Spokane is known as Hooptown U.S.A. because of our deep love for basketball and for being the hometown Gonzaga Bulldogs, but another apt nickname might be Golftown U.S.A.
There are four city-owned and three county-owned golf courses, but that doesn't even scratch the surface of the plethora of courses around the area. About 15 total lie within a 25-mile radius of Spokane, making it a golfer's haven.
And, despite what you may have heard, golf isn't just for retired folk!
Maybe it's the laid-back nature of the sport or the piping-hot drama coming out of the professional golf scene right now (I'm looking at you, LIV) — golf is trendy among the younger crowds as of late.
Mark Poirier, golf manager for Spokane Parks and Recreation, says making the sport accessible is a major goal for the city.
"We want to grow the game of golf," Poirier says. "We want to make it accessible to families and create an inviting environment for all ages with family-friendly tees and quality, manicured courses."
Poirer mentions that it's not just the course conditions that make local courses great.
"It's the quality of the entire experience," he says. "From checking in at the clubhouse to putting out on the 18th hole."
Whether you're a scratch golfer, a casual weekend player or just trying to hit your driver somewhat straight, the Inland Northwest has a course where you can show off your golf game this summer.
CHALLENGING COURSES
So you wanna be the next Rory McIlroy or Scottie Scheffler? First of all, good luck. Secondly, make sure your game is up to par before tackling these courses.Chosen as one of the top 25 public courses in the United States by Golf Digest, Indian Canyon Golf Course is a must-play for any local golfer looking to up their game. Indian Canyon has been the chosen site for multiple USGA, U.S. Amateur and PGA tournaments due to its narrow, tree-lined fairways and challenging, rolling greens. So drive like Rory and putt like Scottie and you should be good to go.
The Creek at Qualchan Golf Course, while filled with natural beauty, is a challenge for anyone who steps foot into the first tee box. With hilly terrain, water hazards and an open layout, Qualchan errs on the longer side at around 6,600 yards, which bodes well for long drivers. Again, drive like Rory and you'll find that Qualchan treats you well.
The Spokane Country Club has been filling tee times since 1898; since 2015 that's been as the Kalispel Golf and Country Club owned by the Kalispel Tribe of Indians and located along the Little Spokane River below Rattlesnake Ridge. Even though a semi-private club, you can get member-for-a-day access through a stay-and-play package.
Just a short drive away in Worley, Idaho, Circling Raven Golf Course has plenty of accolades that prove its greatness. Voted #1 Golf Course in Idaho by Golfweek Magazine and making Golf Digest's list of America's Greatest Courses, the championship-level course is home to wide-open, sloping holes that allow scratch golfers to get creative with their shots.
It would be remiss not to mention the Coeur d'Alene Resort Golf Course, specifically the 14th hole's famous floating green. If you're looking for a unique challenge and gorgeous views, this course is for you.
COURSES FOR BEGINNERS
Staring down a 400-yard fairway as a beginner golfer is intimidating. Where do you aim? What club should you use? What if you hit a bird? (Answers: For the green; listen to your heart; you probably won't!)The obvious answer is to head out to one of the local nine-hole courses. The Plains Golf Course near Cheney was recently downsized from 18 to nine holes and gives beginners a chance to practice playing out of bunkers, encounter water hazards and navigate rough (areas of tall grass). Similarly, Trailhead Golf Course in Liberty Lake offers a simple layout with open fairways and a few trees to navigate, perfect for those looking to try out a few holes before moving on to the big leagues.
For players just getting their footing, Esmerelda Golf Course is a great starting point. With wide open space and generally pretty flat fairways, beginners (and those looking for a relaxing round) will find Esmerelda is forgiving of mistakes while still offering the challenge of navigating among over 2,000 trees throughout the course.
Established in 1916, Downriver Golf Course is the oldest course in Spokane. Downriver is fairly short, coming in at just over 6,100 yards, and offers scenic views of the Spokane River. The course's layout is fairly simple with a few rolling hills, welcoming players of all skill levels to swing, chip and putt their way through a rewarding round. ♦
REGIONAL GOLF COURSES
The following courses are an hour or less away from Spokane.
Downriver
Indian Canyon
The Creek at Qualchan
Esmeralda
Manito (Private)
Kalispel (Semi-private)
The Plains (9 holes)
Latah Creek
Wandermere
Liberty Lake
Trailhead (9 holes)
Deer Park
Circling Raven
MeadowWood
The Links
Prairie Falls
Coeur d'Alene Resort
Coeur d'Alene Public
