A Vision Born in the Tetons
Jackson Hole’s founders were determined to create a course that not only challenged players but framed the majesty of the Tetons. With nature and design in harmony, it became a destination as iconic as the scenery itself.
Golf Course Review & Scouting Report
Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club
Jackson, Wyoming
Established
1963
Architect
Bob Baldock (original), Robert Trent Jones Jr. (1973 redesign/renovation)
Access
Semi-Private
Par
Par 72
Length
4,461 – 7,409 yds
The verdict
Wyoming’s Premier Mountain Challenge
Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club delivers a grand-scale test in the shadow of the Teton Range, pairing Robert Trent Jones Jr.'s bold design with panoramic natural beauty and rich regional golf history. Ranked continually among Wyoming’s best, it's a must-play for anyone seeking a scenic, strategic, and distinctly Western round—especially for those building a Jackson golf trip around the Teton experience.
Course DNA
Difficulty
82
Scenery93
Conditioning81
Shot Variety74
Walkability66
Green Complexity77
Wow Factor85
Design Quality81
At a glance
Quick facts
Elevation
Over 6,200 feet above sea level
Setting
Borders Gros Ventre River, Teton views
Annual ranking
#4 in Wyoming (Golf Digest 2023)
Ownership
Owned by Vail Resorts since 1999
Signature architect
Robert Trent Jones Jr. (1973 redesign)
Course type
Semi-private, daily tee times
USGA Championships hosted
1988 U.S. Amateur Public Links, 1993 U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links
The design
The architecture
Robert Trent Jones Jr.'s transformation of Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club established a sharply strategic, regionally unique championship layout. Routed through open mountain valley terrain at the base of the Tetons and along the winding Gros Ventre River, the course presents generous landing areas that reward bold drives, but punishes poorly positioned approaches with cavernous bunkers and well-defended, sometimes elevated greens. The design balances the drama of length—especially on par 5s and mid-long par 4s—with walkable rhythmic variety and Jaw-dropping vistas on nearly every hole. Jones’s strategy emphasizes options: risk-reward choices on long holes, forced carries on occasion, but always foregrounding how the wind, elevation, and shifting river corridor demand constant recalibration.
Robert Trent Jones Jr.’s work here is among his classic mountain-resort layouts; it skillfully blends strategic shot values with the region’s wild scenic character.
Defining features
- Expansive fairways with strategic bunkering
- Large, tilted and sometimes elevated greens
- River crossings and water-influenced holes
- Long par 3s and par 5s requiring precision and power
- Use of mountain backdrop for visual intimidation
- Modern irrigation and turf improvements
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 8
The Risk Line
PAR
5
YARDAGE
610
The longest hole on the course, this par 5 is a true three-shot mountain valley epic. Sweeping views of the Tetons frame the tee shot, with well-placed bunkers and subtle terrain making every approach challenging.
Play it smart
A disciplined tee shot is essential; laying up smartly leaves a reasonable wedge into a receptive but well-guarded green. Only the longest hitters should tempt the green in two—most will be rewarded for playing it as a classic three-shotter.
Where it bites
Errant drives can find bunkers or rough, making par a challenge; going for the green in two risks deep sand and tough angles.
Course management
Shots to think about
Uphill approach to an elevated green with wind gusting off the mountains
Take at least one more club and don’t under-estimate the swirling wind’s effect—better to miss long than leave a difficult chip short.
Second shot on the par-5 8th—tempted to go for the green
Lay up short of the most dangerous bunkers unless you’re sure of the carry—par is a solid score here.
Tee ball on the demanding par-4 14th
Favor the side with the clearest angle to the green; don’t just swing for distance—control matters most on this brute.
Putting on large, subtly contoured greens
Play for more break than you see; high-country grass and slope create deceptive curves.
Dealing with altitude-thinned air on iron shots
Expect your irons to fly further—club down accordingly, but keep in mind wind’s unpredictable influence.
Recovery shots from deep fairway bunkers
Focus on simply getting back to a safe landing area; aggressive hero shots can compound mistakes.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Meticulously maintained with firm greens and lush fairways, thanks to modern irrigation and Vail Resorts’ resources.
Pace
Steady, orderly pace more akin to a private club than bustle of a public resort; afternoon tee times for public are less crowded.
Vibe
Polished but unpretentious Western club, with a tranquil mountain resort atmosphere and understated luxury.
Dress code
Standard private-club attire recommended; check with club for details.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Acclimate to the Altitude
Jackson Hole sits at over 6,000 feet—give yourself time to adjust, hydrate well, and expect your shots to play longer.
02
Bring All-Weather Layers
Mountain weather shifts quickly; pack a go-to rain or wind jacket and consider sun protection for long, exposed rounds.
03
Preview the Course Online
Study hole flyovers or satellite maps before your round—the broad landing areas and bunker placements change strategy with the shifting wind.
The lore
How it came to be
- 1963
Course originally laid out by Bob Baldock for founder Paul McCollister
- 1967
Laurance Rockefeller acquires club and brings in RockResorts
- 1973
Major redesign completed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.
- 1988
Host: U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship
- 1993
Host: U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links Championship
- 1999
Purchased by Vail Resorts; multi-year improvements begin
- 2007
Course renovations completed: new tees, irrigation, holes 1 & 15 redesigned
Stories & legends
What makes it special
USGA Championship Legacy
Hosting both the U.S. Amateur and Women’s Amateur Public Links, Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club etched itself into national competitive golf lore as Wyoming’s most prestigious tournament venue.
A Rocky Mountain Makeover
When Laurance Rockefeller brought in Robert Trent Jones Jr., the course was transformed from a local gem into a regionally renowned championship venue—reliant on bold bunkering, sprawling fairways, and memorable mountain vistas.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
Both the 1988 U.S. Amateur Public Links and the 1993 U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links were played here—an unusual feat for a Wyoming course.
2
The entire course sits at more than one mile above sea level—expect your drives to fly further!
3
From many holes, the Teton Range feels a mere wedge away, making the setting among the most photographed in the Rockies.
4
Backed by Laurance Rockefeller and RockResorts, the club aimed for superlative mountain-resort status from the start.
Build the trip
If you’re building a grand Jackson Hole trip
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
Teton Pines Country Club
Semi-Private
Accessible, acclaimed neighboring valley course with strong design pedigree and distinct flavor.
Teton Golf Club
Public
Practical public option for those seeking more casual or affordable play in the valley.
Shooting Star Golf Club
Private
Exclusive—worth inquiring for those with connections seeking an elite, private experience.
Snake River Sporting Club
Private
Gorgeous setting, highly regarded, though access is limited.
Jackson—central location for golf, dining, and access to the national parks.
Course DNA
If You Like Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match8.0
Belgrade Lakes Country Club
Belgrade, MaineScenery
Why it matches: Belgrade Lakes Country Club is a natural next stop after Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club: it shares a memorable sense of place.
Strong DNA Match7.4
The Water's Edge Country Club
Penhook, VirginiaScenery
Why it matches: What links these two? Makes the landscape part of the experience — a familiar feeling, expressed in The Water's Edge Country Club's own setting.
Strong DNA Match7.8
The Cliffs at Glassy
Landrum, South CarolinaScenery
Why it matches: The Cliffs at Glassy is a natural next stop after Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club: it shares a memorable sense of place.
Community Sentiment
See something inaccurate in this listing?