Tributary, a 1,500-acre private residential community on the west side of the Teton mountain range, has recently unveiled significant renovations to its David McLay-Kidd-designed course. This course, widely recognized as one of the best private courses in the West, has undergone a meticulous strategic overhaul and bunker reconstruction. These enhancements aim to create a more refined and enjoyable golf experience for its homeowners.
Tributary, a distinctive 1,500-acre low-density private residential community, is nestled in scenic Driggs, Idaho. Located west of the Teton Mountain Range and just a half-hour from Jackson Hole, WY, it offers a unique setting enriched with rivers, wildlife, and the vibrant culture of a mountain town.
“Surrounded by multiple mountain ranges, Tributary experiences all four seasons, making it important for our team to monitor the course’s condition and reinvest in the game,” said Jeff Heilbrun, Director of Real Estate. “This renovation has enhanced playability for all levels of players, providing a new experience as Tributary continues to grow.”
Known best for his award-winning courses at Bandon Dunes and the Castle Course at St. Andrews, McLay-Kidd worked alongside the Tributary team to take a fresh look at the course’s bunkers, which had experienced natural erosion and sand loss due to the area’s weather changes. With the course originally housing 150 bunkers, McLay-Kidd took the opportunity to reanalyze the strategic purpose around each bunker, correcting those that had changed shape and removing more than 35 to help improve shots and make sight lines off the tee more inviting. Contractor Ridgetop Golf also installed Profile Flexterra solution for erosion control in all existing bunkers.
“Our ideal course is one that works naturally with the land’s terrain while remaining a perfect blend of playable and challenging,” McLay-Kidd said. “We wanted to ensure this renovation had every golfer in mind and was the perfect middle ground for modest and experienced golfers to play the game together. It is, now, as it has been since its conception, one of the country’s best-kept secrets.”
The course plays 7,613 yards (par 72) from the back tees, fitting seamlessly into the community. As a part of Tributary’s 500-acre fen, woven through the course, are 50 acres of wetlands that provide habitat for native flora and fauna. Striking views of the Big Hole Mountains and the Grand Tetons are found at every hole, with the 16th teeing off, facing directly toward the majestic landscape.
Tributary offers buyers and owners myriad amenities in addition to world-class golf, including a clubhouse for community gatherings with a restaurant and bar; a wellness facility with a fitness center and spa; a pool and hot tub boasting mountain views; seven fishing ponds; endless trails for cross-country skiing and walking; a recreation barn with access to hatchet throwing, e-biking, paddleboarding; and a two-mile, elevated boardwalk through the 500-acre fen for wildlife viewing.
In addition to this golf course renovation, Tributary has seen a large reinvestment in the community through the launch of its second phase last summer, North Fork. Located in the heart of the community, the 61 homesites offer 360-degree views of the surrounding mountain ranges, quick access to a centrally located five-acre lake for fishing and paddleboarding, and the option to have up to two club memberships. Tributary homesites start at $750,000.
