David McLay-Kidd has made God’s Country even more inviting with the recent renovation—primarily on the bunkers—of his original 2007 golf course design at the luxury Tributary community near the two-stop-light town of Driggs, ID.
The renovation created a more refined, less penal, playing experience for Tributary’s residents and members, and reinforced the community as one of the top addresses in the Teton Valley/Jackson Hole area.
An approximate 30-minute drive west of Jackson Hole, WY., Tributary epitomizes life (and lifestyle) in the Teton Valley. Tributary residents and members thrive in the quieter, less crowded “old’’ west, as opposed to the Hollywood glitz that has taken over Jackson Hole.
“I call it ‘five-star service with a flannel shirt,’’’ said Jeff Heilbrun, Tributary’s Director of Real Estate.
Indeed. Who needs Hollywood when you have the Teton Mountains, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park and the Snake River each as your backyard?
Part of the 15-million-acre Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem—one of the most intact ecological landscapes in the world—Tributary is a 1,500-acre low-density private residential community. Land ownership begins at $750,00, and homes sell for between $3 million and $5 million.
“We’re still more in the ‘second home’ world, but full-time is growing,’’ Heilbrun said. “What our residents and members have in common is a more active lifestyle. The golf course is the centerpiece, but we really wrap our arms around the entire Yellowstone ecosystem and say that’s our ‘amenity base.’’’
In addition to McLay-Kidd’s 7,613-yard, par 72 golf course, Tributary features a 27,000 square-foot clubhouse; wellness facility with a fitness center and spa; a pool and hot tub with mountain views; seven fishing ponds; trails for cross-country skiing and walking; a recreation barn with access to hatchet throwing, e-biking, paddleboarding; and a two-mile, and elevated boardwalk through the 500-acre fen for wildlife viewing.
Yet, for all this (and more), Tributary and environs remain one of the West’s best-kept secrets.
“The challenge for us is having people understand the destination,’’ Heilbrun said. “We’re in the Teton Valley, which isn’t as well known as Jackson Hole, although it’s only 30 minutes away. We’ve done a great job marketing. We’re starting to get the word out, but it takes a while.
“Some people want a more quiet, authentic experience representing the Teton Valley. We still have access to the (national) parks and to world-class fly fishing and all the outdoors activities people enjoy in Jackson; this is just a quieter place that isn’t yet fully discovered.’’
Photo Courtesy of Tributary
