The Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club first opened more than 40 years ago. When Laurance Rockefeller, who was an avid golfer, purchased the property in 1967, he brought in Robert Trent Jones II to undertake a remodeling of the original course designed by Bob Baldock.
Since then, Jones has been called back again in 2004 to once again redesign and update the course. Among the improvements and renovations of the $15 million project, Jones constructed 20 new tee boxes while adding more than 500 yards of length to the layout. The 1st and 15th holes were redesigned, new cart paths were added, and a state-of-the-art irrigation system was installed.
The redesigned course now plays to 7,325 yards from the longest (Black) tees, with a USGA rating of 74.4 and a slope rating of 133 on Blue grass. Water is a significant hazard on the course, and comes into play on about half the holes.
Some of the most noteworthy holes include No. 3, a par-3 hole named the "Blacktail.'' This hole plays to 203 yards from the back tees and features water that crosses the hole just in front of the tee box, then moves up the left side to surround the green, which juts into it. A bunker guards the green short and right, while trees sit long and right.
No. 8 plays as the #1-handicap hole. This par-5, named "Bearded Buffalo,'' is a monster from the back tees, playing to 610 yards. A subtle dogleg right, the hole features fairway bunkers at the first landing zone, then a relatively straight line to the green from there. The green is well-guarded, however, by water that cuts right in front of it and bunkers to either side.
Hole No. 11 is the #2-handicap hole, as well as one of the most picturesque on the course. This is another par-5 that plays to 550 yards from the tips. Water is everywhere on this hole, surrounding the tee box then following the hole all the way to the green on the left. A subtle dogleg left, the hole plays toward a green that bumps right up against the water on the left, and is guarded by bunkers and trees on the right.
As part of its recent renovation, the club features a new practice facility and driving range. There's also a new $7.5 million, 12,000-square-foot clubhouse that was completed in 2007. The clubhouse is home to an expanded golf and tennis shop, luxury locker rooms, a fitness center, and the new North Grille restaurant.
Other amenities at the club include four upgraded tennis courts, a new heated outdoor swimming pool, and a groomed Nordic track for use during the winter months.
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