Thanksgiving Point Golf Review
Designer: Johnny Miller 1997
https://www.thanksgivingpointgolfclub.com
801-768-7401
3300 W Clubhouse Drive Lehi, UT 84043
Accolades
Selected #10 for Golf Digest’s “Best in State List” for Utah 2009-10
Voted #1 for Golfweek Magazine’s “America’s Best Public-Access Courses for Utah 2006”
Voted #3 for Golf Digest Magazine’s “Top Rated Golf Courses for Utah 2005-2006”
Selected #1 for Golfweek Magazine’s “America’s Best Public-Access Courses for Utah 2005”
Voted #5 for Golf Digest Magazine’s “Best New Upscale Public Course 1998”
Utah Golf Guy Grade
| OVERALL | 8.50 |
| BEAUTY | 9 |
| VALUE | 6 |
| PRACTICE FACILITIES | 9 |
| CLUBHOUSE | 10 |
| PACE OF PLAY | 8 |
| CONDITIONS | 9 |
| FRIENDLINESS OF STAFF | 7 |
| FUN | 10 |
| NOT INCLUDED IN OVERALL: DIFFICULTY | 10 |
| TEES | OUT | IN | TOTAL | RATING | SLOPE |
| BLACK | 3722 | 3994 | 7716 | 77.6 | 145 |
| GOLD | 3545 | 3762 | 7307 | 75.7 | 140 |
| BLUE | 3313 | 3481 | 6794 | 73.3 | 138 |
| WHITE | 3078 | 3266 | 6344 | 71.1 | 135 |
| GREEN | 2808 | 3032 | 5840 | 71.8 | 127 |
Course Summary
UPDATED 6/4/2020
Welcome to the Thanksgiving Point Golf Course review. Johnny Miller had one thing in mind when he designed the Thanksgiving Point Golf Course; length, length and more length. At over 7700 yards from the tips, this course requires you to pull out the driver and cover a lot of space off the tee box. A 250 yard par 3, 495 yard par 4, and a ruthless 678 yard par 5 highlight the length of this well designed course. Throw in elevated tees and greens, doglegs throughout the course along with the beautiful Jordan River and you have yourself a beautiful but extremely difficult 18 holes. 3 out of the 4 Par 3’s (#4, #7 and #17) are absolutely breathtaking. Featuring elevated tee shots while targeting large greens surrounded by sand bunkers. These are some of the most beautiful par 3 holes of any golf course in Utah.
The clubhouse also might be the most beautiful in all of Utah. Towering over the 9thand 18thgreens, with a good use of space inside. The two putting greens are well-manicured and diverse. The driving range was removed a few years back to make room for a local corporate building but was recently moved down the street. The driving range is looking MUCH better than it did a few months ago. Lots of bays available and the grass has started to fill out. Staff was friendly but a little short and impatient even though no one else was in the pro shop.
SPECIFICS
Fairways – The fairways are in fantastic shape. Brown spots and dead grass are at a minimal and approach shots play true. Due to the terrain, every fairway has slopes which potentially create awkward stances for your 2nd and 3rd shots. The rough is lush and thick so it is imperative to land in the fairway to give you a shot at a green in regulation.
Greens – The greens are in great shape and are extremely large, tiered and sloped. If not read and judged correctly, multiple 3 putts can be commonplace. During the summer season the greens are fast but during the fall season they slow down considerably. A few holes had quite a few ball marks but overall they were smooth
Sand Bunkers – Thanksgiving Point boasts some of the largest sand bunkers in all of Utah. The largest bunker belongs to the Par 4 Hole #3, racing along the left side of the fairway at over 100 yards long and 30 yards wide; while the Park 4 #13 has one of similar length on the right side. Each hole has at least 1 bunker around the green and 6 holes have a bunker directly in between the fairway and the green on your approach. The bunkers are soft and are generally in good shape for a decent, sandy out.
Weather – Wind plays a significant role on this course. I have personally played this course 3 times in the last 5 months and each time the wind has blown ferociously but in a different direction each round. With over 7700 yards challenging you already, learning to play each hole with or against the wind can be the difference between a par or a double bogey.
BEST HOLES
Signature Hole - #17 Par 3 250 Yards
Utah Golf Guy score - Birdie
*** Disclaimer; I did hit my tee shot within 2 feet of the hole but, even if I had scored a double bogey, this hole still gets my vote
Thanksgiving Point has quite a few holes worthy for the claim of their signature hole, but #17 takes the cake. Elevated tee shot over the stunning Jordan River into a multi-tiered green. Playing 250 yards from the tips this tee shot requires skill, confidence and courage. Bunkers surround both sides of the peninsular green. Deeper than it appears, the green from the tee box appears shallow and intimidating even for the advanced golfer. Trouble awaits each shot that is short, long, too far left or right. A beautifully thought out and executed hole that you will not soon forget.
Clubhouse Pick: #17
Most Beautiful - #7 Par 3 208 Yards
Utah Golf Guy score - Bogey
Another elevated tee shot over the Jordan River into an undulated green surrounded by sand bunkers. Mountains in the background, bunkers surrounding the green and a beautiful view of the rest of the golf course.
Clubhouse Pick: #1 or #18
Birdie Time - #3 Par 4 325 Yards
Utah Golf Guy score - Par
This tee shot is fun and beautiful. An enormous sand bunker lines the left side of the fairway and protects the front side of the green. The bunker is over 100 yards long and 30 yards wide in some parts. In fact, TP allows golf carts to drive in the bunker to get to your sandy shot. At 325 yards it is possible to go for the green but if the flag is in the middle or left side of the green the smart play is to hit a long iron and take dead aim at the pin from under 100 yards. Stay out of the bunker on the drive and you will have a fantastic shot at birdie!
Clubhouse Pick: #1 or #3
Likely Bogey - #6 Par 4 495 Yards
Utah Golf Guy score - Bogey
Driver is needed off the longest Par 4 on the course. Slice (right) the drive; you risk being OB or even the Jordan River. Even a small fade has the potential to land in the fairway and squirt OB. Hook (left) and you will be playing from the trees. The fairway is narrow so a straight drive is necessary to even have a shot at par. Green is slightly elevated making this hole play longer than 495. Green is skinny but deep, making it necessary to have your approach come from the fairway. I came away from this hole with a Bogey and I was lucky it was not much worse. Wind is often at your face.
Clubhouse Pick: #6
Best Par 3 - #17 250 Yards
Utah Golf Guy score - Birdie
See Signature Hole
Clubhouse Pick: #7
Best Par 4 - #18 440 Yards
Utah Golf Guy score - Par
This finishing hole is one of my favorites in the state. Elevated tee box with a tremendous view of the golf course and the beautiful Clubhouse rising above the 18thgreen. Slice the tee shot, risk a tough second shot. Hook it, 3 bunkers on the left await you. Cutting the corner from the right side is possible but if you come up short you risk hitting from grassy hills. 2 bunkers on the left, and 1 bunker well short of the green protect this heart shaped, elevated putting surface. Great birdie opportunity if you are able to cut the corner on the drive.
Clubhouse Pick: #18
Best Par 5 - #14 622 Yards
Utah Golf Guy score - Bogey
Arguably my favorite hole on the course. The tee shot is flat but terrifying. Must carry over the Jordan River to reach the fairway. From the tips; must carry over 200 yards if playing conservatively. Big hitters and courageous players can try to cut a little more of the corner for a better angle but will need at least 250 yards to clear. Tee shot needs to be either pulled or straight to eliminate any chance of danger. Descending green is guarded by a single bunker on the left. The river is in play on both the tee shot and the 2ndshot. Aim for the center of the green as a slope can take any approach shot off and down if hit on the right.
Clubhouse Pick: #14