The Mulligan's Golf Course, built three years ago just north of Ogden, supposedly got its name because as a 10-hole layout, golfers could throw out one bad hole as a "mulligan."
That's what I understood anyway. But guess what? Mulligan's is now a 9-hole course as I discovered when I played there last week.Last fall, the course was transformed from a par-3 course to an "executive course" by creating two new holes, a par-4 and par-5, wiping out two short holes in the process and turning two of the par-3s into a dogleg par-4 hole. So the course is a par-31 and you get to use a wood on at least three of the holes. And you don't get a mulligan hole.
But according to Mulligan's owner/developer/professional Jimmy Blair, the reason for 10 holes originally was because of the land, the course had to be either 10 holes or 8 and they opted for 10. Mulligan's was just a "catchy name" they decided to use.
The Mulligan's course isn't at all difficult, with three holes measuring under 100 yards and another pair just over 100. Most of the holes are straight ahead, with just the one dogleg hole.
But the best thing about Mulligan's isn't the layout. What it features one of the finest practice facilities in the state.
It has a lighted driving range that features Mt. Ben Lomond as a nice backdrop. There is a huge putting green, as well as a sand trap for practice and flags to hit toward for chipping. It also has one of the fanciest miniature golf courses (36-holes) you'll ever see.
Mulligan's was built on farmland owned by Blair's grandfather. Blair, one of the top golfers Utah has ever produced, said he never wanted to build a championship-type golf course.
"What is was designed for was to fill a void for a clientele that wasn't being addressed," said Blair. "This place was built for beginners and kids. It's a great place for families to play."
The cost is $5, but if you sign up for 18 holes, you can play the second nine for $2.50. If you want to play all day, it will only cost you just $15. Except on weekends and holidays, you won't have any problem getting on.
The buckets of balls may seem expensive at $3, $4, and $5, but it's the only place you'll find that tells you how many balls you're getting (it's 50, 80 and 120, by the way).
The second hole is the toughest of the par-3s at 157 yards. The 4th and 5th holes are the newest ones, the 4th, an almost drive-able 318 yards and the 5th, a 484-yard par-5. The 7th is the par-4 dogleg that used to be two short par-3s.
At the 8th tee, be sure to notice the century-old building, which adds character and history to the new course. It was the first schoolhouse in Weber County and is on the state historical society register.
According to Blair, Mulligan's will expand to an 18-hole layout within the next two years. And the Mulligan's name is coming to the Salt Lake Valley with a new Mulligan's practice facility opening this weekend in West Jordan, just off the freeway at 106th South.
*****
(Chart)
Location: Fairgrounds exit I-15, Slaterville
Head Professional: Jimmy Blair
Designer/Yr. Opened: Jimmy Blair, 1989
Cost: $5, Carts $6, Range $3.4/$5
Reservations: 392-4653, Day Before
Easiest Time to Get on: Mid-Day Mon-thu
Course record: None