Olympian Golf Complex Completed

In June 2004, golf course architect Gene Bates completed an Olympian task when his 36-hole Soldier Hollow Olympic Golf Complex opened for play. The 400-acre, golf-only facility is located in Wasach Mountain State Park along the foothills of Mount Timpanogos near Salt Lake City.

Soldier Hollow was constructed on land next to the Olympic Nordic ski trails, a venue used during the 2002 Winter Olympics. It is the first golf facility sanctioned by the state of Utah since 1972. Utah's Parks and Recreation Department manages the day-to-day operations of the complex, which was funded by a state-issued $13-million bond.

From the tips, the daily-fee Olympic and Midway golf courses measure 7,500 and 7,300 yards, respectively. Due to its locale, the site involves upwards of 400 feet of elevation change. But players of varying abilities can adapt their games to the courses as each hole has five sets of tees.

Bates is thrilled about the complex. "Soldier Hollow is a very exciting project for our company," said Bates, president of Gene Bates Golf Design. "There is 400 feet of elevation change throughout the courses, with dramatic views on every hole of the surrounding Wasach Mountains, and especially of Mount Timpanogos, which rises to 12,500 feet. I’ve been impressed by the State of Utah's commitment to such a wonderful golf recreation destination, while being attentive to protecting the character of the land."

For additional information about Soldier Hollow, call 435/654-7442.