If you’re looking into Rose Park golf course, you probably want a simple answer first: is it worth your time? Yes, it is. This public 18-hole course sits in the northwest part of the Salt Lake Valley, just a short drive from downtown and the airport. Golfers love it for smooth greens, an easy walk, and prices that are much lower than most private clubs. In this guide, you’ll find the rates, tee time rules, scorecard, and a few tips to help your round go smoothly.
A Bit of History
Rose Park opened in 1959. That makes it one of the older public courses in Salt Lake City. It began as a 9-hole course. Then, in the 1970s, it grew into the full 18-hole course you can play today. Two golf course designers worked on it over the years: Mick Riley, who built the original course, and William F. Bell, who is credited with later changes. This history shapes the way the course feels now. Older courses like this one often have tall trees, settled turf, and fairways that reward careful shots over long ones. Rose Park fits that pattern well. Pine and willow trees line most of the fairways, so a shot that strays too far can cost you a stroke. Golf Digest has also named Rose Park one of its Best Places to Play, which is a nice honor for a city-owned course with such friendly prices.
Where to Find Rose Park
The course sits at 1386 North Redwood Road, Salt Lake City, Utah 84116. It’s in the Rose Park neighborhood, close to the Jordan River and its wetlands. You might spot ducks and geese near the water, so it’s worth bringing a camera. Rose Park is only a few minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport. That makes it a good pick if you have a layover or an early flight and want to fit in a quick round first. It’s also close enough to downtown that many locals treat it as an easy stop after work during the long summer evenings.
The Scorecard
If you’re searching for the Rose Park golf course scorecard, here are the real numbers. The course plays to a par of 72, and it offers four sets of tees so golfers of every skill level can enjoy it.
- Black tees: 6,697 yards total
- Blue tees: 6,382 yards total
- Silver tees: 5,915 yards total
- Orange tees: 5,488 yards total
From the blue tees, the course carries a rating of 71.3 and a slope of 117. That slope number is fairly low, which means the course goes easy on mid-handicap and higher-handicap golfers. Hole 11 is the shortest hole on the card, at just 138 yards from the black tees. Hole 18 closes things out with a long 556-yard par 5. That mix of short and long holes keeps every round feeling fresh.
Booking a Tee Time
Booking a round at Rose Park is simple. Tee times open seven days ahead of time, starting at 8:00 a.m. each day. You can book online, through the SLC Golf app, or over the phone. If you want to book further out than seven days, just call the golf shop directly. A $10 fee per player applies for that extra booking window. Early risers can also grab a 9-hole tee time off the 10th hole during the first 90 minutes each day. On weekends and holidays, 9-hole times on the back nine open up at 6:00 a.m., which is great if you want to catch the sunrise on the course.
If your plans change, cancel at least two hours before your tee time. If you miss that window or don’t show up, the card on file will be charged a no-show fee. That fee is $15 for a 9-hole round and $30 for 18 holes, per player.
What It Costs to Play
Rose Park stays true to its reputation as one of the more affordable rounds in Salt Lake City. Standard rates run $19 for 9 holes and $38 for 18 holes. Those prices hold on weekdays, and also on weekends and holidays after 2:00 p.m. Seniors over 60, young adults between 18 and 25, and juniors 17 and under all pay less. Members of the SLC Golf Club also enjoy lower rates. A golf cart costs $10 per rider for 9 holes and $20 for 18 holes. One thing to remember: age discounts and passes only apply after 2:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Before that time, everyone pays the standard rate.
The driving range has its own prices. A small bucket of balls costs $8, a large bucket costs $12, and a 10-bucket range pass costs $90 for golfers who like to practice often.
Amenities Beyond the Course
Rose Park offers plenty more than just 18 holes. The driving range has both grass tees in season and all-weather mats, so you can warm up no matter the time of year. There’s also a short-game area south of the range for wedge practice, and it’s free to use. A large putting green helps you match the speed of the greens you’ll see out on the course. In the golf shop, you can rent Callaway clubs for lefties and righties alike, along with push carts and pull carts for golfers who prefer to walk. The cart fleet now has USB charging ports, and an adaptive cart is available for golfers with mobility needs. Just call 24 hours ahead to make sure one is ready.
Hungry after your round? Stop by Pin High Café for classic golf course food and drinks. You can even call ahead to place an order if you’re running late or want a bite waiting for you at the turn.
Dress Code and Pace of Play
The dress code here is relaxed. Traditional golf clothes are welcome, but so are denim and casual athletic wear. That makes Rose Park a friendly spot for new golfers who don’t own a full golf wardrobe yet. Because the course sits at a higher altitude, the sun feels stronger than it does at sea level. A hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses will help you avoid sunburn and tiredness over a four-hour round. Speaking of pace, the course aims for four hours per round. Carts come with GPS that lets your group know if you’re falling behind, and a marshal walks the course to help keep play moving.
What Golfers Say
Search for Rose Park golf course reviews, and you’ll notice the same praise again and again. Golfers often point to the bent grass greens as some of the best in the state. They also mention how easy the course is to walk, since the ground stays fairly flat. Many reviews highlight the friendly staff and low prices, especially compared to nearby private clubs. Some golfers even mention the wildlife along the Jordan River, calling it a nice surprise that adds character to the round.
Recent Updates
As of mid-2026, Salt Lake City Golf keeps refreshing its courses, including the new USB-equipped golf carts at Rose Park. The course is also part of the city’s larger Capital Improvement Projects program, which funds ongoing repairs and upgrades across all seven public courses in Salt Lake City. Before you head out, check the official SLC Golf website for the latest hours, since they shift with the seasons and frost delays are common in early spring and late fall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rose Park Golf Course open to the public?
Yes. Rose Park is a public course owned by Salt Lake City. Anyone can book a tee time, and you don’t need a membership to play.
How much does it cost to play 18 holes at Rose Park?
Standard rates are $38 for 18 holes on weekdays, and the same price applies on weekends before 2:00 p.m. Seniors, young adults, juniors, and club members pay less after 2:00 p.m.
What year was Rose Park Golf Course built?
Rose Park opened in 1959 as a 9-hole course. It grew into a full 18-hole course during the 1970s, giving it decades of mature trees and settled turf.
How far ahead can I book a tee time?
You can book seven days ahead, starting at 8:00 a.m. Book online, through the SLC Golf app, or by phone. An extra fee applies if you book further out.
Does Rose Park have a driving range?
Yes. The range includes grass tees in season and all-weather mats. There’s also a free short-game area for wedge practice.
What is the par and yardage at Rose Park?
The course plays to a par of 72. It stretches from 6,697 yards at the black tees down to 5,488 yards at the forward orange tees.
Is Rose Park a good course for beginners?
Yes. The course has a low slope of 117 from the blue tees, mostly flat ground, and a relaxed dress code. All of this makes it a welcoming spot for new golfers.
Final Thoughts
Rose Park golf course has earned its place as one of the most reliable public rounds in Salt Lake City. The greens draw steady praise, the prices stay low, and the location near downtown and the airport makes it easy to fit into a busy day. Whether you’re a local looking for a regular Tuesday round or a visitor with a few hours between flights, Rose Park gives you a solid, walkable course without the price tag of a private club. Book your tee time, grab a bite at Pin High Café, and enjoy a course that has been part of this city’s golf story for more than sixty years.
Desclaimer
This article reflects information available at the time of writing, including course rates, hours, and policies, which may change as new information comes out. Always check current tee times, pricing, and course conditions directly with Salt Lake City Golf or the Rose Park golf shop before your visit.