Since Huntsman Springs opened in 2010, the one word that seems to be used most often to describe the private club in Driggs, Idaho, is “Best.”
As in “Best New Private Course” by Golf Magazine in 2010. Or “Best Modern Course” by Golfweek magazine in 2012. Or “Best Residential Course” in 2012, also by Golfweek magazine. Just for good measure, Links Magazine named Huntsman Springs to its list of “Top 100 Courses” in 2012.
Set in the Teton Valley in southeastern Idaho, just a short drive from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Huntsman Springs is a standout real estate development with an abundance of recreational amenities that are tough to top. The centerpiece is its golf course, designed by Scottish-born designer David McLay Kidd and built around a vast network of seasonal wetlands on a 1,350-acre tract of land that extends into open rangelands below three mountain ranges.
Kidd calls Huntsman Springs, “the pinnacle of my career so far.” That is quite a statement from the designer of the original Bandon Dunes course, and who was selected by the Links Trust to design the newest course at St Andrews, the Castle Course.
With the stunning Teton Mountains as a backdrop, Huntsman Springs blends seamlessly into its native lands with graceful contours, fishable ponds, aspen trees, willow and Irish Links fescue. Players have a sense of vast open spaces with views in every direction.
Playing the course reflects the impeccable quality of the design and construction with fairways that average 80 yards wide, greens that average 10,000 square feet, 153 bunkers and 450,000 cubic yards of sand to maintain contour and promote drainage. Huntsman Springs provides championship conditions throughout the season on 84 acres of Kentucky Bluegrass, 64 acres of Irish Red Tipped Fescue and 48 acres of mountain water running throughout the golf course, creating an experience unlike most.
The real estate at Huntsman Springs has been created with the same careful craftsmanship as the course. Custom designed by award-winning Jackson Hole architect Larry Berlin, the four- to six-bedroom residences flank the golf course and parks with stunning views of the mountains and protected lands. Creative use of natural timber, natural stone, moss rock, travertine and white oak create a warm and inviting ambiance for family and friends to enjoy. Multiple, affordable floor plans are available.
For residents, a two-mile boardwalk meanders through the 500 acres of protected lands within Huntsman Springs, offering a great walking or running opportunity among the trout-stocked ponds. The natural fishing waters, open meadows and rolling grassy knolls create a peaceful ambiance against the backdrop of the Teton Mountains. It’s easy to understand why Huntsman Springs has become known for is premier real estate and luxury living.
Golf is not the only outdoor pursuit at Huntsman Springs. Fly-fishing in the blue-ribbon rivers of the Teton Valley and southeastern Idaho is world-renowned.
“Few places in the world offer such high-quality trout fishing,” says Huntsman Springs’ fishing director and long-time Teton Valley fly-fishing guide John Pehrson. Pehrson points to the two distinct faces of the Teton River, with its spring creek-like upper reaches, and the rapids of the narrows section; the fecund waters of the South Fork of the Snake, widely regarded among the best dry-fly rivers in the country; and the famed Henry’s Fork, a “must-visit” river for any serious fly-angler.
A grand clubhouse that will feature a signature restaurant is on the drawing board at Huntsman Springs, although in the meantime members have been raving about the divine cuisine Chef BJ is creating out of a temporary facility. A health club, swimming pool and fitness center is already coming out of the ground and will be completed in 2014.
A plethora of summer activities are found nearby. Trailheads for hikers are plentiful throughout the valley, and mountain bikers will find miles of single-track trails within nearby Targhee National Forest. Hikers and bikers are likely to see osprey, elk, bald eagles, and maybe even a moose or two along the way. Both Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park are within short drives.
Winter sports include skiing and snowboarding, with the surrounding mountains often receiving 500 inches of light, powdery snow each year. Twenty minutes east of Driggs is Grand Targhee Resort in Wyoming, a family-friendly getaway that offers 2,000 acres of lift-served terrain. The resort has 1,000 acres reserved for snow cat skiing as well as access to pristine backcountry terrain.
All that amazing beauty and alluring recreation will still be there in 10 years. But for those savvy enough to see the future, the time to act is now.
For more information, visit huntsmansprings.com or call (208) 354-9660.
