Golf Course Review by: Billy Satterfield

Rankings: 

 

The Takeaway:  Not as impressive as the neighboring Gold course, the Silver occupies the lower property with less dramatic elevation changes and a unique 6-6-6 design with an equal number of par values on each nine.  Grade C

Quick Facts

Designer:  Gene Bates 2004

Cost:  $55 - $75 (includes cart) Click for current rates

Phone Number:  435-654-7442

Course Website:  Official Website - Visit Soldier Hollow Golf Course (Silver)'s official website by clicking on the link provided.

Directions:  Get here! - 1370 West Soldier Hollow Lane, Midway, Utah  84049 – UNITED STATES

Photos:  See additional photos of Soldier Hollow Golf Course (Silver)

What to Expect:  The weaker of the two courses at Soldier Hollow that were built on the former biathlon site from the 2002 Winter Olympics that Salt Lake City hosted, the Silver course is laid out on the lower property that has less movement or interest. The routing employs a 6-6-6 concept with six par 3s, six par 4s, and six par 5s found throughout the course. While you think this would greatly increase the variety, I actually found myself feeling like I had played the same hole over and over again. It also lends to the course playing slower with a heavy number of par fives that players wait to reach in two combined with the high amount of one-shotters that often backup. There are a couple of water features that help break up the monotony of the terrain and visuals, but overall it would benefit from some changes in texture. The setting with the backside of Mount Timpanogos looming in the distance never gets old though. Located just 30 minutes from Park City, the Midway area offers five solid courses within fives miles of each other which is a stark contrast to the less affordable, and generally private, courses found in the skiing mecca area north. With affordable green fees thanks to being government owned facilities, a 36 hole day at Soldier Hollow followed by a 36 hole day at Wasatch State Park is one of the best value weekends a player can have in America.

By the Numbers

Tees	Par	Yardage	Rating	Slope
Gold	72	7355	74.0	138
Black	72	6972	72.3	133
Blue	72	6498	70.2	126
White	72	5994	67.7	120
Red (Ladies)	72	5373	69.9	128

Individual Hole Analysis

Signature Hole:  5th Hole – 211 Yard Par 3 – A downhill one-shotter with a relatively modest sized green, the 5th reaches signature status due to the mountain backdrop that reminds you that this golf course is definitely located in Utah. Throughout much of the year you'll have snow capped tops on the mountains to enjoy as you attack this bunkerless green.

Best Par 3:  15th Hole – 214 Yards – The 15th plays over water from tee to green with no sand coming into play. The safe miss is certainly long where a backstop exists and will work balls back towards the putting surface, but if you don't dare take on the water then aiming left gives you the most land to stay over.

Best Par 4:  14th Hole – 404 Yards – Running along the eastern boundary of the course and playing due south, the bunkerless 14th features an inviting tee shot that will let players grip it and rip it. The green is blind from the tee so when players get to their approach shot they'll find a green that peninsulas back into a pond. The entrance to the green is wide open and invites a running shot or an aerial one to the day's pin location.

Best Par 5:  18th Hole – 581 Yards – The closing hole at the Silver course is an uphill par five that plays back towards the ski lodge inspired clubhouse. 235 yards from the green is a creek that crosses through the fairway, so long hitters will need to consider the tee they are playing and how the wind is moving before deciding whether to hit driver. The fairway continues up the left side and feeds sideways into the green which is fronted by a bunker. A high fade into the putting surface will be rewarded with the best opportunity of getting close to the flag.

Birdie Time:  11th Hole – 413 Yard Par 4 – The downhill 11th allows players to cut loose on their driver and get within wedge distance of the green. The fairway is plenty generous and will push balls downhill to gain some extra distance. With a bend to the right in the fairway, long players can cut the corner and reduce the distance into the green. The approach shot plays to a receptive green with a bunker on each side, but with a scoring club in hand, players should be pinseeking here.

Bogey Beware:  16th Hole – 615 Yard Par 5 – 615 yards already allows a lot of time for things to go wrong, but add in the fact that the hole plays uphill and it makes it all the more difficult to tackle. The bunkering is deceptive along the way, particularly by the green which can lull players into thinking the target is closer than it is which in turn makes some players come up short on their effort. The undulated putting surface yields plenty of three putts and throws bogies on players cards even when they reach it in regulation.