A Course Born From McCall
Whitetail was established in 2002 as part of a new vision for luxury mountain living in McCall, Idaho—connecting decades of local Scott family heritage to a regionally elite course experience.
Golf Course Review & Scouting Report
Whitetail Golf Club
McCall, Idaho
Established
2002
Architect
Andy North and Roger Packard
Access
Public
Par
Par 72
Length
4,957 – 7,079 yds
Green Fees
$
The verdict
Idaho's Elite Mountain Escape
Whitetail Golf Club delivers a polished mountain-lake experience with challenge and remarkable scenery, standing as one of Idaho’s best. While not a national bucket-list, it’s a worthy highlight for any Northwest trip or McCall getaway.
Course DNA
Difficulty
72
Scenery91
Conditioning86
Shot Variety77
Walkability68
Green Complexity70
Wow Factor76
Design Quality71
At a glance
Quick facts
Elevation
Over 5,000 feet above sea level
Back Tee Par 3s
All over 200 yards
Course Designer Team
Andy North & Roger Packard
Seasonality
Mid-late spring through early fall
Clubhouse Rebuild
Opened in 2017
Course Setting
Front nine in forest/wetland, back nine by lake
Notable Hole Variety
Short, tactical 8th and long, demanding 15th
The design
The architecture
Whitetail Golf Club showcases a thoughtful mountain design by Andy North and Roger Packard, blending forested corridors, open lakeside holes, and shifting elevation into a championship-caliber whole. The routing leverages every bit of the McCall landscape: a front nine winding through woods and wetlands, followed by a back nine that flirts with the lake, each stretch offering distinct visual and strategic character. Conditioning and attention to playable detail stand out, as does strong use of long par 3s, reachable but dangerous par 5s, and one of Idaho’s most attractive short par 4s.
Andy North and Roger Packard combined championship thinking and scenery-first design for Whitetail’s unique mountain-lake test.
Defining features
- Front nine moves through dense forest, wetland carries
- Back nine opens onto man-made lake views and exposures
- Multiple par 3s stretch beyond 200 yards from the back tee
- Short, risk-reward par 4 eighth
- Finishing run of demanding long par 4s
- Modern greens with subtle movement
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 2
Early Gamble Par Five
PAR
5
YARDAGE
510
A reachable but tightly protected par 5, Hole 2 rewards the bold yet asks for every shot to be calculated. Wetlands and forest frame every decision from tee shot to approach.
Play it smart
Big hitters may consider going for the green in two, but prudent layups leave an inviting wedge—if you find the right angle.
Where it bites
Misses bring trees, marsh trouble, and awkward third shots smartly into play.
Course management
Shots to think about
Long approach into a par 3 over 200 yards
Don’t force birdie—choose your yardage and chase the safest route to the middle of the green.
Short par-4 8th, driver or iron off tee
Play to your comfortable yardage—trust your wedge if laying back, but only go for the green if you know your line.
Approach from the rough to a penal green
Short side is brutal—aim for the heart and play conservative recovery.
Tee shot on 15, long par 5 sweeper
Don’t get greedy—hit your number and set up a safe angle for your next shot.
Hole 2 fairway, deciding on layup vs. going for green
Check the shape of the landing area—risk for eagle, but the smart layup puts you in perfect scoring position.
Final hole needing par to win the match
Hit your priority club off the tee, then plan for an uphill green—precision, not power, seals the deal.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Pristine fairways and fast, smooth greens; expect peak mountain-resort grooming.
Pace
Relaxed but steady; rarely rushed outside of peak weekends.
Vibe
Upscale mountain club, welcoming to travelers and locals alike.
Dress code
Dress-smart: collared shirt, golf attire recommended.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Bring Layers
Mountain mornings and afternoons can change quickly; pack for cold starts and sun-warmed peaks.
02
Practice Mid/Long Irons
Prepare for multiple 180-220 yard approaches on par 3s and longer 4s from the back tees.
03
Hydrate Early
You’re above 5,000 feet—be proactive with water to keep your focus late.
04
Book Ahead
Peak weekends fill up fast; reserve your tee time and confirm any club policy updates.
The lore
How it came to be
- 2002
Whitetail Golf Club opens to play
- 2007
Debuts in Golf Digest's Idaho Top 10
- 2008
Ownership transferred to Joe Scott family
- 2011
Ranked 9th in Idaho by Golf Digest
- 2015
Ranked 8th in Idaho by Golf Digest
- 2017
New clubhouse opens
Stories & legends
What makes it special
Mountain Golf, Two Identities
Whitetail’s front nine meanders through wetlands and dense pines, while the back opens dramatically onto a man-made lake, offering a visual and strategic shift mid-round that players rave about.
A Clubhouse Above It All
2017 brought Whitetail’s striking new clubhouse, elevating the club’s off-course experience to match its setting and providing a multi-seasonal gathering spot for members, guests, and tournaments.
Joe Scott's Idaho Legacy
When Joe Scott acquired Whitetail in 2008, he brought deep Idaho roots and ensured the club's blend of world-class recreation and homegrown community would continue to thrive.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
Sits at over 5,000 feet elevation—bring your extra yardage tools.
2
The club’s 2017 clubhouse rebuild is a local architectural highlight.
3
Holes 3 and 14 are two of Idaho’s longest par 3s from the back tee.
4
Original land ties back to the Scott family's multi-generation Idaho history.
5
A go-to recommendation for anyone building a serious Idaho golf loop.
Build the trip
If you're making a McCall golf getaway
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
McCall Golf Club
Public
27 holes with classic mountain-town atmosphere
Jug Mountain Ranch
Resort/Public
Modern mountain design and fun vibe
Cascade Golf Course
Public
Quirky, scenic 9-holer right on Lake Cascade
Downtown McCall or Payette Lake area for the best combination of golf, lodging, and après options.
Course DNA
If You Like Whitetail Golf Club
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match8.2
Makena Golf & Beach Club
Makena, HawaiiScenery
Why it matches: If Whitetail Golf Club is your kind of course, Makena Golf & Beach Club is worth a look because it makes the landscape part of the experience.
Strong DNA Match8.2
Country Club of Vermont
Waterbury Center, VermontScenery
Why it matches: What links these two? Makes the landscape part of the experience — a familiar feeling, expressed in Country Club of Vermont's own setting.
Strong DNA Match8.4
Tributary
Driggs, IdahoScenery
Why it matches: What links these two? Makes the landscape part of the experience — a familiar feeling, expressed in Tributary's own setting.
Community Sentiment
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