Osprey Meadows
A Robert Trent Jones II mountain course at Tamarack Resort, routed through high meadow and pine above Lake Cascade, reborn after a full renovation that gave it back its teeth and a 19th Gambler's Hole.
Photo: Osprey Meadows at Tamarack Resort via Google.
The verdict
Osprey Meadows is the centerpiece of Tamarack Resort, a Robert Trent Jones II design that opened in 2006 in the West Central Mountains of Idaho near Donnelly, above the long blue line of Lake Cascade. It won early acclaim as one of the best new affordable courses in the country, then went quiet through the resort's financial troubles before a full RTJ II renovation brought it back to life and to its current condition.
What you get is genuine mountain resort golf: wide meadow corridors framed by pine and aspen, holes that climb and tumble with the terrain, and big mountain views from nearly every tee. At roughly 7,319 yards from the tips it has real length, yet the multiple tees and generous fairways keep it fair, and the thin mountain air adds carry. Paired with the resort's lodging and a short, intense high country season, it makes the case for Idaho's mountains as a golf destination in their own right.
Osprey Meadows at a glance
- Opened
- 2006
- Designer
- Robert Trent Jones II
- Type
- Mountain meadow
- Par
- 72
- Yardage
- 7,319 yards
- Green fee
- From about 100 dollars
Designer and details verified June 2026: Osprey Meadows was designed by Robert Trent Jones II and opened in 2006 at Tamarack Resort near Donnelly, Idaho, playing roughly 7,319 yards to a par 72. It reopened in 2022 after a full RTJ II renovation that added a bonus 19th Gambler's Hole. Indicative resort green fees of roughly 100 to 175 dollars reflect the 2026 summer peak season and change by season and demand, so always confirm directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
The land does the talking here. Jones routed the course across rolling meadow and forest with the mountains as a constant backdrop, and the renovation reshaped greens, bunkers and tees to restore the strategic edges that had softened over the dormant years. The result moves between open, generous holes where you can let driver go and tighter corridors that ask for a placed tee shot.
Elevation is the defining feature. Downhill par 4s play shorter than the card and uphill holes longer, and judging the thinner air takes a few holes to dial in. The par 3s use the terrain well, the par 5s tempt the bold near the water, and the closing stretch delivers the views that sell the round. After the 18th, the short risk and reward Gambler's Hole settles the day's wagers.
This is destination golf in a part of the country golfers rarely think of, and that is the appeal: empty fairways, big scenery, and a course strong enough to reward the long trip. Conditioning has been excellent since the reopening, and the short season means the turf is rarely anything but lush.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Public resort course; open to visitors and resort guests, best value as a stay and play |
| Green fee | From about 100 to 175 dollars, indicative 2026 summer peak; rates vary by season and demand |
| Booking | Book through the resort; the mountain season is short, so summer tee times fill early |
| On the day | Cart golf standard given the elevation changes; resort dress; allow for the thinner air |
| Getting there | At Tamarack Resort near Donnelly, about 90 minutes north of Boise (BOI) and south of McCall |
| Best months | Roughly June to October; high summer is prime, with cool mornings even in peak season |
Access and fees verified June 2026; resort pricing and the mountain season change year to year, so always confirm current rates, opening dates and availability directly before booking.
Where to stay nearby
Tamarack Resort sits at the first tee, with lodge rooms, chalets and cottages that make Osprey Meadows an easy stay and play, and the lake and mountains on the doorstep for the non golfing hours. Nearby McCall adds more lodging and dining for a wider base in the West Central Mountains.
For a bigger Pacific Northwest golf trip, Osprey Meadows pairs naturally with the tribal resort golf to the north at Circling Raven Golf Club and the mountain and meadow golf of Central Oregon at Black Butte Ranch.
Looking for a base nearby? See our recommended hotels and resorts.
Build an Idaho mountain golf trip
We arrange the Tamarack Resort stay and Osprey Meadows tee times, pair them with the best of Pacific Northwest golf and book the lodging around them. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
Osprey Meadows questions
Who designed Osprey Meadows at Tamarack Resort?
Osprey Meadows was designed by Robert Trent Jones II and opened in 2006 at Tamarack Resort near Donnelly, Idaho. It plays roughly 7,319 yards to a par 72 and reopened in 2022 after a full RTJ II renovation.
Is Osprey Meadows open to the public?
Yes. It is a public resort course at Tamarack Resort and is often played as a stay and play with the resort lodging. The high country season runs roughly June to October.
What is the Gambler's Hole at Osprey Meadows?
The Gambler's Hole is a bonus 19th hole added during the renovation, a short risk and reward par 3 played as a closing wager between groups, separate from the regulation 18.
How much does it cost to play Osprey Meadows?
Indicative resort green fees run from roughly 100 to 175 US dollars in the 2026 summer peak season. The mountain season is short and rates change by season and demand, so always confirm directly before booking.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Designer, opening year, yardage and renovation history verified June 2026; indicative green fees verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.