If you’re searching for an unforgettable round of golf in Utah County, Cedar Hills Golf Course deserves a spot at the top of your list. Tucked at the mouth of American Fork Canyon, this public 18-hole championship course blends dramatic mountain scenery with a layout that rewards strategy over sheer power. Whether you’re a scratch golfer chasing a new personal best or a weekend player looking for a scenic outing, this guide covers everything you need to know before you book your tee time.
Quick Facts About Cedar Hills Golf Course
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 10640 North Clubhouse Drive, Cedar Hills, UT 84062 |
| Phone | +18017961705 |
| Website | cedarhillsgolfutah.com |
| Course Type | Public, 18-hole championship course |
| Par | 72 |
| Yardage | 6,600 yards (6,604 from the back tees) |
| Course Rating / Slope | 71.7 / 136 |
| Architects | Robert Muir Graves & Damian Pascuzzo, with Andy Staples |
| Year Built | 2003 |
| Elevation Range | 5,253 feet (14th green) to roughly 750 feet down to the American Fork River |
| Extras | Par-3 short course (6 holes), driving range, clubhouse |
Cedar Hills Golf Course Timing & Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Saturday(Independence Day) | 7 am–9 pmHours might differ |
| Sunday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Monday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–9 pm |
Where Is Cedar Hills Golf Course Located?
Cedar Hills Golf Course sits in Cedar Hills, Utah, right where the foothills meet the entrance to American Fork Canyon in North-Central Utah County. The location is part of what makes the course so distinctive — golfers get sweeping views of Utah Valley from the clubhouse and higher holes, along with a dramatic drop in elevation as the course winds from the mountainside down toward the American Fork River.
Course Layout and Design
The course was designed by Graves & Pascuzzo, a design partnership widely respected in the golf architecture world, with additional design input from Andy Staples. The layout is split into two very different nines:
- Front Nine: Plays more like a links-style course, with open fairways and a flatter, more traditional feel.
- Back Nine: Climbs into the canyon terrain, offering more elevation change, tighter shot values, and some of the most scenic holes in Utah County.
The signature moment comes right at the start. The opening tee shot drops nearly 200 feet from an elevated tee box down to the fairway, immediately setting the tone for a round that leans on the natural terrain rather than manufactured hazards. Instead of sharply manicured, hard-edged bunkers, Cedar Hills uses lace-edged bunkers that blend into surrounding native grasses, giving the whole course a more natural, rugged appearance.
Golfers and reviewers frequently point to the par-5 holes as standouts, with holes 6, 9, 10, and 18 mentioned repeatedly as the most memorable on the course. The greens are large, fast, and undulating, with ridges and tiered sections that demand precise approach shots and thoughtful putting.
While the course isn’t the longest test in Utah at 6,600 yards, the combination of elevation change, strategic bunkering, and variable green complexes make it a genuine challenge for golfers of every skill level.
Course Conditions and Ongoing Improvements
Cedar Hills Golf Club has been investing in significant upgrades to improve long-term playability. Recent improvements include a new, more efficient irrigation system and rebuilt tee boxes, aimed at producing smoother lies and better turf health across the course. Because of this construction, the course has periodically operated on a modified schedule — for example, offering only nine holes at a time while renovations are completed, with golfers welcome to play the same nine twice for an 18-hole experience. If you’re planning a visit, it’s worth calling the pro shop or checking the course website beforehand, since construction schedules and hole availability can change season to season.
The course also operates a par-3 short course (6 holes, walking only) that stays open all season, making it a great option for a quick round, a practice session, or an introduction to the game for newer golfers and juniors.
Rates and Pricing
Cedar Hills keeps its pricing structure straightforward, with separate rates for residents, seniors/juniors, and regular weekday or weekend play. Carts are mandatory on weekends and holidays (no walking allowed), while weekday rounds can be walked or ridden.
Weekday Rates (Monday–Thursday)
| Round | Walking | Riding |
|---|---|---|
| 9 Hole – Resident | $18 | $28 |
| 9 Hole – Senior/Junior | $14 | $24 |
| 9 Hole – Regular | $20 | $30 |
| 18 Hole – Resident | $32 | $52 |
| 18 Hole – Senior/Junior | $28 | $48 |
| 18 Hole – Regular | $36 | $56 |
Weekend Rates (Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Holidays — Riding Only)
| Round | Price |
|---|---|
| 9 Hole – Resident | $30 |
| 9 Hole – Regular | $32 |
| 18 Hole – Resident | $56 |
| 18 Hole – Regular | $60 |
Par-3 Short Course (6 holes, walking only)
| Round | Weekday | Weekend |
|---|---|---|
| Senior/Junior | $10 | — |
| Regular | $12 | $13 |
| Play Twice | $20 | $23 |
The course also offers punch cards and season passes for regular players, including resident discounts of $50 off individual and senior passes with proof of residency. Cart fees run $10 for nine holes and $20 for eighteen holes, with an extra $10 charge per nine holes for an additional rider.
Note: Rates and passes are subject to change by the golf course. Always confirm current pricing directly with the pro shop before your visit.
What Golfers Are Saying
Cedar Hills consistently earns praise for its scenery and variety. Reviewers on golf travel sites describe it as a “hidden gem off the beaten path,” highlighting the contrast between the links-style front nine and the mountainous back nine. Many note that the course “entertains and forces strategic play,” with a welcoming staff and well-maintained conditions given its location and elevation challenges. The clubhouse itself is also popular for events, with several visitors mentioning it as a scenic spot for wedding receptions thanks to its views over Pleasant Grove and the surrounding valley.
Some golfers note that a handful of front-nine holes are relatively plain compared to the back nine’s more dramatic terrain — but the general consensus is that the back nine, along with the course’s standout par-5s, more than make up for it.
Tips for Playing Cedar Hills Golf Course
- Arrive early. The course asks golfers to arrive at least 10 minutes before their booked tee time.
- Expect an elevation-heavy round. Club selection can be tricky given the dramatic drops and climbs across the course, so consider adding a club or two on uphill approach shots.
- Check cart rules before you go. Carts are mandatory on weekends and holidays, so walkers should plan weekday rounds instead.
- Ask about current construction. Since the course has periodically operated on a reduced nine-hole schedule during renovations, it’s worth confirming full 18-hole availability when booking.
- Try the short course. If you’re short on time or golfing with beginners, the 6-hole par-3 course is a fun, low-pressure option that stays open all season.
Dress Code, Etiquette, and Pace-of-Play Rules
Cedar Hills enforces a standard set of golf etiquette rules to keep the course in good shape and rounds moving at a reasonable pace:
Dress code
- Only soft-soled shoes or soft spikes are permitted.
- Shirts must be worn at all times; men’s shirts need sleeves (no tank tops), while women’s sleeveless shirts are fine but tank/halter tops are not.
- Every golfer must have their own set of clubs and bag.
Course care
- Rake bunkers after use.
- Replace divots and repair ball marks (repair your own, plus one extra as a courtesy).
- A ball mark repaired within an hour heals within 24 hours; left too long, it can take 17–20 days to heal — a good reason to fix them promptly.
Pace of play
- Groups are expected to keep up with the group ahead at all times.
- Maximum time per hole: 15 minutes for a par 5, 14 minutes for a par 4, and 13 minutes for a par 3.
- A full 18-hole round should be completed in about four hours.
Nearby Attractions and Things to Do
Because Cedar Hills sits right at the base of American Fork Canyon, it’s easy to turn a round of golf into a full day out in Utah County. Popular nearby attractions include:
- American Fork Canyon – scenic drives, hiking, and fishing minutes from the course.
- Timpanogos Cave National Monument – guided cave tours inside American Fork Canyon.
- Thanksgiving Point – gardens, museums, and dining in nearby Lehi.
- Mount Timpanogos Utah Temple – a notable local landmark near the course.
- Bonneville Shoreline Trail – hiking and mountain biking access close to Cedar Hills.
For dining, American Fork, Lehi, and Highland — all a short drive away — offer everything from casual family restaurants to the growing restaurant scene along Utah’s “Silicon Slopes” tech corridor.
How Does Cedar Hills Compare to Other Utah Valley Courses?
If you’re planning a golf trip through Utah Valley, it helps to know how Cedar Hills stacks up against nearby options:
| Course | Location | Type | Notable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Hills Golf Course | Cedar Hills, UT | Public | Canyon-mouth setting, dramatic elevation change, budget-friendly rates |
| Fox Hollow Golf Course | American Fork, UT | Public | Highly rated, family-friendly layout |
| Thanksgiving Point Golf Club | Lehi, UT | Public | Highly rated, resort-style amenities |
| The Links at Sleepy Ridge | Orem, UT | Public | Links-style course near Utah Lake |
| Alpine Country Club | Highland, UT | Private | Members-only, mountain views |
Cedar Hills stands out mainly for its value and terrain — few public courses in the area combine this much elevation change and canyon scenery at a comparable price point.
What Do Reviews Say? A Balanced Look
Most reviews of Cedar Hills are positive, praising the scenery, the challenging back nine, and the friendly staff. That said, opinions on course conditioning vary somewhat by season and by how recent the visit was — some golfers have reported excellent, well-maintained fairways and greens, while others visiting during aerification, drought stress, or the recent construction period have found conditions less consistent. This is common for public courses undergoing renovation work, and it’s a good reason to check recent reviews or call ahead if course conditions are a top priority for your round.
How to Book a Tee Time
Tee times at Cedar Hills Golf Course can be booked online through the course’s official booking system, or by calling the pro shop directly at (801) 796-1705. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for weekend rounds when cart requirements and demand are higher.
Conclusion
Cedar Hills Golf Course offers something that’s genuinely hard to find: a public, affordably priced championship layout with real mountain-golf character. The dramatic opening tee shot, the shift from links-style to canyon terrain, and the sweeping views of American Fork Canyon combine to make it one of Utah County’s most memorable rounds. Add in a well-priced rate sheet, resident and senior discounts, and a par-3 short course for quicker play, and it’s easy to see why local golfers keep coming back — even those who have to drive a bit to get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cedar Hills Golf Course open to the public?
Yes. Cedar Hills is a public golf course, meaning anyone can book a tee time without a membership.
How many holes does Cedar Hills Golf Course have?
The main course is an 18-hole, par-72 layout. There is also a separate 6-hole par-3 short course for quicker rounds.
What is the par and yardage at Cedar Hills?
The course plays to a par of 72 across roughly 6,600 yards from the standard tees.
Who designed Cedar Hills Golf Course?
The course was designed by Robert Muir Graves and Damian Pascuzzo, with additional design work by Andy Staples, and opened for play in 2003.
Is there a driving range or short course?
Yes, Cedar Hills has a 6-hole par-3 short course that stays open all season, along with hitting bays for practice.
Are carts required at Cedar Hills?
Carts are mandatory on weekends and holidays. On weekdays (Monday–Thursday), golfers may choose to walk or ride.
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