Half Moon Bay (Ocean)

Half Moon Bay, California

Alpine Country Club (Highland, Utah)

Alpine Country Club logo Golf Course Review by: Jason Seymour

The Takeaway:  A private golf club situated in north Utah County near the American Fork Canyon in Highland, Utah. Opened in 1958 and designed by local course designer, William Neff Sr. Redesigned in the 2008/2009 on certain holes by John Fought (holes 11, 12, and 13)--bunker updates and tree removal in 2018, also done by John Fought. Currently managed by Troon and part of the Troon Prive network.  Grade B

Quick Facts

Designer:  William Neff 1958

Cost:  Private

Phone Number:  801-226-1736

Course Website:  Official Website - Visit Alpine Country Club's official website by clicking on the link provided.

Directions:  Get here! - 5000 West Alpine Country Club Lane, Highland, Utah  84003 – UNITED STATES

Photos:  See additional photos of Alpine Country Club

What to Expect:  Alpine Country Club has hosted many events, such as the local qualifying for the US Open, Utah State Amateur, Utah State Open and other prestigious events. ACC traditionally has some of the very best greens found anywhere in the state. The front side is very flat, without much undulation. The back side is the stronger of the two sides and plays thru a seasonal river with fantastic views of the Wasatch Mountains and the visible canyon directly to the east. The course conditions are always in great shape. The greens are always spectacular and makes the experience so much more enjoyable. With origins back to 1958—the club has maintained this well-earned reputation of a good course in excellent condition with some exceptional holes.

By the Numbers

Tees Par Yardage Rating Slope

Individual Hole Analysis

Signature Hole:  13th Hole – 437 Yard Par 4 – Number 13, a 437-yard par four that you hit over a seasonal river that flows out of the American Fork Canyon. The back tees are nestled in and around the native scrub oak. The seasonal river runs along the entire right side of the hole as the hole doglegs slightly from left to right. A large bunker on right side of the fairway must be avoided. Your second shot will play slightly uphill and into a prevailing wind (due to the canyon breeze). The green is slightly perched and very undulating. This hole was redesigned by John Fought (along with 11 and 12) and the green isn't like the other 15 greens on the course. A proper approach in terms of distance will benefit the player tremendously. Anything long or short, depending on the hole location makes this a difficult two putt. Enjoy the views, as they are spectacular.

Best Par 3:  4th Hole – 180 Yards – The fourth hole is unquestionably the best par three at Alpine and may be the best hole on the front nine. You must carry a large pond on the right side and a bunker is on the left side of the green. Playing 180 yards from the tips, this hole plays directly into the view of the canyon. Be mindful of the breeze in your face. Any shot not struck pure towards the right of the green will find water. You must strike a quality golf shot. Once you have cleared the water, if you are putting down hill—this is an extremely fast putt, down grain and towards the setting sun. Par here is a great score.

Best Par 4:  11th Hole – 453 Yards – From the tips, number 11 is a great par four measuring 453 yards. The drive is very demanding as the seasonal river plays down the entire right side. A large aiming bunker is about 265 yards from the back tees. A cut off the bunker should land you in the middle of the fairway. The eleventh green is exceptionally large and be mindful of where the pin is located. Once on the green, you rarely have an easy putt. The green goes from the front to the middle uphill and then the back part of the green slopes away. Back pin positions are very difficult as the putt up towards the hole--but once past the hole, the putt will run away, making speed control essential. A par here is fantastic.

Best Par 5:  14th Hole – 576 Yards – The 14th hole is quite special. Playing 576 yards from the tips—this hole demands excellent swings. With OB down the right side and a small ditch running down the left side—a well struck drive is required. Both sides of the fairways are lined with mature trees and scrub oak. After you make a successful drive—you are faced with a decision. Go for the green, you have to clear two large bunkers. The bunker on the left is about 45 yards from the green and the large bunker on the right is about 30 yards from the green. A narrow gap lies between them. A large strand of scrub oak pushes towards the green and into play on the left side, just beyond the large bunker on the left. The hole is protected from a hill that goes the entire length of the hole down the right side (this is the OB). Be mindful of breezes above the hill. After you make your decision to go for the green or lay-up, a well placed third shot will benefit you greatly. The green is sloped and if the pin is on the left side of the green be mindful of pace. This is a very fast putt. One of the very best holes on the entire course.

Birdie Time:  10th Hole – 320 Yard Par 4 – Ten is a 320-yard par four playing towards American Fork Canyon. A large bunker in line with the green is about 245 yards from the back tees to cover the back lip of the bunker. However, this hole is playing towards the canyon, so wind may be prevalent. The green is sloped extremely from back to front and any putt towards the hole from the back of the green is fast. Again, down grain and towards the setting sun. The smart play is to cover the front yardage of the green and have an uphill putt to make a run at birdie.

Bogey Beware:  18th Hole – 452 Yard Par 4 – The great courses always close with a tough closing hole. Alpine is no different. Alpine's closing hole measures 452 yards from the tips, playing slightly uphill and towards the canyon. Lateral hazard runs down the entire right side. Two large bunkers protect both sides of the fairway and both bunkers are in play. A well-placed drive leaves you with a difficult second shot. Two bunkers protect the green—one bunker is about 30 yards short of the green and another is greenside on the left side of the green. Again, this green is a back to front sloping green with a lot of undulation and speed. You would rather be short, coming up the green than long trying to hit the perfect putt with the right ​line and speed. From the tips, this is an excellent hole! Par this hole and you have played a really good four final shots.

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