Reader already thinking about golf vacation in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

As much of the country is trying to figure out how to stay warm, I’m reminded that it’s never too early to start thinking about a golf vacation. In fact, we just got an email from Chris B., who wrote in to ask about planning a weekend golf trip with his dad to the Coeur d’Alene, Idaho area, which is one of my very favorite locations in the world.

“Other than the obvious choice of playing the Coeur d’Alene Resort Course (because, everyone should suffer through hitting a golf ball at a floating green at least once in their life), what other course would you recommend? Also, do you have any recommendations on what time of year to go and where to stay?” Chris asked.

This one is easy to answer, because there are a couple of more great golf courses in the area, which makes this trip to northwest Idaho extremely worthwhile.

Since Coeur d’Alene is near the Washington state border, it’s an easy drive over to Pullman in eastern Washington to play the Washington State University course, Palouse Ridge, which is one heck of an enjoyable ride. Designed by John Harbottle III, Palouse Ridge has panoramic views that seem to stretch forever. And much of the course plays like a links course, which means you get all the interesting caroms that bring out your imagination in shot-making. Plus, there are no homes.

The other must-play is Circling Raven Golf Club in Worley, Idaho. This Gene Bates masterpiece is on a bunch of magazines’ “best of” lists. It’s owned by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe of Northern Idaho, so once again, no homes, just wide expanses of natural wetlands and great holes. You can check out my review here.

In fact, the Coeur d’Alene Resort and Hotel next to Circling Raven serves as a good, economical home base to play all three, which are within 90 minutes of each other. Rooms are comfortable, food is good, and the entertainment isn’t bad either.

And by the way, I need to throw in that the Scott Miller-designed Coeur d’Alene Resort Course is so much more than a floating green. Don’t get me wrong; the aforementioned par-3 14th is pretty thrilling, especially if you’ve never played it before, but you’ll love the rest of the course as well. The front nine, much of which runs along the shoreline of the lake, is nothing short of spectacular, and the back nine isn’t too shabby either.

As far as time of year goes, plan on late spring to early fall, and you might be able to get better rates during the shoulder seasons. Weatherwise, summertime is usually perfect, and it’s never too early to start dreaming.