Eagle Mountain takes over The Ranches Golf Club

EAGLE MOUNTAIN (Deseret News) — Eagle Mountain is the proud owner of a golf course, but city officials hope it doesn't last forever.

Last week, the City Council voted 3-2 to accept the donation of The Ranches Golf Club free and clear from a private company. The deal includes the 220-acre golf course, $650,000 cash, equipment and a cell phone tower lease.

Eagle Mountain city administrator John Hendrickson, however, said the city's goal is not to be the long-term owner.

The city owns the golf course, but Vanguard Golf Management Group, which operates the Thanksgiving Point and Sand Hallow golf courses in Lehi and St. George, is taking care of day-to-day operations.

Eagle Mountain Links LLC, which acquired The Ranches Golf Club from the original developer, was seeking a buyer for the course after financial difficulties, Hendrickson said. When a buyer couldn't be found, the group approached Eagle Mountain last year about donating The Ranches without any financial encumbrances. This way, the city will act as a bridge between owners.

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