McCall, ID Golf Options?

[fixyurdivot]

We're heading over to McCall for a family camping meet up and I have Saturday morning free before others arrive.  Looks like there are two courses; Jug Mountain Ranch and the City of McCall's 3 nine hole courses.  Both have pretty good reviews, but thought I'd see if any MGS's have the insider scoop.  Thanks

[PING Apologist #9]

Last year in McCall was where the golf bug bit me actually. My niece's boyfriend does real estate acquisition and management for vacation sites and he got us all a spot there for a weekend getaway on the cheap. Their plan was to golf one day and I was also invited along.

 

We played 18 at the McCall Golf Club. It was real reasonable and very nice but very hot when we played (July I believe). Not a stinking sand trap to be found either! Plenty of trees though and I remember the course was set up very well as well as being clean. I remember some challenging holes, but nothing over the top. I recall one on the front that you had to hit up to and the 10'th we played from the clubhouse was a tough tee shot uphill on a dog-leg right that can be a "blind" shot for long hitters.

 

Haven't been back since (unfortunately) and sorry that I don't remember more details, but I hope this helps. Wherever you play, have fun and let us all know how it went.

[Kenny B]

My wife and I played at the McCall Golf Club several years ago.  We were staying at the condos there and went over to see if we could play, not having a tee time.  They were having a scramble tournament in honor of someone who had cancer I believe.  We could play in the tournament for less than the green fees + cart (which you want), AND we got a prime rib dinner afterwards.  So we did.  Played with two members who knew the course, so that helped.  Didn't play all that well, but we had a fun time.

 

Jug Mountain Ranch is also quite nice; very long, lots of real estate.  We asked if anyone had walked the course, and the pro said Once.  Get a cart.  Overall, I like Jug Mountain better, even though when we played it in June a few years ago, it was quite wet in spots.  Should be good now.

[fixyurdivot]

I decided to play the municipal course; specifically the Birch & Cedar 9 hole courses.  The place was near deserted and I went off as a single.  I asked if I could play two balls so long as it didn't impede any play/pace and they said no problem. I also happened to notice they had Vokey wedges available for demo, so I took the SM7, 56 degree, M grind out for a spin. The weather was near perfect, low 50's and broken sunshine.  The course is really lush and, while not long, has a very traditional feel with plenty of hazard and OB to keep you focused.

 

I shot an 81/85 and had pretty much all aspects of my game going well. Best of all, both players birdied #9 on Cedar which is a "drive-able" 320 yard par 4.  I really flushed my second drive and, with the favorable light tailwind and catching the backside of the down-slope, was only about 40 yards off the green.  One chip was within a foot and the other a healthy 20 ft.; making that putt was a great way to finish.

 

After playing approach shots with my wedge and 8 iron (bump & run), I threw a couple of extra balls down and tested the Vokey wedge.  To be honest, I did not find it that much better than my wedge.  Anyway, here are some pictures of the course.  I'd highly recommend it if you're in McCall, ID.

 

 

[Kenny B]

We have stayed at the Worldmark condos that are near the Cedar #7 and 8 holes.  It's nice up there, but also a short golf season.

[PING Apologist #9]

Happy that you enjoyed the trip and the golf! Great pics too!

[fixyurdivot]

I will try Jug Mountain next time we go (likely next September).  I was eyeing the Blackfoot, ID Municipal Course on the way back as we stopped there for fuel and some grub.  It looked really lush and in excellent shape. My wife looked it up and was reading me some of the highlights.  It was started in the late 50's; originally as 4 holes, then the full 9, then 18 holes in the early 80's.  Has anyone ever played it?

 

http://blackfootgc.com/