There was concern that one or perhaps both golf courses in West Valley City might be up for sale in the near future—but that’s not going to happen this year. In a message sent via email to patrons in January, golfers read “thank you for your patience as we waited for a decision on the fate of The Ridge Golf Club for 2026 and for the city council to study and approve rates. The great news is we are happy to announce The Ridge will be open for golfing this year!”

City officials completed an ALTA study last fall, looking at city-owned land and properties to determine their market value. That raised some eyebrows in the golfing community as concerns grew about the courses’ futures, particularly for The Ridge. But councilmembers approved new rates in January, and the issue is closed for now.

One exception to that “approval” is Councilmember Tom Huynh, who has advocated for the city selling the properties, along with the Maverik Center. In a statement he has issued, including to the City Journals, he said, “The Ridge Golf Course, the Stonebridge Golf Course, and the Maverik Center cost the city millions and millions of dollars over the years. They have consistently not broken even. Although the Maverik Center posted a modest profit last year, it is now over 30 years old and requires millions and millions of dollars of ongoing maintenance and future renovation.”

Huynh said the city is using taxpayer dollars to pay for the three venues year after year. He also said that since 2001, the city has allowed past and present city councilmembers “to have a free pass for playing golf for life. This matter has cost our taxpayers thousands and thousands of dollars over the years and sends an inappropriate message to the community. Unfortunately, some past candidates wanted to run for the city council because they wanted to have a free golf pass.” He said no other city in the state offers councilmembers lifetime free golf privileges except West Valley City.

Recently, the city received a GRAMA request from a local TV station asking for records of golf rounds played at the two courses pertaining to city councilmembers. Spokesperson Sam Johnson said the request was fulfilled, showing that in 2025, zero rounds had been played by former councilmembers, and a total of 120 rounds (consisting of nine-hole rounds) were played by current councilmembers and guests. During 2025, a total of over 160,000 rounds were played by the public between the two courses. 

“I just don’t think the council has the passion to want to sell them,” Johnson said.

According to Huynh, the Salt Lake County Assessor estimated the combined value of the three properties to be approximately $100 million.  

“Selling these items would allow the city to invest the proceeds into long-term savings,” he said.  “At a conservative 5% return, this investment could generate roughly $5 million annually.  

So, I want to sell these properties because the annual revenue could be used to beautify West Valley City, stabilize the budget during shortfalls, enhance public safety, and the most important thing is avoiding future property tax increases. Why did the city sell its Embassy Suite recently, but not these three properties? Something does not click here at all.”

For this season, the courses are offering a senior, military and junior rate every day of the week, which is new this year. They will also be offering discounted rates for West Valley City residents, also a new pricing policy. 

The Player's Pass will return for a 27th season this year offering discounts for frequent golfers, with pricing available online at www.golfstonebridgeutah.com/golf/players-pass. For the first time in 28 seasons, Stonebridge Golf Club will have a new Head Golf Professional. Cody Allard, longtime first assistant (19 seasons), has been promoted to Head Professional. Clark Garso will move over to The Ridge Golf Club.