Dramatic combination of rugged natural landscape and picturesque mountain vistas
PALO ALTO, California – Robert Trent Jones II Golf Course Architects is creating its first 18-hole layout and practice facility in Utah for the new luxury residential-resort community of Three Bridges. Set on 530 rolling acres of former cattle-grazing land, the property is in Salem, about 15 miles south of Provo along the western edge of the Wasatch Mountain range.
The course will start with five holes routed through pastureland, with the next 13 holes meandering through a dramatically varying landscape that includes foothills, ravines, and forests. Robert Trent Jones Jr., chairman and master architect of RTJII, said, “I’m thrilled our firm is gearing up to construct our first course in Utah. The land is special and will offer golfers great views and great shots.”
According to Trent Jones, COO of RTJII, ownership’s direction was to emphasize “fun” by creating an enjoyable experience for all levels of golfers.
“Knowing this community is geared to families, we created great flexibility in the positioning of teeing areas and welcoming fairway corridors for the beginning golfer, while creating exciting challenges for the seasoned player” says Jones. “We will add to the fun by preserving the natural landscape and emphasizing the views of the Wasatch range and amazingly varied topography.”
Construction will begin in Spring 2024, with the first nine holes and driving range expected to open by Spring/Summer 2025, along with a temporary clubhouse and fully stocked comfort stations. Other hospitality options, which will be operated by the resort, will include a sports bar with outdoor firepits and a full-day café. Also planned is a state-of-the-art golf academy with club-fitting bays and swing analysis.
Senior project architect Mark Voss said that Three Bridges “will showcase the dramatic coming together of residential luxury and the imposing mountain landscape.”
Golfers will enjoy 360-degree views from steep mountain hillsides, across valleys, and down to Utah Lake.
“We are routing the course to present the rugged landscape, elevation change, and scale of the site to both intrigue and entertain players,” added Voss.
The course will open with a journey through open mountain meadow, with the tee shots on holes 3 and 4 offering a taste of the elevation change to be found later in the round. Holes 6 to 9 sidestep up a hillside through dense high desert, while number 10 drops steeply to a green that pitches wildly on the valley floor. Holes 11 through 17 will wander up, down, over, and across an undisturbed sloping hillside rich in vegetation and contour. The round finishes with an uphill par-5 that will tempt golfers to challenge a natural ravine in hopes of reaching the green.
Other design elements for Three Bridges include:
- Free-form tees matching the variety of angles and elevation change;
- Heavily contoured greens to create maximum interest and fun;
- Bunkering that pays homage to the rugged landscape, including elongated “scar” bunkers;
- Clean edges along areas of play, while backside/offside edges are more natural.
Among unique golf elements being planned are a large “social green” near the main range tee; eleven Tee Homes, located at the back of the range to provide both accommodation and sport with indoor play bays; and a “hidden” par-3 challenge hole (from the 7th tee to the 9th green).
Real estate developer High Ground Development has envisioned every aspect of the private club tailored to the active family lifestyle, including 413 residential lots of which 206 are available for custom residences, a five-acre paddle and deep-water surf lake, beach club, 200 key luxury hotel, indoor and outdoor pickleball and tennis courts, resort pools, four miles of paved and unpaved hiking and biking trails, fitness center, spa, and an event venue.
The trail system will be used for cross-country skiing, sledding, fat tire, and electric snow bikes in the winter. The final nine holes, beach club and surf lake are scheduled to open in the spring of 2026, and the branded hotel in 2027.
For more information and details about RTJ II courses, award-winning sustainable designs, visionary water conservation, and world-class tournament venues, visit the company’s website at www.rtj2.com.
For ownership or membership opportunities at Three Bridges please contact Alicia@threebridgesutah.com
