Mesquite / St George Trip Report

[Argonne69]

Thanks for sharing the photos of Wolf Creek. They help solidify my opinion that I have no desire to play there. Cannot get past the visual clusterf**k that seems to bludgeon the senses.

 

Don't blame the course for the natural terrain. Blame Mother Nature. It's not like they went out with a bulldozer on a flat piece of land, e.g. Whistling Straits, and said, "Here, hold my beer."

 

Actually, I wasn't referring to the natural landforms, rather the painfully overused manmade features.

 

Such as? There are couple of bridges, a few retaining walls, and the snack shack, but I don't recall a lot of other man-made features. The "ponds", "streams", and waterfalls?

[DrSchteeve]

Teejay, you play Talking Stick North and I'll play Wolf Creek. But we'll both play Bandon.

[teejaywhy]

Thanks for sharing the photos of Wolf Creek. They help solidify my opinion that I have no desire to play there. Cannot get past the visual clusterf**k that seems to bludgeon the senses.

 

Don't blame the course for the natural terrain. Blame Mother Nature. It's not like they went out with a bulldozer on a flat piece of land, e.g. Whistling Straits, and said, "Here, hold my beer."

 

Actually, I wasn't referring to the natural landforms, rather the painfully overused manmade features.

 

Such as? There are couple of bridges, a few retaining walls, and the snack shack, but I don't recall a lot of other man-made features. The "ponds", "streams", and waterfalls?

 

First, I should apologize, my comments are not intended to diminish your experience. For most of us, golf is a recreational endeavor and is supposed to be fun. You obviously enjoyed it and that's what matters.

 

To be perfectly fair, I have never played the course and I'm one who always cautions others about evaluating a course from photos or TV watching. So I have no basis to rank the course in any way. I'm just saying that I'm not being compelled to seek out the experience based on the photos I've seen.

 

An architect has a palette of elements to choose from when designing a golf hole that include natural features of the terrain, bunkering, water hazards, vegetation, shaping, etc. It just looks to me like the designer tried to use EVERY element possible on a single hole... big elevation change AND lots of bunkers AND water hazards AND shaping... etc. To me, it just makes for a visual clutter, detracting from the striking natural setting which in no way is enhanced by the overuse of bunkering, out-of-place water features and unnatural shaping. Perhaps the focus on the excessive bunkering is amplified by the use of the brilliant white sand that seems out of place.

 

Just me I guess. Lots of people like it.

[3mulligans]

Awesome pics. Thanks for sharing.

 

Mesquite/St. George is my #1 destination for a golf trip, and your pics reinforce that. I really need to get out there.

[DrSchteeve]

Thanks for sharing the photos of Wolf Creek. They help solidify my opinion that I have no desire to play there. Cannot get past the visual clusterf**k that seems to bludgeon the senses.

 

Don't blame the course for the natural terrain. Blame Mother Nature. It's not like they went out with a bulldozer on a flat piece of land, e.g. Whistling Straits, and said, "Here, hold my beer."

 

Actually, I wasn't referring to the natural landforms, rather the painfully overused manmade features.

 

Such as? There are couple of bridges, a few retaining walls, and the snack shack, but I don't recall a lot of other man-made features. The "ponds", "streams", and waterfalls?

 

First, I should apologize, my comments are not intended to diminish your experience. For most of us, golf is a recreational endeavor and is supposed to be fun. You obviously enjoyed it and that's what matters.

 

To be perfectly fair, I have never played the course and I'm one who always cautions others about evaluating a course from photos or TV watching. So I have no basis to rank the course in any way. I'm just saying that I'm not being compelled to seek out the experience based on the photos I've seen.

 

An architect has a palette of elements to choose from when designing a golf hole that include natural features of the terrain, bunkering, water hazards, vegetation, shaping, etc. It just looks to me like the designer tried to use EVERY element possible on a single hole... big elevation change AND lots of bunkers AND water hazards AND shaping... etc. To me, it just makes for a visual clutter, detracting from the striking natural setting which in no way is enhanced by the overuse of bunkering, out-of-place water features and unnatural shaping. Perhaps the focus on the excessive bunkering is amplified by the use of the brilliant white sand that seems out of place.

 

Just me I guess. Lots of people like it.

 

I wondered if the white sand contributed. It's the main thing I see that is out of character for the land, but it is also probably another of those features that some would say is visually pleasing while others see as discordant.

[Argonne69]

Frankly, I don't remember the color of the sand. I think I was in one bunker all day. Being a flatlander, I was enthralled by the rocks all day. I've seen my share of bunkers, so they didn't register.

[deadsolid...shank]

I don't remember the sand standing out in person like it does in the pictures.

[spud3]

Great report, Argonne!!

 

I've been to the Vegas area for a trip and played Coyote and thought it was pretty decent. I even enjoyed the remoteness of it, though I wouldn't want to make that drive very often.

 

Wolf Creek looks like a feast for the senses. I'd love to play that course. I have a friend who lives there and says the locals really like Primm Valley.

 

I've been to Zion many times and love that part of the country. RSinSG, I may be taking you up on your offer, as my brother and I were thinking of making the trip down either this fall or next spring.

[RSinSG]

Great report, Argonne!!

 

I've been to the Vegas area for a trip and played Coyote and thought it was pretty decent. I even enjoyed the remoteness of it, though I wouldn't want to make that drive very often.

 

Wolf Creek looks like a feast for the senses. I'd love to play that course. I have a friend who lives there and says the locals really like Primm Valley.

 

I've been to Zion many times and love that part of the country. RSinSG, I may be taking you up on your offer, as my brother and I were thinking of making the trip down either this fall or next spring.

 

Please do. There are some deals here if you know where to look.

[dave willie]

Very interesting report on St George & Mesquite, and great photos, too. Coincidentally, I was in St George to go to Zion and Bryce Canyon last Thursday/Friday. I managed to sneak in a round on Friday aIt Sand Hollow. I really enjoyed it, even though it was pretty chilly teeing off at 6:54am, and the wind was blowing pretty strong throughout the round. I'd play it again, and probably hit a few shots differently now that I know the flow of the holes. Those holes on the back side are just awesome from a scenic standpoint. #15 (par 3) is almost an impossible shot into the wind because there is little room to miss: left and you're in the canyon and right you're in the desert hitting downhill to the green. Next time down there I'll have to try Wolf Creek plus Coral Canyon and Ledges in St George.

[Argonne69]

Very interesting report on St George & Mesquite, and great photos, too. Coincidentally, I was in St George to go to Zion and Bryce Canyon last Thursday/Friday. I managed to sneak in a round on Friday aIt Sand Hollow. I really enjoyed it, even though it was pretty chilly teeing off at 6:54am, and the wind was blowing pretty strong throughout the round. I'd play it again, and probably hit a few shots differently now that I know the flow of the holes. Those holes on the back side are just awesome from a scenic standpoint. #15 (par 3) is almost an impossible shot into the wind because there is little room to miss: left and you're in the canyon and right you're in the desert hitting downhill to the green. Next time down there I'll have to try Wolf Creek plus Coral Canyon and Ledges in St George.

 

#15 was a fun hole for me. I got to the teebox, looked out at the hole, and jokingly said, "Right. I have a feeling I'm going to dump it in the front bunker." One of my playing partners said, "Don't say that. It's bad luck." I said, "Fine then, I'll hit it right and bounce it off the side of the hill, and knock it in the hole".

 

I then proceeded to hit a low shot right, and sure enough it kicked off the hill, and started rolling to the hole. From our angle it looked mighty close, as it wound up between us and the flagstick. The ball turned out to be six feet short of the hole, but it sure gave us a good laugh. The cherry on top was making the birdie putt.

[deadsolid...shank]

Very interesting report on St George & Mesquite, and great photos, too. Coincidentally, I was in St George to go to Zion and Bryce Canyon last Thursday/Friday. I managed to sneak in a round on Friday aIt Sand Hollow. I really enjoyed it, even though it was pretty chilly teeing off at 6:54am, and the wind was blowing pretty strong throughout the round. I'd play it again, and probably hit a few shots differently now that I know the flow of the holes. Those holes on the back side are just awesome from a scenic standpoint. #15 (par 3) is almost an impossible shot into the wind because there is little room to miss: left and you're in the canyon and right you're in the desert hitting downhill to the green. Next time down there I'll have to try Wolf Creek plus Coral Canyon and Ledges in St George.

 

#15 was a fun hole for me. I got to the teebox, looked out at the hole, and jokingly said, "Right. I have a feeling I'm going to dump it in the front bunker." One of my playing partners said, "Don't say that. It's bad luck." I said, "Fine then, I'll hit it right and bounce it off the side of the hill, and knock it in the hole".

 

I then proceeded to hit a low shot right, and sure enough it kicked off the hill, and started rolling to the hole. From our angle it looked mighty close, as it wound up between us and the flagstick. The ball turned out to be six feet short of the hole, but it sure gave us a good laugh. The cherry on top was making the birdie putt.

 

We were the first of our three groups off at Sand Hollow on our last trip. Since we were being held up a bit, after we played the hole (where I did find the canyon) we stayed up on top to watch the tee shots of our second group. Ball lands about six feet short and one hops right in the jar!

 

Next guy hits it right at us, it hits our cart and bounces left toward the green, trickles down the hill, and almost goes in too. Ended up about four feet away.

[bradski]

Very interesting report on St George & Mesquite, and great photos, too. Coincidentally, I was in St George to go to Zion and Bryce Canyon last Thursday/Friday. I managed to sneak in a round on Friday aIt Sand Hollow. I really enjoyed it, even though it was pretty chilly teeing off at 6:54am, and the wind was blowing pretty strong throughout the round. I'd play it again, and probably hit a few shots differently now that I know the flow of the holes. Those holes on the back side are just awesome from a scenic standpoint. #15 (par 3) is almost an impossible shot into the wind because there is little room to miss: left and you're in the canyon and right you're in the desert hitting downhill to the green. Next time down there I'll have to try Wolf Creek plus Coral Canyon and Ledges in St George.

 

I think this is the best par 3 I have ever played from between the rocks. There is no miss and I believe it was 195ish. I was playing in January and it was just under 50 degree's and 10-15 mph wind into us. I hit a 210-215 shot into the middle of the green and I was the only one in my group in play. (lucky)

 

Very difficult hole, great views, and you have to fully commit to the shot.

[dave willie]

Very interesting report on St George & Mesquite, and great photos, too. Coincidentally, I was in St George to go to Zion and Bryce Canyon last Thursday/Friday. I managed to sneak in a round on Friday aIt Sand Hollow. I really enjoyed it, even though it was pretty chilly teeing off at 6:54am, and the wind was blowing pretty strong throughout the round. I'd play it again, and probably hit a few shots differently now that I know the flow of the holes. Those holes on the back side are just awesome from a scenic standpoint. #15 (par 3) is almost an impossible shot into the wind because there is little room to miss: left and you're in the canyon and right you're in the desert hitting downhill to the green. Next time down there I'll have to try Wolf Creek plus Coral Canyon and Ledges in St George.

 

I think this is the best par 3 I have ever played from between the rocks. There is no miss and I believe it was 195ish. I was playing in January and it was just under 50 degree's and 10-15 mph wind into us. I hit a 210-215 shot into the middle of the green and I was the only one in my group in play. (lucky)

 

Very difficult hole, great views, and you have to fully commit to the shot.

My 190 yard shot into the wind on 15 ended up pin high, but unfortunately up on the hill to the right in a pretty bad desert lie. Easy double!

[I_HATE_SNOW]

Love Sand Hollow, played the links course in 40 mph winds, seemed appropriate.

 

My dislike of Wolf Creek comes from 2 things, its price and the one time I played it was when they overseeded, cart path only, greens slower than slow and 105° temps.

[Argonne69]

Love Sand Hollow, played the links course in 40 mph winds, seemed appropriate.

 

My dislike of Wolf Creek comes from 2 things, its price and the one time I played it was when they overseeded, cart path only, greens slower than slow and 105° temps.

 

'Sounds brutal. Yes, I can see why that would leave a bad taste in your mouth.

[The Pearl]

I have made close to 20 plus trips to the St. George/Mesquite area with about 15 or so different golfers. There are a few outliers but there is a clear consensus about the group of courses. Conestoga seems to be the favorite, with Sand Hollow close behind. Coral Canyon is in a solid 3rd place followed by the two course at the Oasis, The Palmer (home of the Big Break) and The Oasis.

 

Wolf Creek has fallen farther down the list as time goes by. Once the honeymoon is over, some goofy holes, the price, and the long rounds have taken it's toll on most of the group. Coyote Springs has fallen off the list due to the driving distance.

 

The rest of the courses can be passed by in my opinion. (I have not played Entrada)

 

Personally I would rate them as follows:

 

1. Sand Hollow

2. Coral Canyon

3. Conestoga

4. Coyote Springs

5. WC

6. The Palmer

7. The Oasis

 

I have only played Falcon Ridge a few times, but it is growing on me, however, if there was every a course that had a few goofy holes, this is it. It is an acquired taste.

 

I think Sand Hollow is brilliant and Coral is a poor man's Sand Hollow. Most of my group loves Conestoga more than I do. To me, Conestoga has a handful of poorly designed holes. Coyote Springs is wonderful, except, well Jack's greens. For the average golfer, you step away with the feeling that you just chipped out of green side rough all day. Wolf Creek, (see above). The Palmer has a few poor holes as well as it usually has the worst greens. The Oasis is very playable, but lacks some of wow factor and has a few stretches of rather mundane holes.

 

For the first timer, WC is a must play experience. But a word of caution, WC when it is raining or drizzling is as hazardous as it gets driving a golf cart. Don't take it lightly.

[crazygolfnut]

Played in Mesquite with a group for 10 years straight and stopped going a couple of years ago. Wolf is the best course ever!

[bradski]

We are just a couple of weeks from our St George trip and Sand Hollow was telling us a month ago that they were going to punch early may. Now they are punching at the end when we will be there. we are going to have to sub in the ledges because of that.

[DandyDon]

I have a trip coming up, have the following places lined up

1. Wolf creek

2. Ledges

3. Sand hollow

4. Sky Mountain

5. Conestoga

 

After reading thread, I am considering changing out sky mountain.

Has anyone played sunbrook, thoughts? I have played Coral Springs, and I liked it but wanted to try something I haven't played. I loved sand hollow, wolf creek is fun, conestoga was great. I liked Coral Springs but didn't love it I did play coyote, nice course, but nothing stood out...

[puttnforthe8]

I have a trip coming up, have the following places lined up

1. Wolf creek

2. Ledges

3. Sand hollow

4. Sky Mountain

5. Conestoga

 

After reading thread, I am considering changing out sky mountain.

Has anyone played sunbrook, thoughts? I have played Coral Springs, and I liked it but wanted to try something I haven't played. I loved sand hollow, wolf creek is fun, conestoga was great. I liked Coral Springs but didn't love it I did play coyote, nice course, but nothing stood out...

 

No Entrada? That should be a definite imo

[I_HATE_SNOW]

I have a trip coming up, have the following places lined up

1. Wolf creek

2. Ledges

3. Sand hollow

4. Sky Mountain

5. Conestoga

 

After reading thread, I am considering changing out sky mountain.

Has anyone played sunbrook, thoughts? I have played Coral Springs, and I liked it but wanted to try something I haven't played. I loved sand hollow, wolf creek is fun, conestoga was great. I liked Coral Springs but didn't love it I did play coyote, nice course, but nothing stood out...

 

Where is Coral Springs? I've played Coral Canyon and Green Springs but never Coral Springs.

[DandyDon]

Sorry, meant Coral canyon.

I would love to play Estrada but we are renting a house....do we need to stay at entrads to play there?

[kevin1826]

How are the conditions in Mesquite? I am headed out next week and have Wolf Creek lined up for Monday. Staying in Vegas so I am not sure if I will trek back out but considering playing Conestoga or Coyote Springs. May just stay local and play Paiute or Reflection Bay. First timer out there any insight on condition or other options?

[bradski]

How are the conditions in Mesquite? I am headed out next week and have Wolf Creek lined up for Monday. Staying in Vegas so I am not sure if I will trek back out but considering playing Conestoga or Coyote Springs. May just stay local and play Paiute or Reflection Bay. First timer out there any insight on condition or other options?

 

It has only been hot a few days this year so far and tons of rain so I would just check for Aerification Schedules and you should be good. June is when the courses start getting rough.