The Takeaway:  Grade B+

Quick Facts

Designer:  Robert Trent Jones II in 2005

Cost: 

Phone Number:  (208) 325-4653

Course Website:  Official Website - Visit Osprey Meadows at Tamarack's official website by clicking on the link provided.

Directions:  Get here! - 311 Village Drive, Donnelly, Idaho  83615 – UNITED STATES

Photos:  See additional photos of Osprey Meadows at Tamarack

What to Expect:  While I have a hard time buying into "love at first sight" when it comes to discovering your spouse, I definitely have been a victim of Cupid's arrow after finishing my round at certain golf courses. Tracks like Cypress Point, Pebble Beach, and Shadow Creek don't count in this category because they are so well known in the golf world and you expect to fall in love with courses of that caliber. What I'm talking about is courses off the beaten path in areas like Montana, Wyoming, and in this case; Idaho. Like Circling Raven and Falcon Crest, Osprey Meadows at Tamarack was another hidden Idaho course that pierced my heart as I fell in love. So, what is there to expect at Tamarack? Expect a stunning setting with views of Lake Cascade and the privacy of towering trees. Expect a RTJ II layout with top-notch par threes and risky par fives. Expect brilliant white sand in the bunkers and a stunning setting for every hole. Expect one of the stiffest challenges the region offers while receiving first class service. Expect frustration after losing golf balls in the protected wetlands while rejoicing at the sights and sounds this special place offers. At Tamarack, expect to be "WOWed!"

By the Numbers

Individual Hole Analysis

Signature Hole:  9th Hole – 568 Yard Par 5 – Picking out the signature hole at some courses is easy; the floating green at Coeur d'Alene Resort, the mind-blowing 16th at Cypress Point, and the much televised 18th at Pebble Beach all come to mind. At other courses it isn't near as apparent. In the end though a signature hole should epitomize the course's feel, style, and name/logo. With that in mind, the 9th hole edges out the stiff competition at the Osprey Meadows course at Tamarack Resort. For those that don't know, Tamarack gets its name from the prominent tamarack trees (a member of the pine tree family) found throughout the property. On the par five 9th a large pine tree sits in the middle of the fairway with slightly more playable room right of the trunk than left. From the tips the landing area is blind and the best play is a fade played right at the tamarack. From there the player enjoys an uphill hole that finishes at a green protected by a pair of bunkers and boasts panoramic views of Lake Cascade. With a semi-blind tee shot, a tamarack tree in the middle of the fairway, panoramic views of Lake Cascade, and isolation from the rest of the property give the 9th hole at Tamarack the qualities it needs to be deemed the signature hole at this stunning course.

9th Hole at Osprey Meadows at Tamarack (568 Yard Par 5)

9th Hole at Osprey Meadows at Tamarack (568 Yard Par 5)

9th Hole at Osprey Meadows at Tamarack (568 Yard Par 5)

Best Par 3: 

Best Par 4: 

Best Par 5: 

Birdie Time: 

Bogey Beware: