Iconic resort set to unveil milestone golf season

Sun Valley Resort is applying the finishing touches on what promises to be the most eventful golf season in the iconic resort’s illustrious existence. The award-winning Trail Creek Course is scheduled to open May 15, and the much-anticipated first nine holes of the White Clouds Course are in the final grow-in phase and remain on schedule to open this summer.

In addition to the Donald Knott-designed White Clouds Course – an “Alpine links” design with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valley below – Sun Valley also will unveil a 25-acre practice facility, 18-hole putting course named Sawtooths (patterned after the Himalayas putting course at St. Andrews), a 54,000-square-foot clubhouse, and the Sun Valley Music Pavilion that will cater to the area’s thriving arts scene.

“We’re always excited for the start of golf season here at Sun Valley Resort, but this year brings a great deal more excitement, of course, because of all the additions and enhancements,” says General Manager Wallace Huffman. “While early-season guests will enjoy the challenges of our Trail Creek Course, we’re only a few months away from introducing a brand-new, enhanced golf experience.”

Trail Creek Course – named after the creek that traverses the course seven times – is a parkland-style design with narrow fairways bordered by beautiful Cottonwood trees. Originally opened in 1937, the course was redesigned by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and Knott, his lead architect, in 1978-79.

Nearly 30 years later Knott, now heading up the Knott, Brooks, Linn Golf Course Design Group of California, returned to Sun Valley to create the White Clouds Course, which complements the original 18-hole course that rests in the valley below. The White Clouds Course has an anticipated opening date of Aug. 1 and boasts breathtaking views and striking elevation changes.

Golfers looking for immediate satisfaction can experience the Trail Creek Course and enjoy early-season green fees of $89 for 18 holes and $58 for nine holes through June 1.

For golfers needing to tweak their games at the start of the season, Sun Valley offers full swing and short game spring clinics May 15 through June 15. The clinics are scheduled weekdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon or 1 to 3 p.m. An all-season two-day school also will be taught by PGA Professional Doyle Corbett.

Sun Valley Resort’s “Spring Golf Package” includes 18 holes of golf and one night’s lodging for $120 per person double occupancy and runs through June 1.

For more information about Sun Valley Resort visit Sunvalley.com.