If you haven't dusted off those clubs yet, now's the time because Park City's thriving golf scene is waking up from its winter's nap and is ready for tee time. Although several of the mountainside courses in the area are for members only, there's still plenty of opportunity to hit some balls without forking over fees to join a club. Fun fact: Utah is actually one of the most affordable states to play and there's some great deals ($10 Twilight Golf at Park City Golf Course or Stay and Golf packages at Canyons Golf). Here's our top 6 reasons to putt in Park City. 

1. Cool Temperatures + Thin Air 

Beating the heat has always been a major perk of mountain escapes and Park City regales us with some of the best weather you can ask for: no humidity, no bugs, and temperatures that rarely crack the 85 degree mark. Mornings and evenings are generally cooler, sometimes even calling for a light jacket. It's not just the cool climate that makes golfing enjoyable though, you'll be amazed at how far your ball flies at this elevation. Thanks to the thinner air at high altitudes, there's less friction to slow your ball's forward motion. 

2. Courses Galore

Even if you played a different course every day, it would probably take you more than a week to hit every public links in Park City and the surrounding areas. From the municipal-owned Park City Golf Course to the Mountain and Lake courses at Wasatch Mountain State Park, and sprawling Canyons Golf Course, there's no shortage of public courses to hit your ball around--and they're always making improvements. In fact, this year Canyons Golf just added an extension of Hole #11, an additional tee box at Hole #4 and renovated greens.

3. Challenging and Rewarding Courses

Even though you're ball will likely fly farther, you'll still find plenty of challenges on the fairway and putting greens. Depending on your ability you may opt for more difficult courses, like the Soldier Hollow Gold Course, where you'll need to avoid bunkers and manage the unique layout, or opt for something a bit more mellow like the 9-hole Outlaw Golf Course in Hideout Canyon.

4. Breathtaking Views

We all know the Park City area offers incredible views, but we'd be remiss to not mention it here again. Regardless of what course you choose, you'll be blessed with a dramatic backdrop you can only find in the mountains. Stay close to town and enjoy the resort views at Canyons or head a little farther afield to take in the stunning vistas of Mount Timpanogos and the Heber Valley at Soldier Hollow Golf Course. 

5. Easy Access to Amenities

A game of golf will likely eat away a good chunk of your day so it helps to have amenities close at hand. Area golf courses are ready to cater to your needs. If you're at the Canyons Golf Course, pop into the Red Tail Grill in the Grand Summit, where the course starts and finishes. Or make a day of it and head out to the Crater Springs Golf Course and where you can take a post-round dip in the geothermal crater. The Ruth's Chris Steak House is located just off the last hole at the Park City Golf Course or you can make the short meander to Main Street to sample dozens of restaurants, shops, bars, and galleries.

6. It's Not All About the Game

If you, like so many other golfers, want to get out and play for the social aspect as much as for the love of the game, then you're in luck. The Park City Golf Course's popular Happy Hour League allows beginner to advanced golfers to come out and simply have a good time; the league does not use handicaps and players do not have to be a member of the UGA.  

While it's not in Park City, we also recommend you head down the valley at least once to try Top Golf (920 Jordan River Blvd, Midvale, UT), we guarantee it'll be worth your time. It's basically a Vegas-style bar/driving range where you can hit golf balls at enormous targets while lounging around with friends, eating, and drinking cocktails. The great thing is, it doesn't matter if you're a seasoned golfer or you've never picked up a club, you'll still have a blast. 

Now all you have to do is book a tee time and find a great golf outfit!