Much like the last edition of Trail Hero, Sand Hollow opened with rain last night. The kind of sideways downpour and lightning show that would serve to build anticipation and reservations alike for the opening of the 2023 Monster Energy Trail Hero. 

Sunrise today revealed the work of last night’s rain: damp grass, fresh air, and snow resting atop the distant mountains, setting a dramatic backdrop for opening day. With a weather report offering an optimistic outlook on temperature and a lack of further rain, it was perfect golfing weather. And it’s no coincidence that the delay of start coincided with the opening of the bar and beverage cart. A smart move as their libations (admittedly always) set the lively tone throughout the day. 

As the sun continued to reveal the scenic overlooks that Sand Hollow’s famous golf course boasts from every side, even with the change from last year’s championship 18-holer to the Links course. The warm glow of light gave promise of drier times ahead, and the need to shed layers. As the grass began to dry, it was time to follow the participants down the windy narrow path and see what lay in store for the rest of the day. 

All of the action began with the SMASH-mallow Longest (and Shortest) Drive Challenge with prizes ranging from two cases of beer to cash. It was hard to tell which of the prizes were more cherished with this crowd… After the impressive launch and subsequent shower of sugar globules across a pristine emerald landscape, the attention quickly shifted to the next contest, the Extreme Putt Challenge.

Forming a ring around the singular, central 4.25-inch hole, contestants aimed simultaneously at their shared target, causing a pileup of balls resulting in zero first-swing victors. After determining the closest ball, number 21, a quick follow-up shot was all that was needed to confirm the second winner of the day. 

With a sharp contrast of ochre red earth and deep green grass, a wide variety of participants demonstrated every possible level of golf competence. Ranging from virtuosos to product aficionados to day drinkers, the golfers were launching drives of varying successes while casually playing games as a consequence of swilling and sightseeing. Clearly, there were two camps: those there purely for sport, and those there for the atmosphere, mingling, and a morning buzz. And plenty of those interesting personalities overlapped for a truly enjoyable event.

Following the action around in a cart, weaving through some of the red mud and puddles dotting the access roads then stopping by the various booths set up alongside the holes, filled the day with non-stop amusement. With the assorted festivities taking place throughout the green, some more creative golf action soon sprang up, like using Monster Energy cans as stand-ins for tees (and doing shockingly well to boot).

The colorful side of a golf course certainly turned out in full force at the fundraiser Tournament. With the same prominent personalities and flashy outfits for stand-out appearances, the play itself proved to be quite engaging. With 72 players across 18 teams playing to benefit wounded and disabled veterans through 4 Wheel to Heal, there were considerable cash prizes on the line – for the winner and the charity. Casey Currie summed up his team’s prospects as “Good, not great. [We] should’ve had some more birdies, but we are playing under par, so I’ll take it.”

Capping off the end of the day was the Yukon Kick Off-Party featuring a variety of builds around a beautiful oasis of shimmery grass lined with vendor booths, registration, and a will call. In addition to the throngs of people, plenty of four-legged friends were excitedly dipping in-between the legs of the crowd. With the sun now setting in a final dramatic display, illuminating the red rock bowl surrounding the celebration, it was a truly unbelievable sight.

On the periphery of the event, kids were also excitedly crawling over the sandstone “driving” their own R/C rigs and taking breaks to gander at the life-size equivalents perched on the crags next to them. While the stage was set as the centerpiece of the party, and the massive Stanley Cup-esque trophy was full display, the real attention was drawn to the variety of booths and vehicles around the main area. 

With a smorgasbord of tacos and hotdogs wafting through the area, as well as the obligatory beer choices, the party had plenty of draw. And it was shown by the impressive turnout. The parking lot alone was the kind of sight that only certain people can appreciate.

All of whom are here, ogling at the sheer volume of enhanced four-by-fours and side-by-sides in their presence. And that kind of scale will no doubt grow as the week goes on with more and more people making their way to this multifaceted off-roading escapade. 

Tomorrow holds in store the beginning of trail rides, the Trail Breaker Last Chance Qualifier, and the Blindfolded Barrel Race, and Movie on the Rocks, so the action is only amping up from here. Stay tuned for more coverage, here and on our social channels!

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