Lakeside Golf Course
Head to the west side of I-15 in Bountiful for a challenge!
By Brian Coats
Utah Golf Authority Course Reviewer
East vs. West. No, we're not talking about the opposing sides of a college football all-star game. Nor are we discussing the Cold War, which American coastline is better or two high schools in Salt Lake City. Instead, we are talking about golf in and around the city of Bountiful.
You
see, there is this friendly little rivalry between golf courses
on the east side of I-15, like Bountiful Ridge and Eaglewood,
and the one on the west side -- Lakeside Golf Course. The east
side courses -- probably more well known and definitely more affluent
-- can claim stunning vistas, as they are on the bench areas of
the mountains. The west side courses are in
the valley.
Those vistas, however, might be a bit overrated, Lakeside pro Mike Bicker says. "They have a view of the Great Salt Lake and the oil refineries," he said. "We have a view of the Wasatch Mountains."
Number one, a 490 yard par 5 from the middle, or white tees, looks simple enough. An errant drive to the left, though, will find trouble -- a fairway bunker.
Water comes into play for the first time on number three. A long drive can find the front of a left side pond. On six and seven, there are ponds guarding the right side of the fairway. And the fun has only just begun.
If one escaped the front nine relatively unharmed, take a break before crossing the street to the back nine. You'll need the renewed energy. That is because Lakeside has its own version of "Amen Corner," the infamous three hole stretch at Augusta National. Coincidentally, it's the same three holes -- 11, 12 and 13.
Hole 11 is a 113 yard par-3 from the whites. That sounds short, but about 90 of those 113 yards look like they came straight out of central Florida -- it's a swamp. The green is large, so if the pin is placed in the back, all the better, as you can hit a club or two extra to safely carry the water. The hole plays extra tricky when the pin is in the front of the green, though.
The next two holes have ominous markings on the cartpath asphalt. Next to the white tees, it says, "230 yards to the wetlands," on No. 12. The swamp that guards the 11th green extends into the fairway on the par-5 12th hole and par-4 13th hole, creating a strong need for discipline and club management. A driver off the tee on either hole, especially No. 13, can get you in serious trouble.
"That little stretch," Bicker said, referring to 11-13, "takes its toll on golf balls."
The three finishing holes are the prettiest on the course. The 155 yard par-3 No. 16 is beautiful, with weeping willows surrounding a pond behind the green. The last two holes also have water around the green. "Eighteen is usually regarded as the hardest hole," Bicker said.
Altogether, the 5,543 yard (from the whites) course is well worth the $17 -- which is $1 cheaper than Bountiful Ridge and Eaglewood weekday green fee.
The wet spring put the grounds in excellent condition. Of course, with all the ponds and water hazards, one gets the feeling Lakeside could take care of itself even if there was no rain for an extended period. It could simply irrigate.
Long time golfers may remember a this course under a different name. Previous to 1993 it was a 9 hole course called West Bountiful and nicknamed "The Sponge". But when the second 9 was added so was additional drainage. Now the course is well maintained and always playable.
The relaxed, laid-back feel of the course is one its best traits, Bicker said. "We are friendly and we have an open atmosphere. We get a lot of juniors and seniors out here."
Those juniors and seniors, along with many other Northern Utah golfers, know that great golf can be found in Bountiful no matter which direction you head.
1201 North 1100 West
West Bountiful, UT 84087
801 295-1019
18 holes
Blue Tees:
6030 yards
67.2/113
par 71
White Tees:
5573 yards
65.0/109
par 71
Red Tees:
4895 yards
66.1/105
par 71
Head Professional:
Mike Bicker
Superintendent:
Paul Bergantz
Assistant:
Kelly Class
Design:
Roland Bills, 1968
William H. Neff, 1993
Rates:
Mon-Fri $21 ($32 with cart)
Sat-Sun $21 ($32 with cart)
Prices are for 18 holes. Cart price is per person.
Special: 18 holes for $25 on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Sundays after 1 p.m.
No metal spikes allowed.
Facilities:
Pro shop
Snack bar
Driving range
Putting green
Chipping green
Practice bunker
Lessons
Course Record:
65 Scott Hales
(competition)
63 Scott Hales
(regular)
