Nestled in the stunning landscape of Southern Utah, Copper Rock Golf Course presents a unique golfing experience that blends striking desert scenery with challenging play. Designed by Dale Beddo and opened in 2020, this Hurricane, Utah course has quickly become a talking point among golfers. While praised for its visual appeal and distinctive bunkering, Copper Rock also presents a firm test, particularly around its greens. This review dives into the details of what makes Copper Rock Golf both a memorable and demanding round.
A Course Forged in the Desert: Design and Layout
Dale Beddo’s vision for Copper Rock Golf Course is evident from the first tee. His design philosophy, previously showcased at Kokopelli Golf Club, aims to harmonize with the natural terrain. Copper Rock unfolds across a landscape that transitions from gently rolling on the front nine to dramatically elevated on the back nine. This varied terrain creates a dynamic and visually engaging round.
One of the most immediately striking features of Copper Rock Golf Course is its bunkering. Reminiscent of the style popularized by Jack Nicklaus at Coyote Springs, the bunkers at Copper Rock are a masterclass in visual contrast. Jagged edges and brilliant white sand stand out sharply against the rust-colored desert earth, creating both strategic hazards and aesthetic enhancements to each hole. These bunkers not only frame fairways and greens but also demand precise shot-making and strategic thinking throughout your round at Copper Rock Golf.
Jagged edge bunker at Copper Rock Golf Course highlighting the contrast with the desert landscape
The Challenge of the Greens at Copper Rock
While the setting and bunkering at Copper Rock Golf Course are undeniably impressive, the greens are where many golfers find their mettle tested. The putting surfaces at Copper Rock are known for their firmness and a prevalent front-to-back slope. This combination creates a significant challenge, even for well-struck approach shots. Holding the green, especially with shorter irons and wedges, can be unexpectedly difficult, demanding precision and spin control.
The reviewer notes a potential disconnect between the green design and the surrounding course features. While firm, sloping greens are a hallmark of links golf, where ground game creativity is essential, Copper Rock Golf Course doesn’t always provide the run-up areas or contours to effectively utilize this style of play. This can lead to situations where even well-placed shots struggle to find and hold the putting surface, potentially adding frustration to the otherwise enjoyable Copper Rock experience. However, the reviewer is optimistic that as the course matures, adjustments to green firmness and contours could enhance the overall playability and enjoyment around the greens at Copper Rock Golf.
Signature Holes and Strategic Highlights
Despite the demanding greens, Copper Rock Golf Course boasts a collection of memorable and strategically engaging holes. Here’s a look at some standouts:
Signature Hole: 17th (SkyDive) – Par 3, 134 Yards
The 17th hole, aptly named “SkyDive,” is the high point of Copper Rock Golf Course and arguably its most visually stunning. This downhill par 3 offers panoramic views of the surrounding desert mountains and an aerial perspective of the 9th and 18th holes below. At just 134 yards, distance isn’t the primary challenge; wind and pin placement are key. As Hurricane, Utah, suggests, wind can be a significant factor, requiring careful club selection. A left pin placement brings a bunker into play, making the right side of the green the safer target on this picturesque hole at Copper Rock Golf.
Jagged edge bunker at Copper Rock Golf Course highlighting the contrast with the desert landscape
Best Par 3: 4th (O’ Chute) – Par 3, 193 Yards
The 4th hole, “O’ Chute,” is the first par 3 encountered at Copper Rock Golf Course. It presents another iconic Southern Utah vista, framed by orange mountains and distant snow-capped peaks. This mid-length par 3 demands accuracy, with built-up bunkers guarding both sides of the green. The putting surface slopes from right to left, offering strategic choices from the tee. While the right side provides a more open approach, challenging the left side can leave a favorable uphill putt, adding strategic depth to this beautiful par 3 at Copper Rock Golf.
View of the 4th (O' Chute) Hole at Copper Rock Golf Course with orange mountains in the backdrop
Best Par 4: 6th (Shipwreck) – Par 4, 329 Yards
“Shipwreck,” the 6th hole, is a standout par 4 on the front nine at Copper Rock Golf Course, offering a risk-reward scenario. At 329 yards, it’s potentially driveable, especially downwind. A pond guards the left side, penalizing overly aggressive tee shots, while playing too conservatively right can lead to running through the fairway into the desert. Accuracy off the tee is paramount. Favoring the left side of the fairway provides the best angle to a green that slopes back towards the water, and also avoids the right-side bunkers. “Shipwreck” presents a prime birdie opportunity for those who can navigate its strategic challenges at Copper Rock Golf.
Overview of the 6th (Shipwreck) Hole at Copper Rock Golf Course, highlighting the water hazard and fairway
Best Par 5: 5th (Sidewinder) – Par 5, 567 Yards
The 5th hole, “Sidewinder,” is a par 5 that unfolds its complexity as you approach the green complex at Copper Rock Golf Course. From the tee, it appears straightforward, but the green is where the challenge truly lies. Fairway bunkers on the left provide a good line for a controlled cut shot, while bolder players might challenge the right bunker to shorten the hole. However, the right side offers limited visibility to the elevated green. The green itself is long and undulating, sloping severely from front to back, nestled between mounds. Reaching this green in two is risky due to its firmness and slopes, making precise approach play essential. Mastering the “Sidewinder” requires multiple rounds to develop a sound strategy at Copper Rock Golf.
View of the 5th (Sidewinder) Hole at Copper Rock Golf Course, showcasing the fairway and green complex
Fairway view of the 5th (Sidewinder) Hole at Copper Rock Golf Course, showing the approach to the green
Back view of the 5th (Sidewinder) Hole green at Copper Rock Golf Course, emphasizing the slope and undulations
Birdie Time: 3rd (Valley of Sin) – Par 4, 303 Yards
The 3rd hole, “Valley of Sin,” pays homage to the 18th at St Andrews with a similar challenging valley short left of the green. At just over 300 yards, driving the green is tempting, but accuracy is crucial at Copper Rock Golf Course. The ideal tee shot flirts with the right fairway bunker, using the fairway slope to feed the ball towards the green. The slightly raised green and surrounding subtle trouble demand precision with approach shots or clever use of the Texas wedge. The nuances around this green become more appreciated with each play, making “Valley of Sin” a strategic and potentially rewarding hole at Copper Rock Golf.
Overview of the 3rd (Valley of Sin) Hole at Copper Rock Golf Course, showing the fairway and green setting
Aerial view of the 3rd (Valley of Sin) Hole at Copper Rock Golf Course, highlighting the green complex and surrounding features
Bogey Beware: 13th (Down and Dirty) – Par 4, 478 Yards
The 13th hole, “Down and Dirty,” is arguably the most memorable and challenging hole at Copper Rock Golf Course. This lengthy par 4 plays downhill against a backdrop of towering desert mountains. While the yardage might suggest length is the primary difficulty, the approach shot is the real test. Like many greens at Copper Rock, the putting surface slopes severely from back to front and plays firm. Holding the green on approach is exceptionally challenging. The recommended strategy, regardless of pin position, is to play short right and utilize the bank to feed the ball onto the green, prioritizing a two-putt par on this demanding hole at Copper Rock Golf.
View of the 13th (Down and Dirty) Hole at Copper Rock Golf Course, showcasing the downhill fairway and mountain backdrop
Fairway view of the 13th (Down and Dirty) Hole at Copper Rock Golf Course, emphasizing the length and downhill slope
Course Stats at a Glance
For golfers planning their round at Copper Rock Golf Course, here are the key stats across different tee boxes:
| Tees | Par | Yardage | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 72 | 6823 | 72.9 | 134 |
| Blue | 72 | 6270 | 70.2 | 128 |
| White | 72 | 5667 | 67.5 | 121 |
| Red | 72 | 5062 | 64.7 | 112 |
| White (Women) | 72 | 5667 | 72.5 | 132 |
| Red (Women) | 72 | 5062 | 69.1 | 125 |
Final Verdict: Is Copper Rock Golf Course Worth Playing?
Copper Rock Golf Course offers a mixed but ultimately rewarding golfing experience. The stunning Southern Utah setting, coupled with visually striking bunkering, creates a memorable backdrop for a round of golf. Dale Beddo’s design is both fun and, at times, frustrating, particularly for those unaccustomed to the demands of the greens.
While Sand Hollow Resort may still hold the crown as Southern Utah’s premier golf destination, Copper Rock Golf stands out as a strong contender and a course well worth playing. Golfers who appreciate desert golf, strategic course design, and a challenging round will find much to enjoy at Copper Rock Golf Course. As the course matures and potentially refines its green complexes, Copper Rock has the potential to elevate its status even further in the Southern Utah golf landscape. For now, it remains a compelling and visually impressive course that offers a unique test for golfers of all levels.
