gold ball in grass with club

Why Winter (Yes, Winter) is the Secret Best Time to Golf in Southern Utah

When you hear the phrase “winter in Utah”, a few images tend to spring to the front of your mind: snow-covered ecology, friends and family sipping warm drinks at a ski lodge, kids bounding down a snowboard spot. But there is another activity you can enjoy during this time of year: golf. The idea of getting in a good round or two while snow and ice cover most of the state might sound strange at first, but winter in St. George actually provides the perfect conditions for a great golf outing. Not convinced? Read on to learn why the colder months are the right time to schedule a visit to the golf course. 

The Weather Reality: Perfect “Walking” Temperatures

Trading 105°F for the Golden 60s

Many people assume you have to get on a plane to Florida or some other state with warm weather all year round if you want to play golf during the winter season, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Winter golf in St. George is enhanced, not impaired, by Utah weather. 

St. George’s low elevation and arid climate make it much warmer than the rest of the state. The average winter highs are in the 50s and 60s, placing St. George precisely in the “Goldilocks” zone for golf, where the temperatures are high enough to wear lighter clothes, but cool enough that walking 18 holes doesn’t become a health hazard. (The average highs during a St. George summer frequently reach into the 100s.)

Emerald Greens and Snow-Capped Peaks

The Magic of Overseeding with Rye Grass

During this time of year, golf courses in northern Utah lose their vibrancy or get buried under snowfall. Snow Hollow Resort avoids this scenario by utilizing overseeding techniques to maintain a lush and effective playing surface to preserve year-round golf courses in Utah. Overseeding is the process of seeding on top of the existing lawn to maintain grass quality in tougher conditions. At Sand Hollow, we overseed with rye grass to keep our fairways a picturesque shade of green no matter the time of year. 

A Contrast You Have to See to Believe

The surrounding scenery of the St. George area makes for a splendid aesthetic as you play golf. As you walk along the fairway, you will witness a beautiful aesthetic made from striking examples of natural beauty. The combination of red sandstone cliffs with the white snow-capped Pine Valley Mountains in the distance is an awe-inspiring sight that heightens the experience of visiting Sand Hollow Resort. 

Better Pace and Better Rates

Beat the Crowds and the Clock

Playing golf at Sand Hollow isn’t attractive just because of the visual splendor of the area. It’s also because it provides the opportunity to play stress-free rounds at your own pace. In the winter months, there is often less competition for time and space than in the spring and fall months, which are often the peak season for visits. This allows you to enjoy your time on the course without dealing with the distraction or pressure of a nearby crowd. 

Golfers can also take advantage of excellent St. George packages that make Sand Hollow more affordable for a wider range of people. Winter rates for the Sand Hollow golf course are lower than in other seasons, so for anyone interested in being efficient with their money, now is the time to nail down a tee time at Sand Hollow Resort.

The Ultimate Weekend Road Trip

Sand Hollow also represents one of the most accessible golf destinations for Utah residents. The Resort is only a 4-hour drive from Salt Lake City, allowing anyone to trade the snow for the sand within a day. If you’re looking for a pleasant weekend getaway, you don’t have to look further than Sand Hollow Resort. 

Stay Where You Play: The Sand Hollow Resort Experience

Sand Hollow Resort offers an unbeatable mix of luxury and convenience. Staying here gives you access to world-class amenities while removing the barrier of a morning commute to head to the Clubhouse. Once you’re done working out your swing on the fairway, you can relax with a fine meal at the Grille as you enjoy the sunset views over the red rocks. Take a break from the snowy and cold by booking a tee time at the Sand Hollow Resort today. 

Image credit: Mr.Somchai Sukkasem