At the base of Ogden Canyon sits one of Utah's oldest golf courses -- El Monte. Built in 1936, El Monte is a throwback to golf's yesteryears. It's an unpretentious 9-hole layout without much trickiness. It has plenty of big, old trees, a rolling terrain and a just a few water hazards and bunkers.
The best holes at El Monte are No. 3, 350-yard par 4 that doglegs right, over a little stream and No. 5, a short (315 yards) par-4 with a pond on the right and a green tucked just around the corner on the left.Some golfers might be put off by large trees in middle of the 1st and 9th fairways. But Brown is right when he says the trees "add character" to the golf course and aren't likely to be cut down. And character is one of the strong points of El Monte, something some of the modern courses are missing.
The easiest time to on the course is in the morning. But be forewarned - you'll have to deal with some strong winds that blow down from the canyon until late morning. If you don't mind the breezes, you can play for just $3 in the morning.
Along with Mount Ogden, El Monte is one of two municipal golf courses run by Ogden City.
*****
(Chart)
Location: 1300 Valley Drive, Ogden
Head Professional: Jeff Brown
Cost: $6/$12, range $2/$3, carts $7/$14.
Reservations: 629-8333, weekdays 1 day in advance, Wed. for weekends.
Easiest Time to Get On: Weekday mornings before 11
Course Record: Mitch Hyer 28