A Hurricane’s A-Blowing

Course Spotlight

The challenging and stunning Sand Hollow Resort

Story by Bill Bowman

Here’s the dilemma golfers face: Do you want to play a resort-style course or a links-style layout? Well, Sand Hollow Resort in Hurricane, Utah, has an easy answer: Play both.

The resort features 27 holes (an 18-hole championship layout along with a 9-hole links course). Designed by John Fought, the resort is an inviting destination with enough challenge and beauty to satisfy any golfer.

On the championship course, players will find a front nine that wanders seamlessly through a valley. That sets the stage for a dramatic back nine that has to be seen—and played—to be believed.

A five-hole stretch—holes 11 through 15—takes the term signature holes and multiplies it by five. Start with forced carries, add in stunning views along with severe elevation changes and top it off with some fairways that play alongside sheer cliffs with 150-foot drops, and the word ‘dramatic’ just doesn’t seem adequate.

“John Fought said it best about Sand Hollow,” says Adam Jasperson, general manager and head golf professional. “He said ‘Everyone can make a bogey here but you should have to work to make a birdie.’ People like that challenge.”

And word is getting out, far and wide. “The golf course speaks for itself,” Jasperson says. “The property itself is immaculate. They gave us an easy product to work with. It’s a great resort facility. About 80 percent of our business comes from out of the area. We give people a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere while they are here. We have excellent customer service and try to exceed guests’ expectations.”

And that includes the rest of the golf available on the property. The Links Course, for instance; at 3,600 yards, the par 36 course will let players unleash their British Open-style of play. The course blends the desert surroundings and rock formations along with windblown sand drifts and old-style sheep fencing to perfection.

There’s one more little bit of fun awaiting guests if they haven’t had enough golf for one day. Check out the Wee Course. It’s a par 3 course layout with holes ranging from 50 to 120 yards that will test players’ shot-making abilities. From bump-and-run shots to pitch shots to chip shots, your short game will get a fun workout here. “Players will be able to hit just about every wedge shot they can imagine,” Jasperson says.

There’s also a world-class practice facility that gets quite a workout. “It’s second to none,” Jasperson adds. “We have high schools, college players and those looking to make it on tour working on their game here.”

For a relaxing spot after the round, check out the 7,000 square-foot clubhouse. With seating for 120 (indoors), there’s also plenty of room in the covered outdoor areas. Whether it’s a meal for two or a family gathering for that special occasion, the staff will cater to your every need.

And if you’re going to play more than one day and looking for a place to stay, look no further than staying on the property. From the penthouse to the villas, there are rooms for every taste and budget. “We’ve got everything from one bedrooms to six bedrooms,” Jasperson says. Pricing ranges from $87 to $1,200 per night depending on the night and season.

For that ultimate golf getaway, Sand Hollow Resort fits the bill nicely. “The entire development is unique,” Jasperson says. “The red sand creates its own unique beauty, and put it up against the green grass and it’s just stunning.”

Sand Hollow Resort

5662 W. Clubhouse Dr., Hurricane, UT

435-656-4653

www.sandhollowresorts.com