By Ann Wycoff

When the snow melts and skis are hung for the season, Park City transforms into a wonderland of emerald fairways and undulating greens, home to world-class golf in spectacular alpine settings. Golfers have access to myriad courses, both private and public, designed by top names in the industry, which weave through mountain hillsides, verdant valleys and red rock canyons. When teeing up, craggy mountain peaks, pastoral landscapes, glistening reservoirs, snaking rivers, blankets of wildflowers and endless natural beauty fill the view. So grab your clubs and come discover Park City’s golfing paradise.

VICTORY RANCH
The Scene: Just 18 miles outside of Park City, this exclusive low-density community is tucked into glorious backcountry wilderness where members can commune with nature while living in absolute luxury. A private section of the trout-rich Provo River snakes through the ranch, endless trails traverse the rolling hills, and onsite outfitters await to guide any adventure. Homes range from swanky golf cabins to mega estates.

The Course: Set at 6,700 to 7,000 feet, the signature Rees Jones course takes golfers on an epic journey through high country with dramatic views of the Uinta and Wasatch Mountains and the glistening Jordanelle Reservoir. Jones makes impressive use of the topography with elevated tees, and natural hazards abound.

Best Asset/Amenity: Beyond great golf, this place is backcountry heaven for fly fishing, mountain biking, hiking, upland bird hunting, clay pigeon sporting, glamping and more, and now the Victory Ranch outfitters and guides have a new home in The Post, a spanking new, mountain-charm-meets- contemporary-cool social hub with a REI-style store, grab-n-go gourmet eatery, 50-foot heated-year-round-pool, spas, fitness center, concierge service, yoga studio, gaming room, fire pits, decks and more. victoryranchutah.com

PROMONTORY
The Scene: This second home and legacy community appeals to multigenerational families and wows with its two golf courses, Outfitter’s Cabin, Equestrian Center, Kid’s Cabin, tennis facilities, spa, fitness center, pools; their Shed Clubhouse is home to a movie theater, bowling alley, billiards and game arcade, art classes, amphitheater and more.

The Courses: Promontory has two top-ranked golf courses: the playable and public Pete Dye course traverses open meadow and canyons, offers spectacular views, and sports multiple tee boxes for all levels; while the members-only Painted Valley course, a links-style designed by Jack Nicklaus, challenges players with its water features, long par 5s, bunkers, elevation changes and deep canyons, and rewards with jaw-dropping vistas. Both courses have architecturally impressive luxury clubhouses.

Best Asset/Amenity: In summer 2017, Promontory opens its Beach House, parallel to the Painted Valley Golf Course where members can enjoy sandy beaches next to the infinity pool and lake, private cabanas, a dock, paddle boarding, kayaking, boating, volleyball, live music at the amphitheater and an indoor/outdoor restaurant. promontoryclub.com

RED LEDGES
The Scene: This year-round master-planned community in Heber Valley is a family paradise with its expansive wilderness and amenities galore. It’s got everything from turn-key cabins to remarkable private estates, a craftsman clubhouse, pools, a spa, hiking and biking trails, world-class instruction at the Cliff Drysdale Tennis School, Jack Nicklaus golf and an excellent equestrian program.

The Course: The private Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course is a marvel with its green fairways traveling through the riveting red rock landscape. It also has the first ever, 12-hole, par 3 Nicklaus Signature Golf Park, meaning fun for the whole family.

Best Asset/Amenity: Red Ledges stands out for its natural beauty; no other local course carves through majestic red rock canyons or offers such soul-stirring views of towering Mount Timpanogos. In addition, Red Ledges boasts the #1 rated Jim McLean Golf School onsite, so you can sharpen your swing and elevate your game under the guidance of their adept instructors. redledges.com

JUNIPER LANDING
The Scene: These luxury townhomes edge the 9th and 10th fairways of the Canyons Golf course and homeowners receive priority tee times on this public course. The contemporary residences offer panoramic alpine views and amenities like a Junior Olympic pool, heated courtyard, fire pits, hot tubs and a fitness center. Owners can also join the Golden Door Spa at the nearby Waldorf Astoria or catch a ride on the Frostwood Gondola that accesses 4,000 acres of wilderness for biking, hiking and more. And Main Street Park City is only minutes away.

The Course: Designed by renowned course architects Gene and Casey Bates, the Canyons Golf course wanders through 97 acres at the base of the resort, with its holes carved into the mountainside and natural slope. It features four sets of tees, 550 feet of elevation, playable cart path terrain and incredible Uinta and Wasatch mountain views.

Best Asset/Amenity: Hole 18 has a true island green that is 100% surrounded by the Willow Draw Stream for a challenging finish. juniperlandingparkcity.com

GLENWILD
The Scene: This elegant, four-season private community lies conveniently close to Park City, but feels miles away, set in the clutch of nature. The 950-acre expansive property is a refuge for its residents and a herd of 240 elk. Striking architecture, gorgeous private estates, a beautiful clubhouse, exceptional cuisine, full- service spa, swimming facility, great golf, fly fishing, extensive trails for biking and hiking and a top-rate fitness center make it a standout in the area.

The Course: This Tom Fazio masterpiece meanders seamlessly through the topography, and shines for its integration between the course and its surrounding landscape. Wide fairways, meticulous maintenance, views of all three ski resorts, wide-open empty fairways, challenging greens and savvy pros make this a first-rate golf community.

Best Asset/Amenity: Glenwild has it all, including the bragging rights, as it’s been rated Utah’s top course by Golf Digest for the past 15 years, since it opened in 2001. Members can even enjoy indulgent perks like gourmet food and craft cocktails delivered directly to their golf carts on any hole. glenwild.com

TUHAYE
The Scene: Tuhaye, an upscale lifestyle community with estates sprinkled along its lovely golf course, is part of the renowned Talisker Club, which also encompasses the ski-in ski-out Tower at Empire Pass and The Outpost, a backcountry yurt at 9,000 feet and hub for wilderness adventures. At Tuhaye, members enjoy a collection of luxury elements and family fun experiences, from its high-design spa and upscale restaurants, to the Wildstar Ranger facility for kids and a massive pool with waterslides.

The Course: The Mark O’Meara- designed, 18-hole championship golf course appeals to all levels of play with five tees ranging from 5,100 to 7,800 yards. The course wanders over an undulating high mountain plain with showstopping views in every direction. Its condition is pristine and the practice facility is first class. In

2016, Golf Magazine rated it the #1 course in Park City. Best Amenity/Asset: Tuhaye’s new clubhouse was designed by one of the greatest living American architects, Robert A.M. Stern, and stands as the crowning set piece of the Talisker masterplan. Here, members can dine on farm-to-table cuisine, soak up the views and sip 19th hole libations, or gear up at the high-end golf shop. taliskerclub.com

HIDEOUT CANYON
The Scene: While only ten minutes from Park City, this charming community of single family homes lives up to its name as homeowners enjoy the tranquility of nature and astounding views of the Jordanelle Reservoir and Deer Valley’s Bald Mountain. Extensive hiking and biking awaits out the back door, along with watersports such as stand-up paddle-boarding, wake surfing and water skiing on the nearby Jordanelle.

The Course: Hideout Canyon has a nine-hole, family friendly public course in their backyard that navigates the foothills of the Jordanelle Reservoir. Designed by William Howard Neff, Outlaw Golf Club has holes (par 3s and 4s only) sporting whimsical names like “The Ten Most Wanted,” “Nowhere to Hide” and “Hole in the Wall.” As it’s tucked deep into the wilderness, expect the occasional elk, moose, deer, fox and hawk sighting.

Best Asset/Amenity: Empty fairways and the pure sounds of nature characterize this off-the-beaten path course that’s the perfect spot to bring the kids for a short round of affordable golf. hideoutcanyon.com

KANTONS AT VILLAGE GREEN
The Scene: Rustic single-family homes and townhomes sit along the historic Homestead Resort and Crater Springs Golf Course in the charming Swiss-style village of Midway in Heber Valley. The family friendly community is also just minutes from Wasatch Mountain State Park, home to two other golf courses and a recreational playground for hiking, camping, ATV riding and horseback adventures.

The Course: Designed by Bruce Summerhays, the picturesque Crater Springs Golf Course winds through the pastoral countryside, home to babbling brooks, horse farms, the iconic Homestead Crater with Wasatch mountain scenery as a beautiful backdrop.

Best Asset/Amenity: Golfers can take a post 18-holes soak in the natural hot springs of the Homestead Crater. villagegreenmidway.com

SOURCEAnn Wycoff
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