Why America’s Hottest Golf Course Is Cooler Than You Think

Death Valley and Its Golf Course

Death Valley is a place of extremes. It is located in California’s Mojave Desert and is known as the hottest, driest, and lowest national park in the United States. Despite its difficult conditions, Death Valley is a popular tourist attraction known for its unique landscapes and breathtaking natural beauty. One of the more startling attractions is the Death Valley Golf Course at Furnace Creek, which is the world’s lowest golf course located 214 feet below sea level.

Exploring Death Valley

Death Valley is full of contrasts. It is one of the hottest spots on the planet, with summer temperatures surpassing 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Badwater Basin the valley’s lowest point, is 282 feet below sea level and covered in thick salt deposits from ancient lakes that evaporated thousands of years ago. Visitors travel to Death Valley to witness the craggy mountains, wide salt flats, and towering sand dunes.

Devil’s Golf Course is one of Death Valley’s most well-known attractions. This is not an actual golf course, but rather a vast area of sharp, jagged salt formations. These salt formations were formed after a lake dried up about 150,000 years ago, leaving behind minerals sculpted by wind and rain over time. The surface is so rough that it’s said, “Only the Devil Could Play Golf” there.

Death Valley Golf Course: A Real Oasis

The real Death Valley Golf Course located at Furnace Creek, is only a short drive from the Devil’s Golf Course. This golf course is a verdant oasis in the heart of the desert, surrounded by salt flats, sand dunes, and rugged mountains. Despite its severe climate, the golf course is lush and green, because of the subsurface springs that nourish the grass.

The Death Valley Golf Course was created in the late 1920s as a tiny three-hole course for visitors of a local hotel. It eventually grew to a full 18-hole course, and Perry Dye, a golf course designer, restored it in the 1990s. The course is a par-70 layout, which means it is designed to be completed in 70 strokes. However, because of the low ground level and dense air, golfers frequently need to use a heavier club to strike the ball as far as they would in higher elevations.

Playing Golf in Death Valley

Death Valley Golf Course offers a one-of-a-kind golfing experience. The course is available all year, although during the hottest months, players should start their rounds early to avoid the heat. The course is mainly flat, with gradual slopes and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

The Death Valley Golf Course is part of The Oasis at Death Valley Resort, which has a wide range of activities and services. Visitors can stay in one of the resort’s four accommodations and participate in activities such as swimming in a spring-fed pool, horseback riding, and guided stargazing. However, the golf course is the major attraction, providing a refreshing retreat in the middle of the desert.

The Death Valley Golf Course at Furnace Creek is a cool and unexpected find in one of the world’s hottest regions. It provides a one-of-a-kind and unforgettable golfing experience, with emerald fairways set against a stark desert environment. This golf course is a must-see for anyone who enjoys golf or is searching for something unique to do in Death Valley. So, the next time you visit Death Valley, don’t miss the opportunity to play a round at this remarkable course.

Also Read: Top 10 Best Golf Courses In The World