River Oaks Golf Course Review
Designer: William H. Neff (1999)
https://sandy.utah.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/river-oaks-golf-course
801-568-4653
9300 S Riverside Drive Sandy, UT 84070
Utah Golf Guy Grade
| OVERALL | 7.25 |
| BEAUTY | 8 |
| VALUE | 8 |
| PRACTICE FACILITIES | 8 |
| CLUBHOUSE | 7 |
| PACE OF PLAY | 4 |
| CONDITIONS | 8 |
| FRIENDLINESS OF STAFF | 6 |
| FUN | 9 |
| NOT INCLUDED IN OVERALL SCORE: COURSE DIFFICULTY | 5 |
| TEES | OUT | IN | TOTAL | RATING | SLOPE |
| BLACK | 3514 | 3533 | 7047 | 71.17 | 123 |
| BLUE | 3216 | 3127 | 6343 | 68.9 | 115 |
| WHITE | 3061 | 2986 | 6047 | 67.9 | 110 |
| YELLOW | 2573 | 2555 | 5128 | 66.9 | 113 |
Course Summary
Welcome to the River Oaks Golf Course Review. Located on the South Valley of the Jordan River Bottom Area, River Oaks is extremely diverse with elevation changes, water, marsh and sand bunkers. The course is short but water, OB and hazards come into play on almost every hole. If you cannot control your driver it is recommended that you use long irons off the tees. During the fall months, the 1st cut of rough does not affect the ball too much but the trees and marshes beyond the rough can cause quite a few lost balls if not careful.
River Oaks is in great shape with dead grass being at a minimal. The layout is fun and diverse giving you a different style of shots on most holes. However, the tee boxes were chewed up and in bad shape.
The clubhouse is beautiful on the outside but quite small and cramped on the inside. They are having their end of the year equipment sale and all of their products were pushed out to the entrance.
The only major knocks that I have on the course was the pace of play and the friendliness of the staff. Ahead of our 3-some was a 4-some and ahead of them were (2) 5-somes that slowed down the entire back nine of the round. Average wait on the tee box was around 10 minutes. The employees were cordial in person but were rude and condescending over the phone when asked basic questions.
Overall, this course is recommended for the golf course itself. Well-developed, diverse and fun for all golf skill levels.
Specifics
Fairways – The fairways were in great shape with little to no large dead spots anywhere. Shots were the perfect mix of firmness to hold the ball up but soft enough to create a normal divot. 1st cut of rough did not affect the ball too much which is expected during the fall season
Greens – The greens were in great shape. Played very quick and rolled smooth and true to the eye read. One of the few courses in the area that fixes ball marks creating a fantastic putting experience. The majority of the greens are flat with a few double tiers mixed in.
Sand Bunkers – These are in good shape, with soft sand that allowed for decent bunker shots. Well maintained and manicured
Practice facilities are really nice with a well-manicured putting green and a spacious driving range with yard markers everyone (including Utah, BYU and Utah State markers).
BEST HOLES
Signature Hole - #17 Par 4 375 Yards
Utah Golf Guy score - Par
A few holes to choose from (#10, #12, #13 and #16) but the most memorable hole for me is the 2nd to last hole on the course, #17. An absolutely stunning elevated tee shot (well over 100 feet) into a dogleg left fairway. Tee shot from the blue tees is actually more difficult than from the tips as the angle blinds the left side of the fairway. Fairway is wider than it appears which helps take away the danger from OB on the right and hazards on the left. The perfect landing spot is right in the middle and let it roll to the right side of the fairway. The elevated green is protected on the front left by a bunker, making an approach from the right side more appealing. One of the more undulated greens on the course but almost every shot funnels to the middle.
Clubhouse Pick: Hole #13
Most Beautiful - #17 Par 4 375 Yards
Utah Golf Guy score - Par
See signature hole
Clubhouse Pick: Holes #17 or #15
Birdie Time - #11 Par 4 325 Yards
Utah Golf Guy score - Par
A short Par 4 that gives you a lot of options. Big hitters can roll up to the elevated green off the tee or you can layup to the approach distance you are most comfortable with. Tee shot must be middle or right side of the fairway. Going left risks hitting into the hazard or being forced with an approach over the trees. The green is two tiered and very small.
Clubhouse Pick: Hole #13
Likely Bogey - #4 Par 4 435 Yards
Utah Golf Guy score - Par
This fairway plays gently uphill, making this hole play 20 yards longer than listed. Hazards on both sides but juts into the left side of the fairway at around 130 yards (from the green). Smart play is to layup to the 150 yard marker on the right side of the fairway. The green is narrow and slopes downhill gently from front to back.
Clubhouse PIck: #4 or #2
Best Par 3 - #12 Par 3 164 Yards
Utah Golf Guy score - Par
A forced carry over a beautiful pond. The tee is slightly elevated allowing you to barely see the green over the reeds in the hazard. Small runway fairway on the left front side of the green. Green is heart shaped and very small. Slope on the right side of the green will funnel every ball to the middle of the green.
Clubhouse PIck: Hole #12
Best Par 4 - #16 Par 4 338 Yards
Utah Golf Guy score - Par
Another short par 4. This one is a forced layup as the dogleg left fairway is all uphill to the top of the ridge and all downhill to a green that is protected by a large and wide bunker. One of the prettiest approach shots on the course looking down at the green from the top of the hill. Short of the fairway bunker on the right side is the perfect angle and distance to attack the flag. This green is 2 tiered with the ridge running through the middle of the green.
Clubhouse Pick: Hole #14 or #16
Best Par 5 - #13 Par 5 528 Yards
Utah Golf Guy score - Par
Probably the highest elevated tee shot on the golf course, well over 100 feet to a downward sloping fairway. A good drive on the left side of the fairway will easily go an extra 50 yards to give you a great angle to reach this green in two. Trees and bushes on the right side from tee to green. Fairway narrows significantly from 140 yards from the green so be careful if you need to layup on your second shot.
Two small bunkers on the left and front right. Green is wide and at least 50 yards deep making it vital to choose the right club and limit a 3-putt possibility. A ridge runs through the back 1/3 of the green. Fantastic tee shot and fun, large green to try and reach in 2.
Clubhouse: Hole #13