Sanpete County is the home of two top-notch golf courses. East of Sterling in Palisade State Park is the Palisade Golf Course. Southeast of Fairview, golfers will find Skyline Mountain Resort Golf Course. Both are unique and each have their challenges.

Palisade

The Palisade 18-hole, par-72 golf course measures 6,360 yards from the back tee markers but plays longer because all the par-5s play uphill. However, the golf course will challenge even the most advanced player because of the difficulties encountered around the greens. The mountain layout has an elevation change of 230 feet from 5,885 feet at the base to 6,115 at the top.

Though it’s expansive undulating greens are truly a test, the greatest challenge may be signature hole number 4. This 179-yard par-3 has an elevation drop of 70 feet and requires golfers to carry the ball over a canyon, and land it precisely on the green. A ball hit too long will hit into the mountain behind the green and ricochet anywhere.

On the other hand, a ball hit too short will certainly come to rest in the canyon below. The Salt Lake Tribune has likened this hole to the famous 12th at Augusta National and the Deseret News had it on its “Best Holes” list for 2005.

Clubhouse amenities include golf shop, restaurant, club rental, clothing, equipment, and accessories, food and beverages, private and group lessons, driving range, and cart rental. Tee times may be made seven days in advance.

Views and vistas of the natural surrounding are stunning. Many golfers use their cameras as much as their clubs. In addition to golf, Palisade State Park next door offers boating, camping, fishing, hiking, off-highway vehicle access, and a variety of other activities. Golf professional is Jordan Van Orman.

For information about any of the following tournaments call the pro shop at (435) 835-4653.

May 19, 9 a.m., Sanpete Open, shotgun start.

June 9, 9 a.m., Child Abuse Prevention fundraising golf tournament, shotgun start, four man scramble, Participants support survivors of child abuse and services of Sanpete County Children’s Justice Center. To register, call Jordan Van Orman at Pro Shop (435) 835-4653 or Joan Shand (435) 835-5211. Donations can be sent to: Friends of Children’s Justice Center, PO Box 292, Manti, UT 84642.

June 11, 9 a.m., Palisade Senior Amateur (UGA PPR event), shotgun start.

July 16, 10 a.m., Palisade Pro-Am.

Aug. 13, 9 a.m., Two-Man Senior Four Ball (Best-ball), shotgun start.

Sept. 15, 9 a.m., Palisade Amateur, shotgun start.

Oct. 12-13, 10 a.m., Central Utah Two-Day Amateur, shotgun start.

Skyline Mountain Resort

Skyline Mountain Resort Golf Course is a nine-hole course in Fairview for public and member use. The course is UGA approved with two certified golf instructors with clubhouse, pro shop and cart rentals. Campsite and cabin reservations are available in the resort. The resort is located 2.5 miles south of Fairview on the Mountainville Highway which begins on 300 South in Fairview.

For information on all of the following tournaments call the pro shop (435) 427-9575.

June 9, 8:30 a.m., Seventh Annual Drive4Food Tee-off, two person scramble, hole-in-one, contest prizes and lunch. This is a donation tournament for the Sanpete Pantry food bank.

July 7, 8 a.m., Skyline Motorsports Men’s Tournament. Shotgun start, all entrants must have a UGA Handicap Individual Stroke Play. For information call pro-shop (435) 427-9575.

June 23, 8 a.m., Mt. Pleasant Hub City Days/Sponsor Golf Tournament, shotgun start, two-person, Register 7:30 a.m., tee-off 8 a.m. For information call the pro shop (435) 427-9575.

July 14, 8 a.m., Fairview Pioneer Days Golf Tournament. Shotgun start, two-person scramble with UGA handicaps.

Aug. 11, 8 a.m., Optic Cup Tournament. Shotgun start, two-person scramble. This is a handicap tournament, however anyone that does not have a handicap will be provided a Peoria handicap. This is a donation tournament to provide eye glasses to local children in need. Register at 7:30 a.m., tee-off at 8 a.m.

Aug. 25, 8 a.m., El Mexicano Senior Men’s Scramble. Shotgun start, all participants must be at least 50 years of age. Two person scramble UGA handicap required.

Sept. 15, 9 a.m., Fairview Parks and Recreation Golf Tournament. Shotgun start, two-person scramble, no handicaps required. This is a donation tournament to assist with the Fairview Sports Complex.