Snake River

Set out within what was once a large cattle ranch to the south of Jackson Hole, the course at Snake River Sporting Club is a Tom Weiskopf design that opened for play in 2006. Unfortunately, due to the subsequent economic downturn, the facility ceased operations for a few years.

After a change of ownership – and following a $2 million course upgrade when the architect re-laid every green with bent grass, added a short game practice area and made a few other improvements – the course reopened for play in the summer of 2014.

Draped across the natural contours of the land, the fairways of this classic Western layout play through tall cottonwoods and sagebrush, occasionally flirting with Snake River. As everything is in view from the tee, this allows players to choose the best angle of approach on every hole.

Head Professional Kali Quick kindly provided us with the following comments:

“Our most difficult hole is the 8th, with handicap rating #1. This par four requires a tee shot that threads a needle into a narrow, 15-yard wide fairway. A low hazard area nearly closes off the landing zone from the left. Most players will opt not to use their driver, laying up so that they don’t go into the hazard off the tee. This leaves a longer approach into an elevated green guarded by bunkers on a hole that sits adjacent to the Snake River with spectacular views up and down the canyon.

If we claimed a signature hole then it would be the 15th, with a truly postcard-perfect landscape. This medium length par three looks directly down river through the canyon and the tee tee shot demands a carry all the way to the green. The hole features a stacked sod wall which looks and plays into the links style design of the course. The green is relatively simple, but the overall beauty and location of the hole near the river makes it unforgettable and a favourite of many.”