The Ledges, St. George, UT
The Ledges (The Ledges) is a Matt Dye design in the hills just north of St. George, UT. My overall impression was very favorable. The course left ample room off the tee, even on the tighter holes, and was very easy to identify where to play from the tee. Plenty of fairway bunkers were in play; however most of them were easily avoidable if you choose to play to the safe side.
The major criticism the Ledges receives is about its greens. Simply put they are undulating, and several of them slope away from the approach shot. For example, the 2nd hole is a long par 3 (I hit a cut driver into the wind on the cold day we played). The green is split in two by a ridge running right across the middle of the green. The unusual part is that the ridge is the high point of the green, so the front-half slopes towards the front of the green and the back-half slopes to the back of the green. Many people may find this unusual, but I can defend the design by saying that even though it is easy to miss long (as I did) there is plenty of grass behind which enables a very straight-forward chip. The pin was in back that day, and even though I missed long I was fortunate to have a fairly simple chip and managed to make it for birdie. There is another three-tiered green on the back-nine (#12) that slopes completely front-to-back. Again, I will defend this one because it is a very short hole and the architect intended and allows for a bump and run shot. While many of us would not prefer this kind of shot, I found it different and a unique challenge which rewarded a good shot.
Overall as I mentioned I thought the course was challenging yet not overwhelming. The front-nine is very open with plenty of grass, and the back-nine plays along and through some beautiful elevation changes and ledges that make for a couple of really neat holes. The view of “Snow Canyon” from the 11th and 12th holes is spectacular and the 16th and 18th holes really make you think to finish your round.
Even though we played during the coldest time of the year, the course was in very good shape overall. The greens were quick and true, and it is evident that the owners are making sure the course has the resources and dollars it needs to bring a high-quality experience. The course uses the new Club car “Precedent” cart with GPS, and the service staff was very friendly. The practice facility was great, and the clubhouse was not overwhelming yet more than adequate for their needs. One thing you need to do is check out the bathrooms – probably the coolest fixtures I have ever seen!
In summary, I would definitely recommend playing the course if you are in the area. We had a great day, and I believe it will only improve over time.
The major criticism the Ledges receives is about its greens. Simply put they are undulating, and several of them slope away from the approach shot. For example, the 2nd hole is a long par 3 (I hit a cut driver into the wind on the cold day we played). The green is split in two by a ridge running right across the middle of the green. The unusual part is that the ridge is the high point of the green, so the front-half slopes towards the front of the green and the back-half slopes to the back of the green. Many people may find this unusual, but I can defend the design by saying that even though it is easy to miss long (as I did) there is plenty of grass behind which enables a very straight-forward chip. The pin was in back that day, and even though I missed long I was fortunate to have a fairly simple chip and managed to make it for birdie. There is another three-tiered green on the back-nine (#12) that slopes completely front-to-back. Again, I will defend this one because it is a very short hole and the architect intended and allows for a bump and run shot. While many of us would not prefer this kind of shot, I found it different and a unique challenge which rewarded a good shot.
Overall as I mentioned I thought the course was challenging yet not overwhelming. The front-nine is very open with plenty of grass, and the back-nine plays along and through some beautiful elevation changes and ledges that make for a couple of really neat holes. The view of “Snow Canyon” from the 11th and 12th holes is spectacular and the 16th and 18th holes really make you think to finish your round.
Even though we played during the coldest time of the year, the course was in very good shape overall. The greens were quick and true, and it is evident that the owners are making sure the course has the resources and dollars it needs to bring a high-quality experience. The course uses the new Club car “Precedent” cart with GPS, and the service staff was very friendly. The practice facility was great, and the clubhouse was not overwhelming yet more than adequate for their needs. One thing you need to do is check out the bathrooms – probably the coolest fixtures I have ever seen!
In summary, I would definitely recommend playing the course if you are in the area. We had a great day, and I believe it will only improve over time.
posted by Peter Nomm @ 21:00
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