By Greg James |  [email protected]

The weather is heating up, and Taylorsville is home to a privately owned top-notch golf course. Course officials have partnered with teams and national partners to expand golfing opportunities. 

Devon Cooper, head girls golf coach at Hunter High School, wanted to expand her program and give more chances for her team to practice. She partnered with Youth on Course and Fore Lakes Golf Course to help. 

“As a girl golfer myself, I know how hard it is, and I did not want to turn anyone away that wanted to learn to play golf, so I tried something new this year,” Cooper said. 

With the help of Fore Lakes, she signed her team up for a national program called Youth on Course. It gives her student-athletes more opportunities to play and learn the game. As a result, her team nearly tripled in size, and many team members are taking advantage of the program to continue golfing all summer. 

Youth on Course is a national organization designed to provide youth ages 6–18 access to life-changing opportunities through golf. Fore Lakes Golf Course in Taylorsville is a participant in that program. 

The course also offers other programs for all levels of participants. It has a short par 3 and a nine-hole executive course. The par 3 course offers nine holes ranging from 100–180 yards. The executive course has two par 4 holes, a par 5 and six par 3 holes. 

“Every golf course says it is for all skill levels, but we really are,” said course superintendent T.A. Barker. “Better golfers can come out and practice their short irons on the par 3 side. A beginner can come, and it is not too intimidating to play the executive.” 

The facility offers a lighted driving range, chipping green and putting area for practice. It is located at 1285 West 4700 South. 

The course offers leagues for men, couples and ladies. Its Tuesday ladies league is the largest in the state with approximately 140 competitors. In the summer months, there are six junior camps that include instruction and rounds of golf. 

“We have three on-staff instructors for private lessons,” Barker said. “We are a family owned course, and I think our fees are very competitive. We can run the course the way we want to, but it can be challenging for us to compete against municipal courses.” 

Youth on Course began in northern California. It originated as a way to increase accessibility and affordability for youth. To date, the program subsidized more than 600,000 rounds of golf nationally, hired more than 115 interns and caddies and awarded $250,000 in scholarships. 

“She (Cooper) signed up all of her girls, and they play for less than $5 most days,” Barker said. “Anytime, they come play with their friends or by themselves. Most high school teams and junior golfers need to take advantage of it. This is a fun place. I think if people would give golf a shot, not just this course, they would fall in love with it.” 

The YOC program allows youth to play for discounted prices. It also offers employment opportunities to youth golfers and some are able to apply for college scholarships. 

Fore Lakes offers tournament packages with golf and catered lunch or dinner. it has designed experiences for groups to play nine holes. Many businesses and clubs take advantage of the pricing and benefits. 

“Some business have employees that don’t play golf and don’t want to go get beat up by a long course,” Barker said. “Our nine holes are perfect for a quick work party or team bonding experience. Our short course is a benefit; it takes about two hours, and then it is done.” 

In September, the course hosts the Brad Asplund charity golf tournament. The proceeds go to help military families with Christmas needs.