-
Kayak and Stand Up Paddleboard Lake Powell
Slip into the mighty Lake Powell with a personal, self-propelled watercraft and have a whole different experience than the boats flying down the lake.
-
Insider's Guide to Hiking Rainbow Bridge National Monument
From choosing the best season and trail, to understanding logistics and history, here's what you need to know to hike Utah's Rainbow Bridge National Monument located off the south coast of Lake Powell.
-
Dog-Friendly Utah: The Road to Mighty
Want to bring your furry friend on your next vacation? Utah is home to several great dog-friendly national parks and other fun destinations. Check it out and plan your trip!
-
Kanab's Western Legends Heritage and Music Festival
Kanab's Western Legends Heritage and Music Festival is filled with round-the-clock Western-themed entertainment — think: music, cowboys and history.
-
The All-American Road: Scenic Byway 12
This is 122.863 miles (to be exact) of pure driving bliss. Welcome to Utah’s Scenic Byway 12, a designated All-American Road.
-
10 Places to Honor Women's History on Your Trip to Utah
Notable places you can visit where women have shaped history
-
Ridin' Greater Zion
Southeastern Utah might be the state’s hidden gem of mountain biking. Learn about the top mountain biking trails in this area and plan a getaway you’ll never forget.
-
Bryce Wildlife Adventure Museum
Explore wildlife near Bryce Canyon at the Bryce Wildlife Adventure Museum.
-
Kayenta Art Village
Like a Marfa, Texas, or Paonia, Colorado, Kayenta is often regarded as an artist colony. Kayenta's Coyote Gulch Art Village is a hub of cultural and social activity for locals and visitors alike.
-
In Search of Robbers Roost
Robbers Roost Utah, one of the infamous hideouts of Butch Cassidy and his Wild Bunch, is not easy to find even with directions from the locals. Explore Utah.
-
Hell's Backbone Grill
Boulder, Utah sits at the edge of wilderness, but Hell's Backbone Grill culinary ethics and farm-to-table cuisine puts most city dining to shame.
