Students who think golfing is for snowbirds with pants hiked up to their chest obviously have not taken a trip down to Payson.
Payson is the home to Gladstan Golf Course, regarded as the 'best kept golf secret' in Utah, according to the Rockies Golf Daily publication.
Gladstan's first six holes are flat and ordinary, but what follows is far from ordinary.
Holes seven through 15 are cut out of the uneven mountainside, causing problems for any golfer that cannot hit a shot with an elevated lie.
'I think a lot of it is because of the hospitality we offer,' Jack Lomento said. Lomento is the head professional at the Gladstan Golf Course. 'Mostly it's a fun course. It's a very good setting, being right up against the mountains. You get a view of the whole valley, plus it's a very challenging course that is full of risk-and-reward style holes.'
Risk-and-reward refers to holes that entice golfers to attempt difficult shots they would otherwise avoid with the reward of a low score or a risk of a high score.
In addition to the mountainous terrain, golfers can look forward to hitting above trees that block any clear path to the green, as well as blasting your tee shot past the many ravines that wait to suck your ball into an unplayable lie.
The 7th and 8th holes require the most accuracy on the course because of the difficult approach shots required before the green.
Approach shots are crucial in golf because they determine your putting position as well as any chance of a birdie (one-under-par) or a bogey (one-over-par) for the hole.
Although a short par 3 might appear easy, the hard landing area around the 8th hole makes it a challenge to get par.
The 12th hole is the signature hole for Gladstan. Despite measuring 278 yards (laughable for a par 4 on most courses), tee shots need to be long enough to avoid the ravine and the penalty strokes that come with it.
The 150-yard carry feels more like 300 yards according to the Rockies Golf Daily publication. Sorry golfers, no mulligan allowed on this hole.
The most difficult hole on the course is the par-5 16th. Measuring 495 yards, the hole requires effective golf club selection in order to record a good score.
'It's the No.1 handicap hole,' Lomento said. 'You either hit the green or you're in the water hazard. You either have to hit in two, which is hard to do, or you lay up and hit a wedge on in three.'
The Gladstan course is hoping for large turnouts during the summer season to make up for the marginal winter golfing months.
Although warm weather benefited several golf courses in the valley, Gladstan is not positioned well enough geographically to benefit from the extra golfers.
'We're not lucky like are,' Lomento said. 'Our elevation is 5,200 feet, so if there is snow, we'll get it. Rain down in the valley ends up as snow down here, so we were open but we didn't get any more play.'
Gladstan is also trying to attract students by offering discounts of $1 per nine holes for golfers presenting student identification.
Students learning to golf will be best suited for the front nine as it provides the least amount of hazards.
Although students can find good value for their money at Gladstan, they need to be aware they cannot play with denim or metal spikes.
Lomento also has some advice for student golfers playing the game for the first time.
'Too many people try to work on their driver,' Lomento said. 'They start swinging from their heels instead of trying to make good contact. They are better off working on their short game (putting) because that three foot putt is the same as that 300-yard drive.'
Costs for 18-holes range from $17 on Monday through Friday and $18 on Saturday and Sunday. Golf carts cost an additional $8 per person.
Directions:
From Salt Lake City follow I-15 to the Payson exit. Once you exit turn east toward the mountains. After less than a mile you will reach the main street of Payson and signs will begin to point the way to the golf course several miles away in the mountain foothills.
#1 Gladstan Drive
Payson, UT 84651
801 465-2549
Rates:
Mon-Fri $17.00
Sat-Sun $18.00
Prices are for 18 holes. Cart price is per person.
Tee times are available seven days in advance.
No metal spikes allowed.