Probably no course has changed more over the years than the University of Utah Golf Course, located on the east side of the U. campus.
It began as a nine-hole course back in the early 1920s and was gradually expanded to an 18-hole championship course by the mid-1930s. As the Fort Douglas Country Club course, it hosted the Utah Open when it was a regular PGA Tour stop with the likes of Ben Hogan, Sam Snead and Byron Nelson making annual visits.But the University gained title to the land in the late '40s and, needing space to expand, gradually cut the course back to nine holes by the early 1960s. Since then the course has made at least half a dozen more changes.
In fact, it's currently in the process of more change because of the new broadcast center, which is being built on the old No. 8 fairway. Also a new green, which was supposed to be ready last month, has been built to replace the old No. 6. And No. 7 is being changed, moving east of No. 6, similar to how it was played 20 years ago.
The first three holes are easy par-4s that can be driven by the better golfers if they want to hit over trees. No. 4 and 5 are good holes designed by Bill Neff and added to the course about five years ago when the new Primary Children's Hospital took a chunk out of the course. You get a beautiful view of the Salt Lake Valley from the No. 5 tee.
When it's ready, No. 6 will be a par-3 going south, replacing the par-3 heading north. No. 8, which used to be a tough par-4 and the best hole on the course, has been turned into a par-3 using the same green.
The only original hole is the 180-yard 9th hole, which was once the No. 3 hole on the old Fort Douglas course. Although it is just a straight-ahead par-3, it would be a good hole on most any course. The green has a unique dip running through the middle of it, making for an exciting putt if the pin is on the opposite side of the green.
It may not be the greatest layout around, but I have to admit I'm a little biased about the U. of U. course, because that's where I learned the game as a teenager.
I can remember getting up to play at the crack of dawn with my father before heading off to junior high school. The U. is where I broke 50 and 40 for the first time. I can still remember chipping in on the 9th hole (now the practice green) for my first birdie.
The memories of working one summer for legendary pro Vinnie McGuire, retrieving his balls (with their distinctive, painted-on `U') after his lessons will always be with me.
The U. course remains one of the best bargains in town, costing just $4, $3 for people affiliiated with the University. Seniors, who often take over the course in the early-morning hours, can play for $2.
Second-year pro Joe Ruggiero is pleased with the latest changes at the U. but says his course is bursting at the seams and can't afford any more land cuts. Let's hope the little course, which has provided memories for so many over the years, stays around a long time.
University of Utah Golf Course
Hole Par Yards*
1 4 225
2 4 300
3 4 262
4 4 370
5 4 390
6 3 133
7 4 310
8 3 151
9 3 180
TOTAL 33 2321
*Middle tees
Difficulty *
Layout/Scenery **
Enjoyability Index **
(5=Highest rating, 0=Lowest)
Location: University of Utah Campus
Head Professional: Joe Ruggerio
Cost: $4/$8, $3/$6 for U. Faculty, Students
Reservations: Not taken, call 581-6511 for info
Easiest time to get on: 10 A.M. to 2 P.M., Sundays
Course Record: Nothing Official