WingpointeGolf course fits Utahns to a Test

Built in 1991 through the marshes of Salt Lake City, WingpointeGolf Course is reminiscent of a European links-style golf. A course in which trees aren't a factor, Wingpointe features nativegrass and water that give players second thoughts about pulling outtheir driver on many holes. The first things you'll notice when pulling up to the golf courseare the airplanes that are practically flying on top of you. Withtheir loud jet engines only a couple hundred feet above, you wouldthink that this would be a major distraction, but once you standover your ball and peer down the narrow fairways, the sound of theplanes is the last thing on your mind. Most holes feature a PP R Pipe. The hitting fairways are keycomponents to scoring well at Wingpointe. If players findthemselves in the rough, they will be guaranteed an uneven lie,which can be brutal when approaching the greens. The puttingsurfaces are surrounded by bunkers, mounds or water-a classiccomponent to links-style golf, making the golfer think aboutattacking or just playing it safe with a shot to the middle of thegreen. With the addition of wind that typically howls out in the flats ofSalt Lake City, this course will surrender many high scores anddevour a few bucks' worth of golf balls. The whole course will pose a problem for the average golfer, butthe holes that can really freak a player out are holes No. 3, 4, 8,12 and 14. Holes three and four introduce a lake that bothers thetee shot for both holes. No. 3 is a dog-leg left par 4 that calls for both a demanding teeand approach shot. The angle from the back tees will test aplayer's will, because with a lake on the left and difficult potmounds on the right, a straight tee shot is an absolute necessity. No. 4 is a par 3 that plays completely over water. With a front pinlocation, players will typically bail out to the right where thereare mounds that penalize those who are afraid of the water. No. 8 is also a par 3 that plays over water, but is much shorterthan hole No. 4. This hole is more difficult because there isn'tmuch room for error on this tight little par 3 and when the northwind kicks up, it's vicious. No. 12 is a long par 4 in which the proverbial risk-reward shotcomes into play. It's a dog-leg right that dares players intocutting off some of the hole by taking it over the corner with aslice shot. The native grass and bunkers will shy most players awayfrom taking this risk, but it's a fun hole that will make you, as agolfer, think. No. 14 is a par 5 that is lined with what used to be a water-filledlake. The dry lake bed can still cause troubles for most-how manyamateur golfers can hit off of cement? Not many. Although the holeplays just 540 yards from the tips, it's not a wise choice to gofor the green in two, unless the hole is playing downwind, becausethe lake cuts in front of the green, which will lead to animpossible green-side dry-lake bunker shot. Wingpointe is home to a couple of Utah Golf Association tournamentsduring the summer. Both will draw large playing fields. The first tournament that Wingpointe hosts is the WingpointeAmateur, which will take place on Sunday. The Amatuer will drawmany locals who play the course on a regular basis and possibly afew avid Utah amateurs' tournament junkies. It's a fun prep tournament for the big one that is played inAugust: the Burton Lumber Salt Lake City Open. The Open is playedbetween two courses: Wingpointe and Bonneville golf course, and isa tournament for the best amateurs who are looking to top thePlayer Performance Rankings. With this being the last PPRtournament of the season, the best of the best will be competingfor the coveted honor of best amateur in the state of Utah. Wingpointe is a fun course for golfers of all levels. If the windis blowing, it can be extremely challenging, but with smoothgreens, a European feel, and great views, most would have a niceround at one of Utah's top municipal courses.