Tributary Review

Standing on the patio of Tributary’s impressive clubhouse overlooking the Tributary Golf Course, David McLay-Kidd looks like a proud father.

And why not be proud of what he has created in what would otherwise be a relatively flat tract of land in Idaho? The real jaw-dropping scenery on this course is the Grand Tetons to the east.

The rolling greens and fairways are tucked away, hidden in plain sight, at the base of the Grand Teton mountain range. Tributary is an 18-hole championship course.

The par-72 championship golf course plays 7,613 yards from the back tees and fits seamlessly into the Tributary community that surrounds it. 50 acres of natural wetlands surround the course and provide natural habitat and native challenges throughout. At times, the cart path is an elevated wooden wetland boardwalk that floats above a marsh. The Grand Tetons are visible on every hole and the driving range is situated so that golfers are hitting straight at the natural monolith. The 16th-hole tee box is also positioned so you tee off directly toward the majestic landscape.

McLay-Kidd said that Tributary “could be the best work (he’s) ever done.” He regards it as one of his finest achievements and maybe his best-kept secret in the West. DMK designed the links-style course in 2009 for billionaire Jon Huntsman.

The course, originally called Huntsman Springs, underwent a bunker renovation in 2023, during which McLay-Kidd removed 10 to 15 bunkers that he deemed “eye candy.”

With a slope rating of 150, Tributary is still a challenging course, even without the additional bunkers. The fairways roll for what seems like eternity and the greens are very fast and true. Yet, despite the challenges, the course is enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels. With the various hills, slopes, and bunkers, there’s more than one way to make a par on a McLay-Kidd course. tributaryidaho.com/golf