The Golf Club at Devils Tower
Written By: Sarah & Steve Reish
This is a sponsored article that we are extremely excited to share with you. We were invited to the Golf Club at Devils Tower and given a tour, ate at the 77 Steakhouse, and played a round of golf, all while learning more about the family and business that helped shape a community. It all begins in the town of Hulett, Wyoming in 1936.
The History
The Neiman family has a rich history in milling, enterprise, and community. A. C. Neiman built the first saw mill of what would become several in the shadows of Devils Tower. Knowing the employees needed recreation Jim Neiman carved out three holes of the course himself on a bluff overlooking the iconic landmark. For years it was a 9-hole course that was open to the public. Slowly growth and investment in the community grew their legacy into what it is today. The 18-hole course was completed in 2007 when the Neiman family hired the architect team Phelps/Atkinson to modify the original 9 holes and build the back 9. When the course reopened it then went from public to private.
Giving back to the community
While Mr. Neiman employs a large number of people and ensures they have recreation he also cares about other aspects of their lives. In speaking with Tammy Turner, our hostess during our visit, we learned that the Neiman family built a tarmac and small airport and gifted it to the town. For those looking to fly in and play golf, the Club is proud of their “Tarmac to Tee in ten minutes”. The second philanthropic venture for the community is a medical facility with a pharmacy, doctor, physical therapy, et cetera. The Neiman family takes action, when they see a need they find a solution. I was really moved by the giving that seems to be so much a part of this family.
Special Features of the Golf Club at Devils Tower
The views. Honestly, the immaculate greens, elevation changes and the cliffs were just gorgeous. The buildings are a nod to the western style and theme that you could see throughout the property. The logs used for the structures on the property come from the Neiman’s own saw mills. Even the bathrooms offered such attention to detail, the theme was never lost throughout our entire time at the club. The property offers seasonal staff an RV park where they can stay throughout the summer. There is also a bunk house (with the same amenities as a hotel room) as well as cabin rentals for those wanting to stay for corporate retreats or a tournament.
77 Steakhouse & Saloon
The restaurant and bar were opened on July 20, 2019. With high ceilings and panoramic views the restaurant is impressive, to say the least. The large print photos are historic photos of the family. Guests can belly-up to the historic bar, sit in the dining room, or enjoy the breathtaking views from the patio that overlooks the driving range and 18th hole. The dining room features an impressive fireplace and decor that gives a nod to the local area.
Dining
With a steakhouse style menu that is quite elevated, it can be hard to choose what to eat. We enjoyed a fantastic dinner that included a New York strip for me, aptly named the Hulett Landing Strip while Steve enjoyed the Rancher Ribeye. Dinner comes with a side of choice, the cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes are divine! Dinner was delicious and we enjoyed it with Tammy while continuing to learn more about the property, club, and family. While we later wished we had ordered it, there is a bison tomahawk steak on the menu that comes from a local ranch. Next time!
The next morning we shared a breakfast burrito and coffee that energized us for a day out on the course.
The historic bar
The “Stand-up Cowboy Bar” is 28’ long and 12’ tall. It is made of Red Birch and stained in a cherry finish. The 3’ side mirrors are original to the bar-back and the three archways, two side and larger center, are framed with gargoyles that have been fitted with lights. There is intricate detailing carved throughout the bar. It was first purchased by Daniel Robert in 1895 from the Chicago based firm of Passow & Sons. The two solid cabinet doors were for refrigeration, well ice boxes really - where beer was chilled. You can still see burn marks on the bar where bartenders would set their cigarettes when serving customers! So next time you visit the 77 Steakhouse & Saloon, grab a photo with your favorite drink in front of the bar and tag us!
The Golf Course
I have played a lot of golf courses in my day and this course ranks up there as one of the best of them. The day before we played we looked over the course from the clubhouse and I was super excited to get out there. The course from a distance looked phenomenal, healthy and lush.
The morning of, I went down to warm up at the range - which was in great shape. What’s nice about the design is that there is an upper and lower range. If the the upper range gets worn they send everyone to the lower end to hit balls while they repair the upper.
I was lucky enough to have an employee of the course, David Turner, with me as we played our round. It was very helpful to have someone who knows the course so well because I had not yet seen the course at all. He was able to help me navigate, which I definitely needed.
As I thought, when looking over the property from the clubhouse, the course was beautiful. From the tee boxes to the greens the conditions of the course were immaculate. The greens held well and rolled true. They have a great grounds crew working there. While playing I learned fast to keep the ball in the fairway. The rough is no joke. It’s not impossible to get out of,, but it does make it challenging. Your best bet is just to hit it directly back into the fairway. If you’re too far off your mark then you have to deal with the native grass - which is tall and very tough to get out of. With 77 bunkers on the course you also need to be accurate with your shots. The bunkers are designed to look like a natural part of the landscape, like they have been there all along.
From straight holes, dog legs, elevation changes, short and long par threes and par fives, this course has it all.. The signature hole, #12, a par three is a gorgeous hole where you can see Devils Tower off on the horizon. You have to be on your A game to reach this green which is over a ravine. If you didn’t get enough scenery after playing 17 holes you can’t beat the view from #18. You are hitting from an elevated tee box down towards the clubhouse. I cannot put into words how stunning this view is, but what a great finishing hole!
Overall this course is amazing, challenging, stunning, and a lot of fun to play. The design keeps the game fun with ebbs and flows in how challenging it is. Throughout my day I used the Cobalt Q-6 Slope Rangefinder to better gauge my distances. While I had some great shots and some not so great shots, this was a memorable day that I won’t soon forget.
Hit the road!
Head out to Hulett and check out the Golf Club at Devils Tower and the 77 Steakhouse & Saloon. Be sure to take photos and share them on social media. Tag us in your posts @LiveWYldMag and the club @thegolfclubatdevilstower and use #LiveWYld
