Not only did Bob and Shirley Whittaker turn their family business, Whittaker Homes, into one of the largest homebuilding companies in the Midwest, but they were also the founders and owners of Whitmoor Country Club. Whitmoor Country Club was Bob and Shirley’s pride and joy, and from 1988-2022, they owned and operated this private upscale club in Weldon Spring, Missouri, serving their members well. Their motto was, “Let our family take care of your family.” As a member, you truly felt like one of the family!
Bob had a strong passion for golf and under his leadership, Whitmoor became one of the top four clubs in St. Louis. After Bob passed away and Shirley decided to step away from the business. The Whittaker children inherited the Country Club and were left with a decision to make; keep and manage the 36-hole country club or continue selling out the 3,500-home residential development nearby that was the best-selling community in the Midwest. After learning firsthand the amount of blood, sweat, and tears it takes to run a successful country club – not to mention the investment – they chose the latter and made a call to Concert Golf Partners.
After meeting with Concert Golf Partners, the Whittaker children chose to pursue a quiet sale. But before the paperwork was signed, the unthinkable happened – the club’s Olympic-sized pool had buckled two feet out of the ground. Knowing the pool was a key component of the club and was used by every family member, they could feel the sale slipping away.
That’s when the principals at Concert Golf Partners stepped up and told the family that they would replace the pool with their team of construction experts and with their capital. It’s not known what concessions were made, but Concert moved forward with the deal and is the proud owner of Whitmoor Country Club. It was a “win/win.” The Whitakers were able to sell their club, and Concert Golf acquired a highly coveted private club in a key target market.
Concert Golf Partners are known throughout the industry for their knack for taking underperforming properties and turning them around. What’s more, members are NEVER charged an assessment. Shortly after they closed on the club, Concert invested $2.85 million for upgrades to the pool, golf course, clubhouse, and other amenities.
Whitmoor’s North and South courses were designed by Karl Litten in 1988. Both courses weave their way through a community of stately homes and the natural rolling terrain of St. Charles County. These gently sloping hillsides are graced by the presence of white pines, maples, oaks, and birch trees. There are 10 lakes on both courses that are connected by creeks that meander throughout the layouts.
Both courses have a lot in common and share many similarities. In addition to the 10 lakes, they both have a lot of hilly fairways, plenty of doglegs, and huge greens, many with multiple tiers.
During a recent visit, I had the opportunity to play the South Course. Whitmoor features some good elevation changes, which can be seen on the first two holes. The 1st hole is a par 4 that plays straight uphill, much longer than the 392 yards stated on the scorecard. There’s a large bunker that guards the right side of the fairway in the landing area and a second short of the green. The left side is tree-lined with trees infringing on the fairway. Be sure to hit at least one club more on your approach shot. The large three-tiered green slopes back to front and is protected by bunkers on either side. Par is a great way to start!
Number 2 is a scenic par 3 that plays 168 yards from the Blue Tees. Your journey downhill begins from a highly elevated tee box down to the green, which is protected by two large bunkers on the right and one in back. The green is long and narrow and slopes right to left; it will require accuracy to get it close. Play one to two clubs less than you normally would.
The 6th hole is the number one handicap on the South Course. It’s an interesting dogleg right that plays 400 yards. The tee shot is blind with immediate trouble on either side of the generous fairway. Your approach shot is to a two-tiered green, and if you have any doubts, play short of the green. Hitting a long fairway wood off the tee may be your best bet and give you more options with your approach shot.
Many members consider the par 3, 14th hole, the South Course’s signature hole. This picturesque hole plays 165 yards from the Blue Tees, over a small lake fronted by a beautiful rock outcropping. Five separate pot bunkers sit on the thin strip of land between the lake and the green, which is angled from left to right. There is also a lot of “pyramid mounding” behind the green. Don’t get greedy; check the wind and take your best shot at the middle of the green.
There’s so much more to men’s and women’s golf at Whitmoor than meets the eye. Besides the fun-filled tournament formats that the Club hosts throughout the year, they have 9-hole and 18-hole men’s and ladies’ leagues, daily skin games, and a retired men’s organization. On Friday night, couples can play in the Nine-N-Dines, which gives non-golfing spouses the chance to meet other couples over great food and fun! The Club’s junior golf programs are recognized throughout the area, and all juniors participate in their highly successful PGA Junior League program. The Club offers year-round instruction to all members in addition to several scheduled demo days and club fittings throughout the year. The Whitmoor pro shop stocks the latest golf equipment as well as logoed apparel from all of the top name brands.
When the winter weather approaches, you can keep your golf game tuned up in the Tee Box, Whitmoor’s golf simulator room. The Tee Box features a Trackman simulator and 6 widescreen TVs, making it feel like a sports bar. This family-friendly room is open year-round and offers a much cheaper way to play Pebble Beach. It’s a great place to gather with family and friends or hone your golf game.
In addition to 36 holes of spectacular golf, Whitmoor has a bevy of amenities, including two outdoor pools, three premium tennis courts, and a 4,000-square-foot fitness center. Inside the clubhouse, the newly renovated Trophy Room can accommodate up to 300 guests comfortably.
Having 36 holes at one club is a rarity in the St. Louis area and makes Whitmoor a desired location for corporate outings and charitable events. They offer a wide range of tournament and special event packages, and the golf staff can help format the event and provide rule sheets, pairings, and scoring.
If tennis – or pickleball – is more your racquet, Whitmoor has three hard–surface tennis courts. The staff of USTPA Tennis Professionals offers clinics, classes, and special events. There’s also a Pickleball Pro on staff who can help with leagues or answer any questions you may have about the sport.
As for dining at The Club, I can attest to the fact that the food is fantastic and it’s not your typical clubhouse food! The Nashville Hot Sticky Ribs is a great way to start – a half rack of ribs bathed in Nashville Hot BBQ sauce. It has some kick to it, but not nearly as hot as what you get in Smashville!
The Club offers several membership programs tailored to meet the needs and budgets of all individuals. A Full Golf Membership is for Members 40 years of age and older and their immediate family members under 25, and gives them total access to all Whitmoor amenities. An Intermediate Golf Membership affords the same access to everything and is available for those 36 – 39 years of age. The Junior Golf Membership has the same privileges for those 35 years old and younger. Social Members will have access to all non-golf amenities. There are never any capital assessments or food & beverage minimums.
For more information on Whitmoor Country Club or to arrange a personalized tour, visit them online at www.whitmoorcc.com.