Best Golf Courses in Idaho: Top Picks
Idaho may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of golf destinations, but the state boasts some of the best courses in the country. With its varied terrain, Idaho offers golfers a unique experience that ranges from mountainous courses to those nestled in the valley. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual player, Idaho’s golf courses are sure to impress. In this article, we will take a closer look at the best golf courses in Idaho. We will cover everything from the top-rated courses to the hidden gems that are waiting to be discovered. With so many great options to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. But fear not, as we will provide you with all the information you need to plan your next golfing adventure in Idaho.
Key Takeaways
- Idaho is home to some of the best golf courses in the country, offering a unique golfing experience with its varied terrain.
- This article will provide an overview of the top-rated courses in Idaho, as well as some hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
- Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual player, Idaho’s golf courses are sure to impress.
Overview of Golf in Idaho
Idaho is a state in the northwestern region of the United States, known for its scenic natural beauty, including mountains, forests, and rivers. The state is also home to some of the most spectacular golf courses in the country. Golfers from all over the world come to Idaho to experience its beautiful courses and challenging terrain.
The golfing season in Idaho typically runs from April through October, with the peak season being June through August. The state has over 100 golf courses, ranging from public courses to private clubs. Many of these courses are designed by world-renowned golf architects, and some have been ranked among the best in the country.
Idaho’s golf courses offer a variety of challenges for golfers of all skill levels. Some courses are nestled in the mountains, providing stunning views and challenging elevation changes, while others are situated in the rolling hills and flatlands of the state. The courses are also known for their well-manicured fairways and greens, as well as their challenging bunkers and water hazards.
Idaho’s golf courses are also known for their affordability. Many of the state’s public courses offer green fees that are significantly lower than those in other parts of the country. Additionally, Idaho’s courses are known for their friendly and welcoming atmosphere, making them a great place for golfers of all skill levels to play.
Overall, Idaho is a great destination for golfers looking to experience some of the best courses in the country. With its stunning natural beauty, challenging terrain, and affordable green fees, it’s no wonder that Idaho is quickly becoming one of the top golf destinations in the United States.
Top-Rated Golf Courses in Idaho
When it comes to golfing in Idaho, there are a few courses that stand out from the rest. Here are three of the top-rated golf courses in the state:
Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course
The Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course is one of the most famous golf courses in Idaho. It’s known for its stunning scenery and challenging course layout. The course is located on the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene, and golfers can expect to see plenty of water hazards throughout their round.
One of the most unique features of the Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course is its famous floating green. This par-3 hole is located on a man-made island and is only accessible by boat. It’s a challenging hole that requires precision and accuracy to hit the green.
Black Rock Golf Course
The Black Rock Golf Course is located in Coeur d’Alene and is known for its challenging course layout and stunning views. The course is situated on a hillside and offers panoramic views of Lake Coeur d’Alene and the surrounding mountains.
One of the most challenging holes on the course is the par-5 9th hole. This hole requires golfers to hit their tee shot over a ravine and then navigate a narrow fairway to reach the green. It’s a challenging hole that requires both accuracy and distance.
Goose Creek Golf Course
The Goose Creek Golf Course is located in Jerome and is known for its challenging course layout and affordable green fees. The course is situated on the Snake River Plain and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
One of the most challenging holes on the course is the par-4 7th hole. This hole requires golfers to hit their tee shot over a large water hazard and then navigate a narrow fairway to reach the green. It’s a challenging hole that requires both accuracy and distance.
Overall, these three golf courses are some of the best in Idaho. Golfers of all skill levels will enjoy the challenging course layouts and stunning scenery that these courses have to offer.
Hidden Gems of Idaho Golf
Idaho is home to some of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses in the United States. While many golfers flock to the well-known courses, there are some hidden gems that are worth exploring. Here are two of the best hidden gems in Idaho golf:
RedHawk Public Golf Course
Located in Nampa, Idaho, RedHawk Public Golf Course is a stunning course that offers a challenging and enjoyable experience for golfers of all levels. The course is known for its beautiful scenery and well-maintained greens. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., RedHawk offers a unique blend of traditional and modern golf course design.
One of the standout features of RedHawk is its use of natural terrain. The course winds through canyons, around lakes, and over hills, making for a challenging and scenic round of golf. The course also features a variety of hazards, including water hazards and bunkers, making it a true test of golfing skill.
Circling Raven Golf Club
Located in Worley, Idaho, Circling Raven Golf Club is a hidden gem that offers a unique and challenging golfing experience. Designed by Gene Bates, the course is known for its stunning natural beauty and challenging layout.
One of the standout features of Circling Raven is its use of natural terrain. The course winds through forests, wetlands, and meadows, making for a scenic and challenging round of golf. The course also features a variety of hazards, including water hazards and bunkers, making it a true test of golfing skill.
In addition to its stunning natural beauty and challenging layout, Circling Raven also offers a variety of amenities, including a pro shop, practice facilities, and a restaurant. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, Circling Raven is a must-play course for any golf enthusiast visiting Idaho.
Benefits of Golfing in Idaho
Idaho is a hidden gem for golf enthusiasts. With over 90 golf courses in the state, Idaho offers a unique golfing experience that is hard to find anywhere else. Here are some of the benefits of golfing in Idaho.
Natural Scenery
One of the biggest draws of golfing in Idaho is the stunning natural scenery. Idaho’s golf courses are set amidst some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. Golfers can enjoy panoramic views of mountains, forests, canyons, and rivers while playing their favorite sport. Some of the most scenic golf courses in Idaho include the Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course, the Teton Springs Resort, and the Circling Raven Golf Club.
Affordability
Golfing in Idaho is also affordable compared to other popular golf destinations in the country. Idaho’s golf courses offer a range of prices, from budget-friendly to high-end, but even the most expensive courses are still reasonably priced. This makes golfing in Idaho accessible to everyone, regardless of their budget.
Variety
Idaho’s golf courses offer a variety of experiences for golfers of all skill levels. From championship courses to executive courses, Idaho has something for everyone. Golfers can choose from courses that are designed to challenge their skills or courses that are more forgiving for beginners. Some of the most popular golf courses in Idaho include the BanBury Golf Course, the Ridgecrest Golf Club, and the Sun Valley Resort Golf Course.
In summary, golfing in Idaho offers golfers a unique experience that combines stunning natural scenery, affordability, and a variety of courses to choose from. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, Idaho’s golf courses are sure to provide an unforgettable golfing experience.
Conclusion
Idaho boasts a number of exceptional golf courses that cater to golfers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, there’s a course for you in Idaho. From the stunning views of the Coeur d’Alene Golf Club and the challenging fairways of the BanBury Golf Course to the unique floating green at the Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course, there’s no shortage of great golfing experiences in Idaho.
In terms of rankings, the best golf courses in Idaho according to Golf Digest’s 2023 rankings are the Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course, the Circling Raven Golf Club, and the BanBury Golf Course. Meanwhile, Golf Magazine’s 2020-2021 expert course raters placed Gozzer Ranch at the top of their list, followed by the Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course and the Circling Raven Golf Club. GOLF.com’s course rating process for 2022-23 identified the Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course, the Circling Raven Golf Club, and the BanBury Golf Course as the best in Idaho.
While rankings are a useful guide, they shouldn’t be the only factor you consider when choosing a golf course in Idaho. Other factors to consider include location, course layout, difficulty, facilities, and price. It’s also worth noting that some courses are private and require membership or an invitation to play.
Overall, Idaho is a great destination for golfers looking for a unique and challenging golfing experience. With its stunning scenery, challenging courses, and friendly locals, it’s no wonder that golfers from around the world flock to Idaho to tee off. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, there’s a course for you in Idaho.
