Having trouble figuring out where you’re going to play this summer? If not, you’ve either found a course that is perfect for you, or you’re just not paying attention to what’s available.
As we noted a few issue ago, we figure there are easily 500 places to play in the Mountain West region (minus the Denver and Vegas markets). This vast tract of the American golf landscape is loaded with great golf opportunities. So many, in fact, that we can count ourselves lucky just to sample a relative handful of them in the confines of an Intermountain summer.
Time is precious, so read on and let us know what you think.
Buffalo Hill
Of the eight major golf facilities in Montana’s majestic Flathead Valley, Buffalo Hill stands out—mostly because it has a number of outstanding attributes—not just one or two interesting features—that set it apart.
Buffalo may be an older course, but unlike those that have been overshadowed by the razzle-dazzle of modern course architecture, Buffalo still stands on it own as a championship track of any era.
It’s original nine (built in 1936) and lateradded 18 (est. 1978) comprise a tight layout in some places and generously wide approaches in others. Sharp doglegs are common, especially the right-to-left variety.
The course is not only a favorite with the locals and within golf media circles, but also with competitors vying for statewide and regional titles. Buffalo has hosted a number of state amateur tournaments in the past, and will undoubtedly host more in the future.
Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club
You could say that the Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club has applied some special meaning to the phrase, “going for the green.”
Already renowned for its highcaliber amenities and challenging course design, this unique high mountain was the recipient of some breathtaking upgrades through the summer of 2007, including a unique clubhouse that represents the cutting edge of environmentfriendly development.
Considering the extended flurry of golf development in this neck of the woods over the last decade or so, it’s easy to overlook the fact that the original Jackson course took shape back in 1963. The course was later redesigned by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and has since become synonymous with Wyoming’s majestic views of the Grand Tetons.
This 18-hole course, host to multiple USGA National Championships, has been consistently ranked as one of the top courses in the state of Wyoming and in the country by mainstream golf publications.
University of Idaho
The University of Idaho’s golf course—now known as “The Club at Idaho”—is a very challenging par 72. It was originally designed by Francis L. James, and constructed in 1933 as a nine-hole facility. In 1968, the course was redesigned by Bob Bolduck and nine more holes were added.
The front nine of UI golf course is a par 37 with three par fives. It plays at 3,117 total yards from the middle tees, 3,344 yards from the back tees, and 2904 yards from the front tees.
The back nine is a par 35 with only one par five, but it’s equally challenging because of two long par three holes. (The 17th hole is particularly brutal, playing 232 yards uphill with out-of-bounds staring at you along the entire right side of the hole.) The middle tees’ total yardage is 3,037, the back tees’ make a sum of 3,293, and the front tees’ play at 2,866 total yards.
Jug Mountain Ranch
Already well on its way to becoming a Northwest vacation landmark, this relatively young golf resort near McCall, Idaho, has carved a reputation as one of the hottest golf vacation communities in the region. Opened in 2004, the 18-hole public golf course at Jug Mountain Ranch is the perfect combination of challenging play, spectacular views and varied terrain.
The course was designed by Donald Knott whose previous work as project architect for Robert Trent Jones II Group included the widely acclaimed Links at Spanish Bay (Pebble Beach), Rancho La Quinta, Sun Valley Resort, and more than 60 other courses around the world. Jug Mountain Ranch also offers one of area’s finest practice facilities, including a large driving range and practice green.
The ranch’s restaurant has gained quite a reputation for its delicious food and spectacular setting. Sit outside on the patio and enjoy the view while dining on delicious homemade dishes and desserts served for lunch and dinner, or cocktails from the fully stocked bar.
Coeur d’Alene Resort
The traditional crown jewel of the Idaho Panhandle is, without question, the worldrenowned Coeur d’Alene Resort. Complimentary massages, a forecaddy at your beck and call, a rough that looks more like your home course’s fairway—that’s the Coeur d’Alene Resort for you. This single course has probably done more to popularize “panhandle recreation” than any other course or resort in the region. Few avid golfers haven’t at least heard of The Coeur d’Alene’s ultimate signature hole—the 14th and its famous floating green. Depending on the day, this massive foam-based structure can be anchored anywhere from 100-175 yards off shore, and can only be reached by boat (compliments of the resort, of course).
Even without this novelty, however, the resort course stands as one of the most immaculate layouts in the West. It has received numerous accolades over the years for both its golf and its ancillary services.
Old Works
This par 72 wonder is a diamond in the rough, to say the least. In an area once heavily utilized for mining operations, the western Montana town of Anaconda now has a new precious product in the form of a first-class golf course.
There are several reasons Old Works is so unique. It is the first and only course built on a Federal EPA Superfund site. It is the only Jack Nicklaus signature course in the state of Montana, and the course is owned by Anaconda Deer-Lodge County, making it one of only a handful of Nicklaus signature publicly owned golf courses.
The course incorporates many elements from Anaconda’s historic copper smelter on site including black slag in all of the courses bunkers, making for a stunning contrast to white bunker sand found on most other golf courses.
The slag, a by-product of the copper smelting process, is fairly easy to play from The material is fairly dense and therefore very seldom will you get a ball to plug or bury. The local golf sages recommend that when playing here you should use a sand wedge with little bounce. A typical greenside bunker shot should be played taking a bit less sand and being firm down and through the shot.
McCall Golf Club
This city course in its mountain setting was an original inspiration for the magazine you are reading. McCall’s namesake layout is the epitome of “mountain golf” for its pine-tree corridors, abundant resident wildlife and surrounding recreational opportunities. Payette Lake and the upper reaches of the Payette River make this area a first-class summer destination.
For years, we made the occasional pilgrimage to McCall to play its original 18 holes, which have since been reordered and incorporated into an elaborate 27-hole setup. There are three distinct nines to chose from—Aspen, Birch and Cedar. Any combination will do, but for best results…play all three! Summer temperatures in the McCall area range between 75 and 85 degrees with clear skies and no wind to speak of. Sound like a dream come true? It is, and it’s economical, too.
Falcon Crest
Recently tagged as one of the top five golf experiences in the state of Idaho, Falcon Crest has created a huge fan base in a short amount of time. Easily accessible off Interstate 84 in the Boise area, the facility is much more than one course. It also offers a nine-hole executive course called Robin Hood, as well as a 30-acre practice facility including driving range, an 18,000-square-foot practice green, practice bunkers, private lesson areas and more.
With majestic vistas of the Boise Valley and surrounding mountains, and a course design that blends the natural terrain with water, grass, sand and stone—each hole makes for a memorable experience. One of our favorites is also one of the most difficult—the par-four seventh hole.
This 426-yarder is a dogleg-left that squeezes into a tight canyon-flanked landing area and into a narrow green surrounded by water. Beautiful, but potentially deadly.
Circling Raven
After a single round on this top-class track in Worley, Idaho, you will quickly conclude that it is one of the best course designs in the West. Judging from the accolades it has received from major golf and mainstream media outlets, this reputation is growing with every round played.
Circling Raven was conceived by famed golf course architect Gene Bates to blend with nature, not compete against it. All inclusive pricing includes: Carts, GPS yardage systems, 25 acres of practice facility and complimentary range balls.
The player’s experience is that of a links-style course, but in a private wooded setting. On the back nine, the only hole you’ll see is the hole you are playing.
Wetlands impact play on 13 holes, natural Palouse grasses complement the wetlands on 12 holes and a mix of Ponderosa Pines, Aspens, Cottonwoods and Birch blend into the scenery throughout. The blue grass fairways and bent grass greens are closely manicured, as would be expected at a premier resort golf course.
Pinecrest Golf Course
Established in 1936 in eastern Idaho, Pinecrest is a just as much a piece of regional 20th Century history as it is a golf course. Built as a public works project, the course had a modest beginning as a small country club with sand greens and sparse to nonexistent landscaping. With the advent of dambuilding in a mountain valley up the highway at Palisades, hundreds of pine trees were relocated to Idaho Falls and planted on the course. Today, those trees define the course, which winds and rolls into a par-70 layout that many players consider to be the finest municipal track in the Northwest.
It offers monster par-fours, a number of doglegs and tree trouble on just about every hole. Pinecrest has hosted numerous state amateur championships as well as a handful of regional and national competitions over the years.
Most impressive of all, perhaps, is the price. Just be sure to call two days in advance for a tee time.
Ruby View
Closing in on its 40th birthday, Ruby is well known by Nevada golfers for its long, rolling fairways lined with monstrous trees and huge, bunker-flanked putting surfaces. Although the track has a moderate slope of 117, it pushes 7000 yards from the back deck, so don’t forget to bring your long game with you. This 18-hole course should be open from March to November. (Just an interesting side note: According to Nevada Magazine, Tony Lema was head pro here in 1957.) Rates run from $15 to $30.
Sun Valley Resort
Here’s a recreational icon that is known and revered by golfers throughout the region and well beyond it. Nestled in the heart of the central Idaho wilderness, the idyllic setting alone makes Sun Valley, a location any golfer would admire. Now let’s add to that picture: the expert hand of Robert Trent Jones’ 18-hole design, the legendary slopes slumbering through their summer downtime, a world class lodging facility…and accolades from the highest echelons of upscale recreation.
The crystal clear waters of Trail Creek cross the course seven times on the front nine alone. It’s a beautiful stream, but only the beginning of potential trouble for the inexperienced or errant-prone player. Trees line the 6,800 yards of fairway like hungry green ogres, just licking their chops whenever divots fly.
As of this writing, the resort now has an eye-popping new clubhouse and a nine-hole expansion right “across the street” from the current 18. Check it out.
Ridgecrest Golf Club
In a town once better known for sugarbeets than pasture pool, the game of golf has been just as sweet for Treasure Valley recreationists—all thanks to a revered layout by the name of Ridgecrest.
This 27-hole wonder is actually the latest of three courses in the western Idaho community of Nampa. The others include the vintage Broadmore Country Club and the younger, public Centennial Golf Course.
Much of this municipal course has a links style ambiance, epitomized by a large waste bunker that comes into play on five of the first nine holes. On the back nine, hole Nos. 12 through 17 make a dramatic departure from these conditions. While much of the course is long and open, these water-flanked holes are shorter and treacherously tight.
Particular watch-out holes include Nos. 12, 15 and 17:
The 12th is a scenic 200-yard par three off a cliff that requires you to negotiate greenside bunkers and a menacing pond to the right.
The 15th is the ultimate risk-reward short par four, which begs for a white knuckled draw over water to a green 261 yards away.
…& THE LIST GOES ON…
Banbury Golf Club
Eagle, Idaho
FYI: Championship-level facility that has hosted a number of huge events (like the 2008 PNGA Mens tourney, pictured on this issue’s cover). Public, but with a country club feel.
Wolfcreek Resort
Eden, Utah Located near the base of beautiful Powder Mountain. The course features two distinct nines: the front is open with water on four holes; the tighter back meanders through groves of oak.
Wildhorse Resort & Casino
Pendleton, Ore. Designed by legendary golf architect, John Steidel, this course can play long or short with four sets of tees ranging from 5,718 yards at the front to 7,128 yards from the championship tees.
Canyon Lakes
Kennewick, Wash. Easily one of the best tracks in eastern Washington. Its No. 12 hole is famous for offering the LARGEST GREEN in the Pacific Northwest, measuring an astounding 12,000 square feet. Hole No. 9 was selected as one of the Northwest’s Dream 18 Holes.
Palouse Ridge
Pullman, Wash. Washington State University’s new 18-hole championship-level golf course on the Pullman campus was long awaited, and definitely worth it. Already a favorite in the region, it now includes a 7,000-square foot clubhouse complete with a pro shop, lounge area and dining facilities for up to 100 people, as well as outdoor terraces.
Teton Pines
Jackson Hole, Wyo.
In 1996, Teton Pines hosted the American Junior Golf Association’s annual Canon Cup – a Ryder Cuplike competition pitting the 20 best juniors from the East versus the 20 best juniors from the West. The Rocky Mountain Section PGA has held its section championship at Teton Pines numerous times.
Three Crowns
Casper, Wyo.
Three Crowns Golf Course resides on the award winning remediation project of the former Amoco Oil Refinery along the North Platte River. The site, known as the Platte River Commons, includes the golf course, business park, jogging trail and parks on about 350 acres.
Glacier View Golf Course
West Glacier, Mont. Opened in 1969, Glacier View is a favorite among local golfers in the upper Flathead Valley. Perched on the southern edge of Glacier National Park, Glacier View combines pristine nature with the polished beauty of a golf course. Most of all, it’s a golf experience the whole family can enjoy together.
Buffalo Peak Golf Course
Union, Ore.
Located just sixteen miles southeast of La Grande, this charming course features a dramatic landscape with views of the Grande Ronde Valley and surrounding Wallowa and Blue Mountain ranges. It also its fair share of attractive ponds (yes, there can be such a thing) and fountains.
Terrace Lakes Resort
Garden Valley, Idaho
The Terrace Lakes Golf Course has 18 holes of “chic championship greens and fairways” amongst scenic Idaho Mountains. After a round on the golf course you can play some tennis or relax in the natural geothermal swimming pool which is open all year. (This is forest country, so prepare yourself to see some on-course wildlife!)
Shadow Valley Golf Course
Eagle, Idaho
Nestled in the foothills north of Boise, Shadow Valley has earned a reputation for eye-catching golf because of its picturesque setting. Built a quarter century ago along the Boise front, the front nine alone features a dozen elevation changes.
Sand Creek and Sage Lakes
Idaho Falls, Idaho
Sister tracks to the aforementioned Pinecrest Golf Course, these two eastern Idaho gems have their own charms, if not quite as many trees. Sage Lakes is a rolling links course with lots of water. Sand Creek is a traditional American design with lots of long carries, doglegs and large undulating greens.