Utah

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.

TalonsCove

Glenwild

North America

Gene Bates laid out the TalonsCove Golf Course in 2004 on the shore of Utah Lake, with the towering peak of Mount Timpanogos in the background, it’s a fine setting for a firm and fast game on the links-like fairways.