Gladstan Golf Course

Gladstan Golf Course is located in Payson which is about about 1 hour and 15 minutes south of Salt Lake City. It is built in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountain and offers a great taste of Utah mountain golfing.

Since the course is just over an hour away from Salt Lake City, it is not as busy as other mountain courses in Northern Utah. This keeps Gladstan one of the best kept secrets in the state. But, as more people play find out about it and the metropolitan area expands Gladstan is becoming more and more popular.

The opening holes numbers 1 to 6 on the front nine and the closing holes numbers 16 to 18 on the back are more traditional in design as they were built on terrain that is fairly flat. The main hazards on these holes are two large ponds and out of bounds areas.

In contrast, the stretch of holes from number 7 to 15 are cut out of the natural vegetation and uneven land. These holes cross hillsides, wander through canyons, shoot down steep slopes and cut through forests. Elevated tees, ravines and waste areas all come into play.

Numbers 7 and 8 are short target-style holes that require accuracy. Number 7 is a very short 329 yard par 4 that can easily produce a bogie or worse. A tee shot that is too far left or long will be lost or unplayable. Even a bad second shot to the elevated green is dangerous because of the surrounding vegetation.

A precise tee shot is also required on the short par 3 number 8 as the small green literally has thick waste areas guarding every side. Landing short of the green and rolling on is the only way to be safe.

Don't get too relaxed at the turn as hole number 10 requires a forced carry down a steep hillside and over a strand of tall trees. Course knowledge, course maintenance and shot execution are all required to setup a good approach shot to the green.

Because of the its intimidating tee shot, the signature hole is number 12. At less than 300 yards the par 4 would never get an ounce of respect if it wasn't for the deep ravine between the tee box and the fairway. The carry is only about 150 yards from the back tee but when it's your turn to hit it looks like 300 yards.

Because of the distance between green and tee on several holes, a cart is recommended for all but the best in shape. The forced carries required on the back make the front nine better for beginning golfers. The course is in Utah County which is dry on Sundays so bring your own beer.

Gladstan is very interesting and fun to play and offers challenges that can be overcome with accuracy and bravery. For the price Gladstan is an exceptional value for your golfing dollar.