By Larry Feldman
What do you get when you take the 1994 PGA National Teacher of the Year, one of the most dynamic tennis players the world has ever seen and golf’s greatest legend (no, it’s not Tiger) and combine them in one of the world’s most picturesque settings?
Simple. Red Ledges.
For those of you unfamiliar with Park City, Red Ledges is not located there. It’s situated in Heber City, but it’s really kind of like, sort of Park City. Call it Park City-adjacent, if you will.
Just 20 minutes from the heart of historic Main Street in Park City and three of the world’s most prestigious ski resorts, Red Ledges is the leader in the Park City/Heber Valley area in what may be the most celebrated second home community in the nation. There are four other major golf communities in the area, but despite not being in Park City proper, Red Ledges has shot to the top.
In short, Red Ledges is a private, four-season mountain golf community in the heart of the Rocky Mountains that boasts a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course and nine-hole Nicklaus Design short course, a Cliff Drysdale Tennis Academy and the unparalleled Jim McLean Golf School. Throw in a spacious equestrian center and a vibrant village center with heated pools, spa, kids club and adventure cabin, and you have the perfect place to call home. Or, your “second” home.
Homesites are available with spectacular views in a variety of price ranges if building your own home is the only way you fly. But, if you’re simply looking to find that peaceful place to unwind or the perfect getaway retreat, then the new Mountain Villas just might be the ticket.
The Mountain Villas collection features floor plans that range in size up to 2600 square feet. Owners can choose from four unique signature models, including Bridger, Rockwell, Cahoon, and Reynolds. The Mountain Villas, nestled against the foothills along the 6th fairway of the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, provide another refined home option for discerning buyers looking for alpine elegance.
“The Mountain Villas will be an exceptional addition to the Red Ledges community and will provide luxurious turnkey homes for buyers looking for a mountain getaway for their families,” said M. Anthony Burns, managing owner of Red Ledges and former Ryder System CEO. “The Red Ledges development is truly unique, providing individuals with dramatic scenery and world-class amenities, such as our nationally acclaimed Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, for a remarkable value.”
The Mountain Villas, starting in the $500’s, feature gourmet kitchens, luxury baths and elegant interiors along with several customization options, including built-in barbeques, deluxe lighting fixtures and audio/home entertainment features. The Mountain Villas will also include a luxury package featuring Viking and Sub Zero appliances, granite countertops and full decks with view of the Rocky Mountains. A Bridger model is now open for touring.
The Mountain Villas are being designed and built by Ivory Homes of Salt Lake City, UT to capture the refined style of Red Ledges. The award-winning builder has 22 years of experience in the design and construction of high-end, luxury communities.
“The five deluxe floor plans will be designed with all-natural exterior materials that blend seamlessly with the native landscape,” said Clark Ivory, CEO of Ivory Homes. “The Mountain Villas will reflect the elegance, thoughtful architectural design and superior quality that Red Ledges is known for.”
But, we couldn’t talk about Red Ledges without talking golf. And, the Nicklaus layout might be one of the best in thenation. If you don’t take my word for it, just ask Golf Magazine.
The world’s leading golf publication recognized seven new private golf courses across the U.S., with Red Ledges in 2009 ranking at the top of the list.
“I am very proud and pleased that Red Ledges has received this honor,” said Jack Nicklaus. “Red Ledges is a terrific golf course in a spectacular mountain setting, with dramatic sandstone ledges, beautiful trees, and some great vistas. The golf experience at Red Ledges is challenging, but is one that is very playable and a lot of fun. All mountain golf courses present a challenge to the design process, but I think with Red Ledges, we embraced that and the end result was something very nice and a golf course I hope members are as proud of as we are.”
Here’s an excerpt from the Golf Magazine article. “The 200th U.S. course from Jack Nicklaus is another winner. Meandering through Utah’s signature red rock landforms 45 minutes southeast of Salt Lake City, Red Ledges combines typical Nicklaus hallmarks (visual intimidation, supreme challenge) with atypical touches (jagged-edge bunkers, a blind shot here and there, carom-inducing contours and greens laced with false fronts). Toss in stunning views of Mt. Timpanogas and the Heber Valley – most memorably from the 203-yard par-3 9th – and you’ve got a ledge that’s worth the climb.”
In addition to the course, Red Ledges also possesses the unparalleled Jim McLean Golf School, which will offer comprehensive instruction on full swing, short game, putting, course management and continuation process. It will also host a new learning center, which is equipped with the latest JC Video Golf Swing Analysis Software as well as the TrackMan launch monitor, the only technology of its kind to map the entire flight of the golf ball from impact to landing, displaying 3D trajectory in real time. Two video cameras will capture golf swings to be analyzed on a giant flat screen. The Jim McLean Golf School at Red Ledges is the only teaching facility in Utah to utilize both TrackMan and JC Video technology.
“Red Ledges is one of the most majestic golf courses in America with breathtaking views from the tee shots,” said Jim McLean. “I’m very pleased to bring world-class teaching to Utah with instructors who are thoroughly trained in the art of coaching all aspects of the game. This golf school is an important addition to this phenomenal golf facility and will help individuals greatly improve their game.”
The Jim McLean Golf School at Red Ledges is open to the public to experience a one-of-a-kind golf experience with the 1 Day Ultimate Program, among other offerings. Through this program, golfers can take a lesson in the morning, have lunch at the clubhouse and play a round on the 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course in the afternoon. Sounds like a good day to me.
Golf not your thing, but visions of becoming the next Rafael Nadal is? Then jump into the Cliff Drysdale Tennis School at Red Ledges.
Under the direction of Cliff Drysdale Tennis, the school will provide Red Ledges members with a host of tennis offerings, including private lessons, group clinics, community tournaments and international exhibitions.
“As one of the most respected professionals in the international tennis community, Cliff Drysdale brings world-class tennis instruction to Red Ledges and establishes our mountain community as a destination for tennis enthusiasts,” said Mitchel Burns, Red Ledges COO.
“The most picturesque setting at Red Ledges is the backdrop for our latest ultimate tennis experience,” said Cliff Drysdale. “This will be a hands-on, intimate learning, fun and competitive program. We are committed to satisfying all of our player’s athletic senses in a warm and inviting atmosphere.”
The school offers world-class instruction under the leadership of Heather Nicholas, director of tennis. Nicholas has trained under Cliff Drysdale and has been certified by the United States Professional Tennis Association for more than 20 years.
With 35 singles and 24 doubles titles under his belt, Drysdale played a successful professional career that has carried him to his present work as a tennis commentator and contributor for ABC Sports, ESPN and Tennis Magazine. For more information on the Cliff Drysdale Tennis School at Red Ledges, call 435-657-4054 or visit www.redledges.com.
Outside the gates, the celebrated ski resorts of Deer Valley Resort, Park City Mountain Resort and Canyons Ski Resort are only minutes away. If that’s not enough, a private ski-in/ski-out lodge awaits the homeowners of Red Ledges at Deer Valley, rated the world’s No. 1 ski resort for the past three years.
So, if the day-to-day rigors of life are getting too much to bear, pack it up and head to Red Ledges. Who knows, you might just end up staying for life!
RED LEDGES
www.RedLedges.com
(877) 733-5334