Idaho golf courses worthy of your bucket list
Google “golf” in North Idaho for a list of no fewer than 20 courses, a handful private and a smaller few worthy of your bucket list, especially according to Golf Digest who noted that five out of the top 10 courses statewide were in the Coeur d’Alene area. Top-scoring clubs include CIRCLING RAVEN, THE COEUR D’ALENE RESORT and THE CLUB AT ROCK CREEK, as well as THE GOLF CLUB AT BLACK ROCK and GOZZER RANCH GOLF AND LAKE CLUB, the latter two also making the nationwide Top 100 list for 2019 at No. 32 and No. 91 respectively.
Located in Worley, Idaho, and part of the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort & Hotel, CIRCLING RAVEN is an unparalleled experience amidst 620 acres of wildlife, wetlands and woodlands in a Gene Bates course designed to make each hole feel secluded and majestic. It’s known as a challenging players’ course, although five sets of tee boxes allow success for every player level.
THE COEUR D’ALENE RESORT course treats you like a private member with luxury golf carts, complementary caddies and a private shuttle to and from the world’s only floating green. The Scott Miller-designed course is expertly maintained, offering stunning views of the lake with five sets of tees to match your play level. And when it comes time to wind down, you can’t get a better view than the Floating Green Restaurant.
A short drive south of Coeur d’Alene lands you at THE CLUB AT ROCK CREEK, a private course designed by former professional golfer Tom Weiskopf initially as a second course for the award-winning Black Rock course nearby. The fairly flat front nine lures you in, while the back nine sculpted out of the forested slopes will leave you breathless over this course’s rugged beauty.
The photos don’t do it justice. Located right around the corner from Rock Creek is the prestigious THE GOLF CLUB AT BLACK ROCK, which is picture-perfect from every angle. Cascading waterfalls beyond the pin? That’s hole 11 for this course, also voted best new private course in America.
If GOZZER RANCH GOLF AND LAKE CLUB sounds like paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, it’s because it is. With more Top 100 courses than any other architect, course designer Tom Fazio designed Gozzer’s 18 holes to encompass sweeping views, dramatic elevations and challenging play. Relax in between holes at one of many rustic yet refined comfort stations. And as if golf wasn’t enough, this private, resort-like club offers land and water sports — tennis, anyone? — community gardens, a clubhouse with a world-class spa and fitness center, and plenty of places for kids to recreate including a movie theater and pool.
While Black Rock, Gozzer and Rock Creek are exclusive private clubs, there are some options to play these legendary courses without joining. First option, cozy up to a member. Summer tournaments are another opportunity to play these greens. For instance, Boy Scouts Inland Northwest Council is hosting a charity golf classic at Black Rock on May 30.
AVONDALE GOLF CLUB is a stately private course dating to 1969 that also offers public play alongside Hayden Lake and amidst well-maintained greens.Relax at the clubhouse afterward or pop into the pro shop to find out about golf clinics and tournaments.
The COEUR D’ ALENE GOLF CLUB was the first public golf course in Kootenai County. Established in the early 1950’s, its mature foliage and tree-lined fairways give this gem of a course a majestic feel. It’s worthy of your bucket list, and for less than $35 a round, it won’t break the bank.
Special Events
The Wizard of Oz
MAY 28-JUNE 2
CYT presents a faithful adaptation of the classic novel The Wizard of Oz. $14; Friday 7 pm, Saturday 3 pm and 7 pm, Sunday 3 pm; Kroc Center.
Vince Neil
JUNE 1
Vince Neil, the legendary frontman of Mötley Crüe will rock the Coeur d’Alene Casino as part of their Coeur Jams Concert Series. 8 pm; Coeur d’Alene Casino Event Center.
Boulder Beach Opens
JUNE 8
Break out the sunscreen and swimsuits! Boulder Beach reopens today, marking the unofficial start of summer. Silverwood Theme Park; 11 am-7 pm.
