Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf were at centre stage for so long it’s a little surpassing to find them planting their flag in the beautiful lakes and hills of southern Idaho, two and a half hours north of Boise. The Tamarack Resort-- lying beside tranquil Lake Cascade and at the foot of the Payette River Mountains-- is as far from centre court as you can get.
And a good thing, too, for those looking for a world-class golf or ski resort that is not teeming with crowds. In that assignment, the Graf/ Agassi enterprise with Fairmont resorts, creating a four-seasons destination directly accessible from most major North American airports, is a grand slam.
A far cry from the congestion of Whistler or Vail, Tamarack is on track to develop a prestige year-round resort with both hotel and condominium accommodation by 2010. Whether it’s alpine or cross-country skiing, hiking, white water rafting or golf, there is enough to provide a well-rounded vacation for those at every level of expectations.
At the heart of the current resort and finely appointed chalet is the Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed Osprey Meadows golf course. Managed by former Calgarian Tom Altmann, director of golf, Osprey Meadows is a challenging 7319-yard ramble through 400 acres of wetlands and forests outside the tiny town of Tamarack, Idaho.
The former grazing ground for the cattle industry has been transformed into a shotmaking gallery bordered by native grasslands and with a stunning variety of wild birds and animals. For resort players there are comfortable tee boxes starting from 5003 yards total distance; for the low handicapper the course features a number of challenging carries and pinpoint approaches to greens that belie the age of the three-year-old layout.
There are five par threes, five par fives and, at over a kilometre above sea level, enough extra distance to satisfy everyone. And when the wind blows on No. 2, there is enough distance for anyone. A beastly 495 yards from the tips into the prevailing wind that ends in a narrow, two-tiered green, the third-hardest hole at Osprey requires an accurate tee shot and an even more daring second shot to a narrowing fairway in front of the green.
It takes a precise hybrid or low iron to land the longest par three on the course at No. 17. A daunting 246 yards to a bunkered green it is truly a hole to take your par and be thankful. It also shows off Osprey’s greens which belie their young age.
The closing hole is a bold 90-degree righthand turn that leads up a gentle slope to finish beneath the timberland lodge resort. Playing 547 yards, the par-five offers the chance for an eagle putt with a strong second shot over a wetland and between the Douglas fir trees.
Green fees range from $75 in off-peak times to $119 in peak times. Packages that include lodging in the comfortable lodge and green fees are available by contacting the resort at www.tamarackidaho.com. Osprey Meadows can be reached via the Boise International airport and a scenic two-and-a-half hour drive north along the Payette River. (photos courtesy Wayne Freedman)
Osprey Meadows at Tamarack Resort
www.tamarackidaho.com
5003 yards/63.6/111
5916 yards/68.2/129
6737 yards/72.2/136
7319 yards/74.9/143
dowbboy@shaw.ca