Park City Gets a New Golf Course

Canyons Resort cut the ceremonial ribbon for the highly anticipated Canyons Golf Course on Oct. 1. The ribbon-cutting kicked off a two-day celebration where Park City community leaders and partners took the first swings on the course in a shotgun-style tournament. The 97-acre golf course is located in the heart of the resort and was designed by renowned architects Gene Bates and Casey Bates. (Above: The new Canyons Golf Course, from the top of the course looking down to Snyderville Basin. © 2014 Scott Cullins)

Members of the media were treated to an early morning tour of the course which provided an upclose view of what promises to be a very exciting course.

With narrow fairways, winding through the resort’s scenic canyons, and vertical drops of up to 265 feet on a single hole, the course was not only breathtaking, but promised to be very challenging. The golf cart ride alone was exhilarating, as the pathways climbed and descended steep switchbacks and alternated between concrete surfaces and soft, playable surfaces that made it feel like you were breaking the rules by driving on the course.

The new Canyons Golf Course, from the top of the course looking up the canyon towards Apex Ridge. © 2014 Scott Cullins

The new Canyons Golf Course, from the top of the course looking up the canyon towards Apex Ridge. © 2014 Scott Cullins

With the launching of the new public golf course, Canyons expects to see an increase in summer visits. While pricing has not yet been set, it is expected the resort will offer stay-and-play packages with the lodging properties located at the base of the resort.

In addition to increased summer visits, Vail Resorts’ recent acquisition of Park City Mountain Resort will likely result in an increase of winter visitors. Plans are in the works to connect Canyons Resort and Park City Mountain Resort, which would result in the creation of the largest resort in the U.S. With approximately 7,000 acres of skiable terrain, the new resort would be a huge draw for Epic Pass holders in the U.S., Europe and Japan.

In a resort town, where tourism is the largest economic driver, Vail Resorts seems to be making all the right moves. Perhaps this explains why former critics are now whistling a different, more upbeat tune.

About the author

Scott Cullins

Scott moved to Utah from Teton Valley, Idaho in 2011. He is publisher of Wastach Rider, Salt Lake Bard and the Teton Valley WYDAHO Outdoor Guide and Map. When he's not working, you might find Scott on his bike, or plucking his guitar. Email Scott at scott@canyonmedia.us

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