The El Monte Golf Course is a nine-hole course located at 1300 Valley Drive in Ogden, Utah and positioned at the entrance to Ogden Canyon. It first opened in 1931, has a par of 35 in 3,028 yards and is operated by the city of Ogden with a rate of nine holes for $17 Monday through Thursday and $18 Friday through Sunday.
The El Monte Golf Course is an old and very popular golf course in northern Utah and the only one in America whose stone clubhouse is included in the list of 13 golf clubhouses which are in the National Register of Historic Places. The following is all the information you need to know about this small but unique golf course in Ogden Canyon: the price list, description of the course, season, reservations and history.
The Short Version
| Detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Address | 1300 Valley Drive, Ogden, UT 84401 |
| Phone | 801-629-0694 |
| Type | Public course owned and run by Ogden City |
| Holes | 9 |
| Par | 35 |
| Yardage | 3,028 yards from the back tees |
| Slope from the back tees | 119 |
| Year opened | 1931 |
| Weekday rate | $17 for 9 holes, $34 for 18 |
| Weekend rate | $18 for 9 holes, $36 for 18 |
| Season | Usually March through early December, weather permitting |
| On site | Pro shop, El Monte Cafe, practice area and a historic stone clubhouse |
Where El Monte Golf Course Is
The golf course is located on Valley Drive right at the entrance to Ogden Canyon, which is just to the east of Ogden proper, in Weber County. This allows it to have an isolated location even though it is just minutes from the center of town.
Ogden is located around 40 miles north of Salt Lake City, about 45 minutes away up I-15, and about 35 miles from Salt Lake City International Airport. If you are going up to Snowbasin, Powder Mountain or Pineview Reservoir, this golf course is on your way.
What the Course Plays Like
El Monte is a nine-hole parkland course with gradual changes in elevation, mature trees surrounding most holes, and greens that many locals consider among the best deals in the area. The course is par 35 over 3,028 yards from the back tees and has a rating of 119.
However, the standout feature of the course is visible directly off the first tee box. There are two huge Fremont cottonwood trees located right in the middle of the fairway, and they have been there for over 90 years. Choosing which side to play the hole around is your first choice of the round, and some locals continue to make the wrong one.
Canyon terrain completes the picture. The walls of Ogden Canyon are located on either side, giving the feeling of a challenging mountain course without all the steep hills. Walkable, forgiving enough for novice players, and intriguing enough for good golfers, this course will give you 18 holes for the cost of 9 holes on other courses.
Green Fees at El Monte Golf Course
Ogden City sets the rates, and they are among the most affordable in northern Utah. These are the published green fees. Cart rental is separate, and rates can change between seasons, so confirm when you book.
| Rate type | 9 holes | 18 holes |
|---|---|---|
| Regular, Monday to Thursday | $17 | $34 |
| Friday to Sunday | $18 | $36 |
| College student, Monday to Thursday | $15 | $30 |
| Junior, 17 and younger | $11 | $22 |
| Senior, 60 and over, Monday to Thursday | $15 | $30 |
| Military, Monday to Thursday | $15 | $30 |
| Cart, per rider | $10 | $20 |
| Trail fee for private carts | $5 | $10 |
Early Bird and Weekday Specials
Two deals are worth knowing about, and the early bird one applies at El Monte only.
| Special | Price | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| 9 holes before 9 a.m., walking | $14 | Before 9 a.m. Monday to Thursday, before 8 a.m. Friday to Sunday |
| 9 holes before 9 a.m., riding | $24 | Same early window, cart included |
| 18 holes with a cart, regular | $54 | Monday to Thursday |
| 18 holes with a cart, senior | $50 | Monday to Thursday |
At $14 to walk nine holes first thing in the morning, the early bird rate is about as cheap as golf gets in the region, and the canyon is at its best in that first hour of light.
Punch Tickets and Season Passes
If you play Ogden City golf regularly, the prepaid options bring the cost per round down a long way.
| Option | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Baker’s Dozen punch ticket | $202 | 13 nine-hole rounds, which works out under $16 each |
| Junior punch ticket | $100 | 10 nine-hole rounds for players 17 and under |
| Senior punch ticket | $267 | 20 nine-hole rounds for players 60 and over |
| Regular season pass | $1,200 | Seven-day access for the season |
| Senior season pass | $1,100 | Seven-day, or $1,000 for weekdays only |
| Junior season pass | $600 | Seven-day, $500 weekdays only, or $350 for June through August |
| Couples season pass | $1,750 | Seven-day access for two |
Ogden City also runs Mount Ogden Golf Course, so a season pass covers more than one layout, and group or corporate events played Monday to Thursday qualify for a flat event rate.
Booking a Tee Time
Tee times can be reserved on the internet using the Ogden City Golf Reservation system or by contacting the pro shop via phone at 801-629-0694. It is recommended to book in advance during weekends of summer and the early bird time period, as they get booked quickly.
Arrive early, register yourself in the pro shop and be aware of any maintenance alerts if you have an early tee time, as the schedule of sprinklers and frost alert can change opening time in spring and fall. Metal spikes are prohibited on the course and golfers should wear proper golf apparel.
The Historic Stone Clubhouse
The clubhouse is what makes El Monte part of the discussion in places other than Ogden. It was constructed in the 1930s amidst the Great Depression years using stone mined down the Ogden River, and its architecture is that of Craftsman created by the architect Eber F. Piers.
Since it is located 80 feet above the golf course, the view from there covers the entire golf course and the canyon behind it. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in April 1985, and it is one of only 13 golf course clubhouses in America that have this designation.
In the clubhouse, you will find the pro shop and El Monte Cafe responsible for the food services for the golfers and events held at the clubhouse.
The El Monte Four-Ball Tournament
El Monte has held its Four-Ball Tournament on every July 24 since 1936, and thus it is one of the most enduring tournaments of its kind in Utah. The reason for the July 24 choice is that it is Pioneer Day, a state holiday celebrated in Utah.
More than 80 years of tournament results have endowed the tournament with a true significance, and it is still one of the most crowded days on the golf course. When booking your game that week, better do it ahead or change the date.
Practice Facilities and Associations
Practice facilities include a range, a putting green, and a chipping area at the club. This is not a large practice facility but a small one, which is perfectly adequate for a relatively compact course.
El Monte also has male, female, senior, and junior associations. To take part in competitions and earn a handicap is probably easiest by joining one of them, and junior golf is one of the reasons that so many Ogden golfers learned the sport here.
Season and Best Time to Play
Since northern Utah has its winter, El Monte becomes a seasonal course, opening in March and closing in early December, subject to snow and condition of the course.
Late spring and early fall become the best time to play. Mornings in summer are great to go and there are even early bird specials, while fall offers beautiful colors in the canyon that makes it worth playing just for its scenery. Summer afternoons can get very hot, which is yet another reason why it is good to tee up early.
Who El Monte Suits
This is perfect for those looking for something fun and affordable but not needing to spend an entire day golfing. This nine-hole layout, at this price, will appeal to beginner golfers, young golfers, seniors who play weekly, or anyone looking for a quick game before work or coming from the canyon.
For those wanting to play a challenging golf course, this is too short; also, this course may be packed on summer weekend days. Instead, what is offered is history, views of the canyon, and one of the best value golf games in Utah.
Looking for Golf in El Monte, California
A quick note to those who got here in search of southern California. There is no such thing as an El Monte Golf Course in El Monte, California. The only golf course available in that region is the Whittier Narrows Golf Course in South El Monte, which is a 27-hole golf course designed by William F. Bell in 1955. This El Monte Golf Course is in Ogden, Utah.
Final Take
The El Monte Golf Course offers nine holes at the mouth of Ogden Canyon for $17 during the week, with a par-35 course that is 1931 vintage, two cottonwood trees flanking the first fairway, and a stone clubhouse listed in the National Register of Historic Places perched at 80 feet above the rest. Reservations are made through the City of Ogden, walk early for the $14 rate, and play it twice to make an 18 holes worth only the price of nine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is El Monte Golf Course?
El Monte Golf Course is at 1300 Valley Drive, Ogden, Utah 84401, at the mouth of Ogden Canyon. Ogden is about 40 miles north of Salt Lake City.
How much does it cost to play El Monte Golf Course?
Nine holes costs $17 Monday to Thursday and $18 Friday to Sunday, with 18 holes at $34 and $36. Juniors pay $11 for nine, and seniors, military and college students pay $15 for nine on weekdays.
How many holes does El Monte Golf Course have?
El Monte has nine holes, playing to a par of 35 over 3,028 yards from the back tees. Many golfers play it twice for a full 18-hole round.
When did El Monte Golf Course open?
El Monte Golf Course opened in 1931, which makes it one of the oldest golf courses still in play in northern Utah. Its stone clubhouse was added in the mid 1930s.
Is the El Monte clubhouse a historic building?
Yes. The stone clubhouse was built during the Great Depression with rock quarried near the Ogden River and has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1985. It is one of only 13 golf clubhouses in the country with that listing.
Is El Monte Golf Course open year-round?
No. It is a seasonal course that usually runs from March through early December, depending on snow and weather. Check with the pro shop before traveling at either end of the season.
Does El Monte Golf Course have a driving range?
Yes. There is a practice area with a driving range, putting green and chipping area, plus lessons available through the pro shop.
What is the El Monte Four-Ball Tournament?
The El Monte Four-Ball is a team tournament that has been played at the course every July 24 since 1936. July 24 is Pioneer Day in Utah, and the event is one of the busiest days on the course calendar.
Also read about: Los Amigos Golf Course, Downey: Rates, Course Guide, Tee Times and What to Expect