With hundreds of golf resorts around the country, how do you choose one to make as your getaway destination?
The answer is easy: Look for one that covers all your travel needs from A to Z, and at the top of that list should be The Ledges Golf Club in St. George, UT. Start with A for amazing, move to B for breathtaking, land on C for challenging, and keep moving through the alphabet until you end up at Z for Zen (the ideal spot to relax)—and you’ve got the highlights of a perfect spot to tee it up, or just get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The 18-hole course is a par-72, 7,200-yard Matt Dye layout. The course offers challenging golf to go along with stunning views. “The No. 1 reason people come here is the golf,” says Chad Pettingill, general manager. “We’ve got great views of the red rocks here in the background with Snow Canyon right on our doorstep. It doesn’t get much better than that.”
Water comes into play on just two holes, the ninth and the 18th. But that doesn’t mean this course isn’t a challenge. In fact, it’s far from it as there are 88 bunkers that come into play off the tees or guarding greens. If you’re a little errant, better bring a shovel, a pail and your flip flops because there’s a good chance you’ll be spending a little time on the beach.
A couple of the more impressive holes come into play late in the round. The par-4 15th hole plays 320 yards from the tips, but from closer tee boxes comes the dilemma—do you take a chance and try to drive the green? Even if players decide not to take the chance, the pressure is on to find the fairway off the tee. Come up a little short with that tee shot and there’s a gulley that will come into play. Hit it too far off the tee and there’s a second gulley that comes into play. Hit it just right and you’re looking at a wedge into this green that is guarded by a pair of bunkers.
“Fifteen is one of those true risk/reward holes,” Pettingill says. “This one makes you think about whether you want to go for the green with your drive or figure out where the best place to hit your tee shot is to give yourself the best approach shot to the green.” There’s more to think about on this short hole. If you’re left of the green, there’s a runoff into a waste area and if you’re right of the green, there’s another runoff area that will leave a challenging chip.
The Ledges follows up that short par-4 with a monster of a par-5. The 16th reaches 600 yards with a 180-yard carry over a huge gulley (from the tips) just to reach the fairway off the tee. Pass that test and two bunkers will challenge players on their second shots to lay up to a number that will leave them a shot into a narrow, but deep, green. “It’s a big par-five,” Pettingill says. “If you hit a great drive, you’re still going to have a 250-yard or more second shot into a long, narrow elevated green with the back half sloping away from you. It will also be a challenging third shot even if you lay up. It’s just a really good golf hole.”
Off the course, players will find a huge clubhouse overlooking the 18th hole that is home to the Fish Rock Grille. It’s an ideal spot to relax after (or before) the round with a drink (or two if you’ve had a tough 18 holes) and grab a bite to eat from an impressive menu. Ah, yes, the menu. Sure, there’s the usual fare of hamburgers and hot dogs, but there’s more. Start with an appetizer (maybe the calamari or coconut shrimp) before moving onto a salad (a total of at least six options) before moving onto some of the favorites (burgers, fish tacos, French dip, wraps, or house-made pizza). “The Fish Rock Grille is not your typical golf course restaurant,” Pettingill says. “We have a full bar and serve lunch and dinner six days a week with a fantastic brunch on Sundays. It’s a great restaurant for being at a golf course.” He adds, “We have prime rib on Wednesdays, live music on Thursdays and the best ribs in St. George on Fridays. Those are a few of our more popular nights for dinner at the club.”
The Ledges Golf Club also offers custom stay-and-play golf packages. Stay onsite in one of the many vacation rentals and pair that with any of the 15-plus golf courses in the St. George and Mesquite area. Courses like Sand Hollow, Coral Canyon, Sky Mountain, and Copper Rock in St. George as well as Wolf Creek, Falcon Ridge and Conestoga in Mesquite will add to your outing.
There are single-family homes as well as three-, four- and five-bedroom homes. Many of the vacation rentals are right on the golf course, with others having private pools and hot tubs. Many are pet-friendly.
Need even more room? “We’ve even got a seven-bedroom, eight-bathroom home that sleeps up to 25 people,” Pettingill says. “It’s got a private pool, hot tub, a pickleball court and an outdoor play area for the kids. It’s a great house for golf groups or large family vacations. Needless to say, there’s something for everyone’s needs. If not everyone in the family golfs, don’t worry. There are a variety of off-the-course choices including spa treatments, bike rentals, and more.
Whether it’s a relaxing round on the golf course, a little time in the pool, taking a bike trip, hiking around the area or just grabbing a drink and watching a magnificent sunset, a stay-and-play package at The Ledges will be both invigorating and zen at the same time.
“Our staff at The Ledges can take the hassle out of setting up your next getaway. Whether it’s a two two-night getaway or a guys or girls golf trip, we are a one-stop shop for your next vacation,” Pettingill says. “From your golf tee times to your accommodations to your dining, one call and our fantastic staff will take care of everything. All you have to do is relax and enjoy your time with us.”
The Ledges Golf Club
1585 Ledges Pkwy
St. George, UT
435-634-4600
www.ledges.com
