Mesquite / St George Trip Report

[Argonne69]

I'm out in the desert for three days, and six rounds of golf. I started the trip with a round at Sky Mountain in Hurricane, UT. The course wasn't quite what I expected. While the course did have some nice views of the nearby mountains, the course itself sits on some fairly uninteresting terrain. The back nine runs through a subdivision, and is quite lackluster. The 17th and 18th are somewhat interesting, but don't make up for the rest of the course. It's a fairly easy layout, and served as a good warmup for the afternoon round at Sand Hollow.

 

The course was in decent shape, although the greens were on the slow side, and quite bumpy. Pace of play could have been better. I was the first one out with another twosome, and we made the turn in 1:15. However, the send groups off the back nine, so any thought of a quick round was dashed when we hit the wall.

 

I had a great round. Ballstriking was spot on, hitting 12 fairways and 12 greens. A pair of of birdies helped offset the handful of sloppy bogies.

 

Overall it was a fairly benign round. I'd say the course can be safely skipped.

 

[bradski]

I'm out in the desert for three days, and six rounds of golf. I started the trip with a round at Sky Mountain in Hurricane, UT. The course wasn't quite what I expected. While the course did have some nice views of the nearby mountains, the course itself sits on some fairly uninteresting terrain. The back nine runs through a subdivision, and is quite lackluster. The 17th and 18th are somewhat interesting, but don't make up for the rest of the course. It's a fairly easy layout, and served as a good warmup for the afternoon round at Sand Hollow.

 

The course was in decent shape, although the greens were on the slow side, and quite bumpy. Pace of play could have been better. I was the first one out with another twosome, and we made the turn in 1:15. However, the send groups off the back nine, so any thought of a quick round was dashed when we hit the wall.

 

I had a great round. Ballstriking was spot on, hitting 12 fairways and 12 greens. A pair of of birdies helped offset the handful of sloppy bogies.

 

Overall it was a fairly benign round. I'd say the course can be safely skipped.

 

I too played Sky for the first time a week ago and was very unimpressed. Not very difficult and not close to the same level as Sand Hollow. Where else are you playing?

[Argonne69]

My afternoon round was at Sand Hollow. This was more like it. The front nine runs out from the clubhouse on a mesa, with wonderful views in all directions. Bunkers are filled with red sand/soil, and really help the holes stand out. The back nine is a real treat, with several holes running along the ridge of a deep valley. 'Pretty breathtaking. I'll post plenty of photos when I get back.

 

The course is designed for high winds, with generous fairways and large undulating greens. Two putts are not automatic. A good combination of long and short holes helps mix it up.

 

The forecast called for 25 mph winds with gusts up to 40 mph. Luckily the winds stayed near 15 mph, with gusts maybe hitting 30. While still challenging, it could have been quite difficult. I had another strong round off the tee, helped by the wide fairways. The highlight of the round was a personal best drive of 331 yards, thanks primarily to a strong tailwind, and a generous speed slot. Lol. The greens were firm and tough to hold downwind. I didn't quite take advantage of my drives.

 

Overall it was a fantastic afternoon. The weather was beautiful, even with the winds, and the course was excellent. The photos will bear that out.

 

Heading back to Mesquite for four more rounds over the next two days.

[Argonne69]

I'll be at Conestoga and Coyote Springs tomorrow, and Wolf Creek and Casablanca on Saturday. I'm going to try to get on Oasis Palmer if I can, in place of Casablanca.

[Argonne69]

For starters, one couldn't ask for a nicer day. It's in the low 60's, with sunny skies and light winds. Almost perfect.

 

My round at Conestoga this morning was excellent. What a visually stunning course. When one thinks of desert golf, or at least Mesquite golf, this is it. The front nine is the real highlight, as it runs through the low washes, with high redstone cliffs on the sides. The pictures will do it justice, as my description doesn't really cut it. The par 5 6th is a gem, with several cross cutting washes making you think your way through the hole.

 

The back nine is very different, running on the higher ground along the red cliffs bordering the north end of the course. It's more open, but the views are excellent.

 

The course has a good mix of holes, and I think I used practically every club in my bag. The conditions were very good. The greens were a little slow, but they were cutting them as I played my way through the grounds crew. The bunkers had compacted wet sand, but again, the crew were out early getting it in shape.

 

Another fine round ball striking. 9 fairways and 12 greens. Only 1 birdie on the par 5 9th, but I was playing it fairly conservatively firing at the fat of the greens. I scrambled for par on 3 of six holes, which helped keep the misses in check.

 

Overall a great morning. The course is highly recommended.

 

[Argonne69]

I made the 50 minute drive out to Coyote Springs for my afternoon round. I'd say it's worth the trip. The course is a Jack Nicklaus design, built in the open desert. While there are mountains off in the distance, the course itself is fairly flat. Well, not perfectly flat, as they did appear to go crazy with the earth moving equipment. The course is typical Jack, with little trouble off the tee unless you really hit it offline. The defenses are in the usual multitier green complexes. Reading putts was a challenge, and I got a grade of C-.

 

The course had a good mix of short and long holes, and it never got boring. Water comes into play on several holes, but is never punishing. Conditions were very good, although a handful of bunkers could use more sand.

 

I had another solid round ballstriking, with 11 fairways and 12 greens. Unfortunately, I just couldn't seem to get anything close, and with the crazy greens I had to settle for a lot of two putts. The only thing close to a highlight was the final par 5. I hit a towering drive with a tail wind that rolled out just shy of 300 yards. I had 220 to a front pin position, and hit a solid wood that I thought was going to run up the front of the green. However, a little ground hook kicked it left into the left front bunker. With little sand to work with, I couldn't quite get it close enough for a legit birdie chance.

 

Overall the course is solid. There are no weak holes, but no great holes either. Visually it's more parkland than desert course, and without the washes and elevation changes, it left me wanting.

 

[Argonne69]

I started the day with the first tee time at Wolf Creek. Wow. Just wow. Words simply cannot describe the experience. Let me put it this way. My three hour round was the slowest solo round I've ever played. I must have taken 100 photos. Every corner was another photo op. If they ever open a golf course on Mars, they'll take their inspiration from WC. The course is not only visually stunning, it's a solid challenge, too. There are elevation changes galore. Some are 2 to 4 clubs. Long and short holes really mix it up.

 

Course conditions were very good. It appears that they had recently aerated, but most of the greens had healed to the point where in was a non issue.

 

Despite the distraction of the views, I had a fantastic round. Ball striking was again top notch. I hit 11 fairways and 12 greens. I birdied 3 of the four par 5's, with eagle putts on 1 and 17. The highlight of the day had to be the 1st hole. I teed off at 6 am, and it was barely light. I looked at the scorecard, and it looked like a short par 4. I hit a solid drive from the elevated tee, but had 215 to the center of the green. Hmm, maybe I got under it too much. I nailed a 7 wood to the center of the green. With the pin back, it was a fairly easy two putt for par, or so I thought. When I got to the next hole, I realized that I was looking at the 10th hole. The first is a par 5, and I had a legit eagle putt. Lol. It's probably a good thing. An easy tap in birdie is a great way to start.

 

My approach on the par 5 17th was also solid. I hit a great drive to the left side of the fairway. The hole bends left, with a large rock wall blocking the view to the green. I had 220 to the center of the green, and with water short and right, I had to hit a big draw around the corner. Bingo. 25 feet for eagle, which of course I left 3 inches short. Argh!

 

I've played practically every desert course in Scottsdale, and a number in Tucson. Nothing compares to Wolf Creek. Yeah, I guess it could be a little gimmicky, but I really think the layout is solid, in spite of the views. When I think of Mesquite golf, this is it. A must play.

 

[Argonne69]

I finished the trip at Casablanca GC. Ho hum. Not really much to say. I certainly wasn't expecting Wolf Creek, and I wasn't disappointed. The course is basically a flat desert course. Not horrible, but uninspiring. The greens were aerated and sanded, so it was pretty much a game of ballstriking. No real highlights to speak of. If you're looking for a warmup round, or rounding out a trip, it'll do I guess. Otherwise avoid.

 

[Argonne69]

I'm enjoying a drink at the airport. It was certainly a great trip. The weather was fantastic, even with the high winds in St George. I'll post a ton of pics tomorrow, and my summary on Monday. If you've ever considered a trip out here, don't hesitate. April golf in Mesquite is excellent.

 

[AzSuperHack76]

Would love to see pictures. Thinking of getting a dudes trip to Mesquite next year.

[deadsolid...shank]

Did you get a chance to check out the driving range at Coyote Springs?

 

And how long til KGlefty is in here to trash on Wolf Creek? He usually shows up whenever it's mentioned.

[Argonne69]

Did you get a chance to check out the driving range at Coyote Springs?

 

And how long til KGlefty is in here to trash on Wolf Creek? He usually shows up whenever it's mentioned.

 

No, I didn't hit the range at CS. Anything special about it?

[Argonne69]

Sky Mountain GC

 

#1

 

 

Infinity green

 

 

 

 

The par 3 16th

 

 

#17

 

 

View from the 18th tee

 

 

The par 5 18th

 

 

The 18th green

 

[Argonne69]

Sand Hollow (Front)

 

View from the clubhouse

 

 

 

#1

 

 

#4

 

 

A wee bit 'o wind

 

 

#5

 

 

#9

 

[Argonne69]

Sand Hollow (Back)

 

#10

 

 

#12

 

 

 

#13

 

 

The par 3 14th

 

 

#17

 

 

#18

 

 

[Argonne69]

Conestoga GC (Front)

 

#1

 

 

The par 3 2nd

 

 

#3

 

 

#4

 

 

#4 approach.

 

 

 

The par 5 6th

 

 

 

A view from above

 

 

 

#7

 

 

 

#8

 

 

#9 approach

 

[Argonne69]

Conestoga GC (Back)

 

The par 3 10th

 

 

#11

 

 

The par 5 12th

 

 

The par 3 14th

 

 

#15

 

 

 

Looking back at the 17th

 

 

#18

 

[oldmotor]

Sand Hollow looks great. May have to look into playing there.

[Argonne69]

Coyote Springs GC (Front)

 

#1

 

 

The par 5 2nd

 

 

 

The par 3 3rd

 

 

#4

 

 

The par 5 5th

 

 

 

The par 3 8th

 

 

#9

 

 

The waterfall and pond between 9 and 18

 

[Argonne69]

Coyote Springs GC (Back)

 

#10

 

 

The par 5 11th

 

 

#13

 

 

#15

 

 

The par 5 16th

 

 

Going for it in two...

 

 

The par 3 17th

 

 

#18

 

[Argonne69]

Wolf Creek GC #1 (Par 5)

 

 

 

 

Looking back at the hole from the #2 teebox

 

[Argonne69]

Wolf Creek GC #2

 

 

[Argonne69]

Wolf Creek GC #3 (Par 3). Yes, that's the flag up there.

 

 

 

 

[Argonne69]

Wolf Creek GC 4th

 

 

[Argonne69]

Wolf Creek GC 5th (Par 5)

 

 

View from teebox

 

 

 

Looking back from the green

 

[Argonne69]

Wolf Creek GC 6th

 

 

 

 

Looking back from the green.

 

[Argonne69]

Wolf Creek GC 7th

 

 

 

Looking back from the green

 

[Argonne69]

Wolf Creek GC 8th (Par 3)

 

Back tees

 

 

White tees

 

 

 

[Argonne69]

Wolf Creek GC 9th

 

 

Looking over at the 17th fairway and green (right)

 

 

 

 

Looking back from the green

 

[Argonne69]

Wolf Creek GC, on the way to the 10th