Project Overview

Golf Course Architect Forrest Richardson first set foot in Park City, Utah on Promontory’s west hillside in Spring of 2005. The idea back then was to search for the ideal location to build a “new” course concept that would be fun and enjoyable for all. Initial plans were discussed, studied, and refined. Several years passed, and with an ever-changing real estate market, the project’s launch was placed on hold until the timing was right. That time came in late 2020 when it was decided to move forward with this exciting concept.

Richardson and his team dusted off the old plans and came up with an even better approach — a full 18-hole experience, but with all par-3 holes. This new direction is the ultimate in water conservation and environmental sustainability. With just 15 acres of turf devoted to the golf holes — plus another 15 acres for a range, academy, and practice areas — the new Hills Course and Academy will usher in a new era at Promontory.

“Fun” is the operative word to describe Richardson’s objective. Each hole has its own personality. Each tee shot an incredible view. Each time you step up to the tee it’s yet another chance for birdie or even the holy grail — an ace. With diversity in yardage among the holes (75-yards to nearly 240-yards), The Hills is a trek across ancient fields where lava flowed slowly across the terrain depositing the various rock formations and crumbly ground that is now home to our third golf offering. Native sagebrush defines the landscape, now joined by clusters of trees and flowering shrubs. The landscape looks wide open, yet the premium is on accuracy as each hole unfolds.

The Hills Course pays homage to the priorities set forth by Golden Age Golf Architect, William Flynn. “Accuracy, carry and length,” according to Flynn — and in that precise order — are the true hallmarks of any great golf design. At The Hills this is presented in ideal format: 18 one-shot holes that play out toward the south and then return along the same, basic path. It is akin to The Old Course at St. Andrews, yet each hole at The Hills features its own green, with no two alike. Accuracy is key. Carry — that ability to overcome patches of sage and the occasionally bunker — comes next. Finally, is length — important to some degree —but not a requirement to achieve scoring success. This is the secret to mastering The Hills … Accuracy, Carry and Length. Remember those, and in that specific order, and your day will be fun, memorable, and filled with smiles.

Another benefit of The Hills is how the flow of holes allows “short cuts” by members. You can finish No. 3 and go directly to No. 14 tee where you can play in or continue up the canyon to play Nos. 15 through 18. Similarly, you can take short cuts throughout the round to decide your own “course” to play 6, 9, 12, 15 or all 18 holes. With round times at about 3 hours for 18-holes, you’ll also be able to add to the day with short loops to settle bets or just keep on playing.

Quick Facts

Scope: Planning, Design, Approvals, Bidding, Construction Documents, Construction Observation Services
Course: 18-holes/All-Par-3/Par-54/3,000-yards, Short Game Green, Range, Academy
Budget: $8.2 million USD
Completion: Opening 2023
Developer: Pivotal Group
Address: 8758 North Promontory Ranch Road, Park City, Utah 84098

Articles

Promontory Club Nears Completion of Long Awaited Forrest Richardson Short Course