Whitmoor Country Club

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 also founded and owned Whitmoor Country Club. the Club was Bob and Shirley’s pride and joy; from 1988 to 2022, they 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 golf course 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, which was the best-selling community in the Midwest. After learning firsthand the amount of cash, sweat, and tears it takes to run a successful country club and keep it on top, 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 sale 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 of 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.

Renowned golf course architect Karl Litten designed Whitmoor’s North and South courses. Both courses weave their way through a community of stately homes and the natural rolling terrain of St. Charles County. The gently sloping hillsides are dotted with white pines, maples, oaks, and birch trees. There are 10 lakes on both courses connected by creeks that meander throughout each layout.

There are several similarities between the two courses. In addition to the 10 lakes, they have 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 just 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.

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.

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 desirable 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 racket, 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!

Joining Whitmoor admits entry into a family like no other. A Full Golf Membership is for those 40 and older and includes immediate family members under 25. It provides total access to every amenity at Whitmoor. An Intermediate Golf Membership has the same benefits for those 36 – 39, while the Junior Golf Membership is for those 35 and younger. Social Members will have access to all non-golf amenities. There are never capital assessments or food & beverage minimums.