Best Public Golf Courses in Salt Lake City

Updated February 2024 to update booking information.

I vividly remember the first time I drove through Salt Lake City.  I was on my way to see my sister in Denver.  While the traffic was gridlock on the way through the valley, the vistas of the Wasatch Mountains were otherworldly.  Truth be told, I didn’t mind sitting in traffic.

That was my first experience in SLC and I’ve made it a point to get back a few times since.  And yes, I had my sticks with me.  While there are some high-end private clubs that I’m sure are wonderful, I’ve been fortunate to play some of the public tracks.  Let me tell you, there are plenty of great options to choose from. 

But I’m certainly not an expert.  So, I reached out to our loyal readers in the area, and they were more than eager to tell me all about the golf scene in their wonderful city.

While I can’t fit everyone’s favorite course on this list, you can find a guide to the ten most popular below.

If you’re looking for a conveniently located public golf course in Salt Lake City that offers a well-designed layout and a range of amenities, River Oaks Golf Course is an excellent choice. Situated close to the Wasatch Mountain State Park, this championship course provides a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels. The layout features long fairways, strategic bunkers, and undulating greens, making it a favorite among both casual and serious golfers.

One of the standout features of River Oaks Golf Course is its commitment to maintaining top-notch turf conditions. Golfers can expect lush fairways and well-manicured greens throughout the year, enhancing the overall playing experience. Additionally, the course offers a well-stocked pro shop, practice facilities, golf instruction, and on-site dining options, ensuring that every aspect of your visit is catered to.

Accessible and affordable, River Oaks Golf Course provides golfers with the opportunity to book tee times easily and take advantage of discounted rates and special promotions. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to Salt Lake City, this public course is a must-visit for those seeking an exceptional golfing experience.

Located just a short drive from River Oaks Golf Course, Sun Hills Golf Course in Salt Lake City offers golfers a well-designed layout and a range of amenities for an enjoyable and challenging golfing experience.

When you step onto the course, you’ll be greeted by spectacular views of the surrounding landscape, creating a serene and picturesque backdrop for your game. The strategically placed bunkers and elevation changes present a thrilling challenge, while the large greens cater to a variety of putting skills, promising an engaging game for players of all levels.

The course’s links style design not only adds a touch of authenticity to your golfing experience but also provides an opportunity for outdoor recreation in a beautiful setting.

Additionally, Sun Hills Golf Course is home to some of the top golf instructors in the area, ensuring that you have access to expert guidance to enhance your skills and enjoyment of the game.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this public golf gem with affordable green fees is a must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable and rewarding golfing adventure.

The Dye Canyon Course at Promontory promises golfers a challenging yet enjoyable layout set against breathtaking mountain views, making it a must-visit for both residents and visitors seeking an affordable and memorable mountain golfing experience. Located in Park City, this course offers golfers the opportunity to test their skills amidst the stunning backdrop of the Wasatch Mountain Range. Whether you’re a novice or seasoned player, you’ll appreciate the well-maintained fairways and undulating greens that make each round both challenging and rewarding.

In addition to the remarkable scenery, the Dye Canyon Course at Promontory provides a range of amenities to enhance your golfing experience. The well-stocked pro shop ensures you have access to the latest golf equipment and apparel. The practice facilities offer the perfect opportunity to hone your skills, while on-site dining options are available to satisfy your post-round cravings.

Moreover, as one of the top-ranked public golf courses in Utah, this course offers an exceptional mountain golfing experience at an affordable price, making it a standout destination for golf enthusiasts in the Salt Lake City area.

Nestled against a stunning mountain backdrop, the Nicklaus Painted Valley Course at Promontory beckons golfers of all skill levels to experience its challenging yet enjoyable layout and breathtaking natural surroundings. When you step onto the course, you can expect an experience that will evoke a range of emotions:

• As you stand on the first tee, the panoramic views of the Wasatch Mountain Range will fill you with a sense of awe and appreciation for the natural beauty that surrounds you.
• The meticulously manicured fairways and greens will instill a sense of excitement and anticipation as you prepare to take your shot.
• The strategic design of the course by Jack Nicklaus himself will challenge and inspire you to elevate your game, leaving you with a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment after each round.

The Nicklaus Painted Valley Course at Promontory not only offers a remarkable golfing experience but also provides an opportunity for you to immerse yourself in the stunning landscape of Salt Lake City. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting out, this public golf course is a must-visit for anyone seeking top-notch golfing amidst breathtaking scenery.

Conveniently situated within the city limits of Salt Lake City, Stonebridge Golf Club welcomes golfers to its well-designed course, offering a mix of challenging yet enjoyable holes for a memorable golfing experience. As one of the best public golf courses in Salt Lake City, Stonebridge Golf Club has gained recognition for its meticulously maintained grounds, lush fairways, and manicured greens.

Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to Salt Lake City, this public golf course provides easy access and affordable green fees for a day of enjoyable play. The course layout features strategic bunkers, undulating greens, and long fairways, presenting a delightful challenge for golfers of all skill levels.

Stonebridge Golf Club goes beyond just a great course, offering a range of amenities and facilities such as a well-stocked pro shop, practice facilities, golf instruction, on-site dining options, and clubhouse facilities. This means you can enjoy a complete golfing experience, from refining your skills on the practice range to relaxing with fellow players after a round.

With its convenient location and commitment to providing an exceptional golfing environment, Stonebridge Golf Club stands as a compelling choice for those seeking a memorable day on the course in Salt Lake City.

Lakeside golf course is the home to the prestigious West Bountiful Amateur.  Every year, players come from all over the state to compete in this tournament. 

And with good reason.  This track is always in great shape and a treat to play. 

The course opened in 1966 and is a classic old western layout with narrow fairways and small, tricky greens.

Length isn’t Lakeside’s defense.  If you’re going to score, you’d best be precise and think your way around. 

A staple on the SLC scene for more than 50 years, it’s not hard to see why locals and tourists continue to call this track one of their favorites.

Everyone knows I’m a fan of golf at elevation.  The ball goes a mile and the air crystal clear. 

That’s precisely what you’ll find at Wasatch Mountain Golf Course.  The name of this facility really should be “Wasatch Mountain Golf CourseS” because there are 36 great holes. 

Both tracks afford spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and plenty of challenge. 

Even though it’s a bit of a drive to get to the town of Midway where these courses are located, it’s more than worth the trip.

Thanksgiving Point is one of the premier public facilities in the SLC area. 

Designed by Johnny Miller, this course is set alongside the picturesque Jordan River.  It’s a big boy’s golf course too, stretching to over 7,700 yards from the back tees.

Not a long hitter?  Don’t worry, there are plenty of tees that make the course playable for anyone. 

The course is best known for its collection of par threes.  As beautiful as they are challenging, you won’t forget the short holes out here. 

Having hosted some of the premier events in the west, it’s little wonder this course consistently ranks as one of the best in the state.

The Gold and Silver Courses at Soldier Hollow in the town of Midway are unbelievable.  That’s the consensus amongst our readers and I couldn’t agree more. 

As part of Wasatch Mountain State Park, the views here are yet again, to die for (seems to be a theme in SLC).  If you get a chance to play here in the fall when the leaves are changing, bring your camera.  The colors are awe-inspiring. 

Both layouts are somewhat wide open.  Should you miss a fairway however, the native grasses aren’t much fun to play from.

Again, the playing season here is short.  So, get here while you can.

Davis Park Golf Course is one of the most underrated tracks in the SLC area.  That’s what the locals say at least, and I couldn’t agree more.

While there’s nothing fancy about this facility, the layout is top-notch.  No surprises, but you’re asked to hit a variety of shots to precise targets. 

The course is always in good shape and the staff are some of the friendliest folks you’ll find anywhere.

Don’t overlook this hidden gem.

Conclusion

Salt Lake City is one of the most beautiful big cities I’ve ever been to.  Does the traffic suck?  Sure.  But aside from that, there’s more to do and see than you could imagine.  And that includes golf.

If you’re looking for a western golf getaway where there’s something for everyone, put SLC on your list.