Summary:   Value Rating = A

Sunbrook offers an interesting and unique layout providing a great challenge for the average recreational golfer.  The course offers 3 nine hole courses (Pointe, Blackrock, Woodbridge) – each one with its own unique feel and characteristics.  I would definitely play this course again – all 27 holes.

One of the most spectacular qualities is the scenery and setting – a great course to play and enjoy the surrounding views and vistas and to take in the various physical (geographical) features of the area.  There are some great elevation changes which give you tremendous views of the surrounding area and mountains in the distance.

I personally feel that the Blackrock and Woodbridge are the most interesting combination for 18 holes – best scenery, golf challenge.   The Pointe nine is more ordinary and plain in comparison to the other 2 nines but also has the most water hazards.

The green fees were $50 (US – in 2005) for 18 holes and we played another 9 after lunch to get all 27 holes in for around $20.  I understand the fees are higher now – published 2008 fees are between $55 and $75.  I would still rate the course highly at these rates.

I have been told that the course has recently added red cinder sand to the bunkers to give the course a very different look, as opposed to the usual white sand you would expect.  This feature wasn’t in place when I played the course.

The course was in excellent shape and condition when my buddies and I played here.  Very nicely maintained.

Refer to the website for additional details regarding the course – www.sgcity.org/golf/sgsunbrook.php.

Play and Value Evaluation Rating Table

Refer to my evaluation criteria – www.lifepast50.ca/topic-list/golf/reviewcriteria

Some Details:

Sunbrook is located in St. George, Utah, on the west side of the city and easily accessed from the Interstate (I 15).  St. George is in the south west corner of Utah.  If you are interested in other golf in this area, check out the Red Rock Trail information.

The course is operated by the City and was in great shape the day my buddies and I played.  I did see some recent literature indicating that the course had changed the bunkers by using red cinder sand – the red matches much of the surrounding red rock that is so prevalent in this area of Utah.  I’m sure this gives the course a different look – red sand instead of the usual white or brown sand typically seen on all other courses.

We played this course on March 23, 2005 starting in the morning.  Our plan was to play 18 and then have lunch followed by 9 more holes.  We thoroughly enjoyed the courses with its variety of holes and looks – very appealing.  The course was not very busy and we enjoyed a very leisurely pace of play.

The varying character of the 9 hole courses and the beautiful scenery gives Sunbrook a lot of personality – lots of great views from many vantage points.  The natural land formations – the Blackrock lava fields, the Woodbridge elevation changes – make this a truly unique spot.

There are homes around the course but they don’t come into play unless you hit a really wild stray shot.  We didn’t encounter any problems.

We played the middle tees and it did offer us lots of challenge.  Woodbridge does make you think a bit more about shot placement than the other 2 nine hole courses.  Blackrock, especially on the holes around the lava fields, requires you to keep the ball in play.  The lava rock areas can be pretty rough and you typically don’t have a shot to recover, usually just an unplayable lie.  Climbing around some of the lava rock areas can be a bit dangerous – easy to twist an ankle or rip your clothes on the sharp rock edges.

On the Pointe nine, hole #5 has a quite a high fairway that you play from and errant shots to the left can end up 100 feet down on the 2nd fairway.  Near the green the fairway narrows to a ravine which guards the green with trees surrounding the green as well.  I very picturesque hole.

On Woodbridge, there is an island green on #4 – I’m told it is the only island green in Utah – that offers a good par 3 challenge.  You hit from elevated tees to the island green – you can see why this hole is one of the favourites of people who play this course.  I have included a picture at the end of this review.  The par 4 that follows, #5, is also challenging because you need to hit an accurate tee shot from the elevated tee to avoid the water and the sagebrush.

I shot 87 on the Blackrock and Woodbridge 18 followed by a 47 after lunch on the Pointe nine.  I had my usual couple of errant shots and it did take me a few holes to get use to the speed of the greens.  Much quicker than we were use to. There are some rocky areas where you won’t be able to play your ball from or sometimes even find it.

My Evaluation Details:

Scenery – Great views of the surrounding area are spectacular.

Mix of holes – With the 3 unique nine hole courses, Sunbrook offers a great mix of long and short holes with many left and right dog legs.  You will use all the clubs in your bag playing from the middle tees.

Consistency and condition – The course was in great shape.

Character – combine the uniqueness of the 3 nine hole courses, the scenery, and the golf challenge and you have a wonderful spot to play.

Golf Challenge – the course did offer a good blend of decision making places…..

• tee shots – the course does require accuracy off the tee with some good sized landing areas but wild shots will cost you.
• fairway shots – for the most part fairways are relatively flat so you almost always get a great lie.
• pin placements – the greens are average size and pin placements near the edges can make the holes very challenging.  Where you can, stay below the hole with an uphill putt.
• putting – the greens were fast and the speed was consistent across the entire course.  Downhill putts needed to be tapped gently.
• greens – the condition of the greens was great across the whole course.
• a chance to recover – the lava rock and scrub areas were best left alone because you really didn’t have any shot to recover.  The rough was very fair and we didn’t encounter any huge difficulties playing from the edges of the course.

Other Observations

As I’ve noted, the unique feel of each nine hole layout was very attractive.  My buddies and I all commented on this fact after finishing our play at Sunbrook.  The course was in great shape and we thoroughly enjoyed our time playing there.

The food and service was very good.

We didn’t utilize the practice facilities as there was a sudden rain storm that struck just before we were ready to tee off.  Once that blew over, in about 15 minutes, we had partially sunshine, warm 70 degree temperatures, and a slight breeze.

Island Green on Sunbrook Woodbridge

Mountain Views From the Course

One of the Lava Rock Areas on Sunbrook Blackrock

Scenic View of Surrounding Area From Sunbrook

Views of St. George and Surrounding Area from Sunbrook

Reach me at Lane@lifepast50.ca