TalonsCove

Most golf courses in Utah have impressive mountain vistas as backdrops, but TalonsCove is a relative rarity in that its headlining feature is a lake. Although the public-access facility is south of Salt Lake City, the clear water here is actually Utah Lake.

Gene Bates makes the low handicapper think twice before moving to the back tees: At 7,100 yards, they’re nearly 700 yards longer than the next set. But, if it’s any consolation, the high altitude here will give you a little bit of extra distance.

The final four give you about every challenge once could imagine on the way back into the clubhouse: No. 15 is the longest par five on the property, at 590 yards. No. 16 is a potentially drivable par four tempting the big hitters, at just 315 yards from the back tees. No. 17 is a stiff par three, 225 yards and lined along the right with both a sizable bunker and the waterfront. Finally, No. 18 is a long par four bringing you back to the green that is shared with No. 9.

Oh, and don't get us wrong: TalonsCove also has mountain vistas along with the lake...Mount Timpanogos rises in the background.