Course Spotlight - The Ledges Golf Club

Course Spotlight

A Dye Delight

Ledges is well worth the short trip

Story by Bill Bowman

Photography courtesy of The Ledges

In St. George, Utah, sometimes you just have to step back and take in the view. The ‘wow’ factor is that good.

Such is the case at The Ledges in St. George. The 7,200-yard, par 72 course was designed by Matt Dye and burst onto the scene to rave reviews.

And it’s about to get better. Steve Sargent, the director of golf, says major improvements have taken the course to a whole new level.

“We’re back to being talked about in a good way,” Sargent says. “We’re trying to separate ourselves. Everyone has their own place and we’re working hard to find ours.”

And it’s working. Sargent reports December 2015 numbers were up…way up. “It was the best December in Ledges history for golf as well as for food and beverage,” he says. “We are doing a lot of good things around here to get our name out.”

That includes on the golf course. Last year 120 new trees were planted on the front nine to give the course more shape and define lines. Add in improvements around the rest of the course (including fairways, tees and greens) and you’ve got a product that’s very appealing and a price point that is budget-friendly.

“We are looking at membership programs and maybe a transition into a semi-private facility so we are definitely working hard to make as many improvements as we can,” Sargent says.

On the course, players will find a Dye design (yes, that Dye family) that is world-class. From elevation changes to dramatic scenery to impressive risk/reward holes, The Ledges will tantalize all the senses.

A couple of holes will definitely stand out. The 11^th and 12^th holes play up to the edge of a sheer cliff that overlooks Snow Canyon State Park, so players can’t hit it right as it’s a drop of about 100 feet to the park below. The contrast of the dark green fairways and the light brown sandstone cliffs will dazzle players.

It’s the 11^th hole that is one of the best risk/reward holes anywhere. The par 5 plays just 531 yards from the tips, but it’s straight uphill. The drive and approach shots must avoid eight bunkers on the hole and an elevated green adds to the challenge. It’s not only a scenic hole, it’s Dye-abolical.

Throughout the course players will find elevation changes galore as well as plenty of spot-on bunkering (an even 100 bunkers on the nose) that will test their aggressiveness.

“The new owners have come in and made sure people realize they aren’t afraid to make this course great again,” Sargent says. “The product is improving. The condition is great all the time and it’s just a great value. That’s what keeps people coming back.”

The Ledges Golf Club

1585 Ledges Pkwy, St. George

435-634-4600

www.ledges.com