Lake Couer d’Alene is a favored vacation destination in the Idaho panhandle. Couer d’Alene Golf Resort occupies the focus of attention on the large lake with 129 miles of shoreline. A shuttle from the resort to the golf course on their custom mahogany power boat is convenient for guests. The floating green Par3 at Couer d’Alene Golf Resort course is an unusual and entertaining experience.
The Resort at Couer d’Alene Golf Course
Although noted for the world’s only floating golf green, it’s likewise a terrific golf course. Ranking #88 in America on Golf Digest’s list of public access golf courses, the Couer d’Alene Golf course should be on your bucket list. With five holes near Lake Couer d’Alene, spectacular views are normal. But the rest of the course will have you paying attention. You’ll discover some of the most diabolical yet picturesque Par3’s anywhere – five. Three very different short Par4s will test your precision. Conditioning rivals the finest private courses in the area. With a minimalistic strategy, it’s neat, and manicured. For example, bunker rakes are hidden vertical containers and there are no ball washers or hole signs on the tees. Holes framed by tall pines and juniper bushes create a remarkable bucolic and tranquil ambiance.
One of the most picturesque Par3’s we’ve seen, Hole #5, is diabolic when the pin is up front. A clover-shaped three-tiered green surrounded by huge bunkering and cool-looking rock outcroppingswith the lake in the background. Hole #6 is a back-to-back Par3 that is downhill and surrounded by huge pine trees and juniper bushes.
Similar to the iconic 13th hole at Augusta National, the Par5 Hole #11 winds around Fernan Creek, which locals tell us flows in both directions during the year. The approach shot is all carry as the creek cuts in front, around the right side and behind this three-tiered green accessible by three bridges. You must carry the water twice on the short Par4 Hole #13. Big hitters may try to clear both as the PGA Tour’s John Daly, did in 1992 making a 15-foot putt for eagle.
Perhaps the most photographed golf green, the iconic floating green at the Par3 Hole #14, is moved daily to a different distance. It’s large at 15,000 square feet and almost four times the size of the other famous island green – the 17th at TPC Sawgrass. Hop the boat named Putter for the ride to the green. If you hit the green and make a Par, you’ll get a Certificate of Achievement.
If you wish to maximize the fun factor while experiencing a high-quality golf course, then put the Couer d’Alene Golf course on your list. You’ll want to play this one again.
If You Go:
Course Info – Couer d’Alene Golf Resort has one eighteen-hole course with five sets of tees from 4448 yards to 6803 yards. Peak greens Fees are $250 while seasonal rates are as low as $99. Forecaddies are required and included in the fee. An additional $25/bag tip is suggested.
Location – In the northern panhandle of Idaho only 45 minutes east of Spokane, WA.
Lodging – Couer d’Alene Golf Resort is located directly on Lake Couer d’Alene in downtown Couer d’Alene.
Quintessential Golf (https://www.quintessentialgolf.com)
A source of golf travel inspiration, Quintessential Golf online magazine spotlights the most spectacular, enduring and scenic courses, resorts and golf adventures. Written from a players point-of-view, articles include magnificent high-resolution course images. Brought to you by Chuck Fox, single-digit golfer, writer and photographer based in Danville, California, he is fulfilling his passion and dream to play, photograph and share the romance and beauty of golf throughout North America.