Idaho’s 97 golf courses are scattered across a state that doesn’t market itself as a golf destination — yet contains one of the most famous individual golf experiences in America. Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course has the most photographed golf hole in North America: a 14th hole island green that floats on Lake Coeur d’Alene, reachable only by boat. Beyond that landmark, Idaho golf is defined by low-key mountain scenery, affordable green fees, and uncrowded public courses that reward golfers willing to venture outside the major resort corridors.
Idaho’s golf population concentrates in three areas: the Boise Treasure Valley (the state’s largest metro), North Idaho around Coeur d’Alene and Spokane’s extended market, and the Sun Valley resort area, which attracts a wealthier seasonal visitor base. The season runs May through October in most of the state, with mountain courses at higher elevations running June through September.
Idaho Golf by Region
Coeur d’Alene / North Idaho
Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course’s floating island green has made it arguably the most-recognized individual golf hole in the United States — a legitimate bucket-list experience. The resort also runs the rest of the course to championship standards at premium resort pricing. Circling Raven Golf Club, located at the Coeur d’Alene Casino in Worley, is a Gene Bates design through forest and meadow terrain that earns consistent national value rankings as a top-50 affordable US course. Together, these two courses make North Idaho one of the Pacific Northwest’s better golf mini-trips.
Boise / Treasure Valley
Boise’s metro area has Idaho’s largest concentration of public and semi-private courses, serving the state’s population center. Hillcrest Country Club is among the region’s most respected semi-private facilities. Public options include Warm Springs Golf Course in the city and Plantation Country Club (Boise area). Green fees throughout the valley average $35–$65 — competitive for the Rocky Mountain region. Several good municipal and daily-fee courses serve the substantial golf population on reasonable budgets.
Sun Valley / Central Idaho
Sun Valley is Idaho’s most famous resort, and Elkhorn Golf Club (Sun Valley Golf Course and Elkhorn course) offers mountain resort golf at altitude through the Big Wood River valley. Trail Creek Course is a public Sun Valley option. The area’s short season — typically mid-June through late September — and high resort pricing limit accessibility, but the mountain setting is exceptional for summer golf. Twin Falls and Magic Valley have several quality public options serving south-central Idaho at accessible prices.
Top Courses in Idaho
- Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course (Coeur d’Alene) — Home of the world’s only floating island green (14th hole, on Lake Coeur d’Alene); nationally renowned. Resort; green fees ~$100–$175.
- Circling Raven Golf Club (Worley) — Gene Bates design at Coeur d’Alene Casino; consistently ranked among America’s top affordable courses; forest and meadow terrain. Green fees ~$55–$85.
- Elkhorn Golf Club (Sun Valley) — Resort course at Sun Valley’s premier ski destination; mountain valley setting with 18-hole Robert Trent Jones Jr. design. Green fees ~$65–$125.
- Pronghorn Golf Club (Bend, OR adjacent market) — Just across the Oregon border; Idaho golfers in the Twin Falls area often combine a round at Pronghorn with Bandon-area golf trips.
- BanBury Golf Course (Twin Falls) — South Idaho’s top-rated public course; strong conditions at accessible prices. Green fees ~$25–$45.
- Falcon Crest Golf Club (Kuna) — Boise metro’s highest-rated public layout; links-influenced design with affordable green fees. Green fees ~$25–$45.
- ProngHorn Club (Bend-adjacent) — Note: Genuinely in Oregon but serves the east Idaho market for destination golf, particularly the Jack Nicklaus Signature design.
When to Play Golf in Idaho
Idaho golf runs May through October across most of the state, with the best conditions from June through September. Boise Treasure Valley is the state’s warmest market — April rounds are possible in good years, and October often stays playable. North Idaho’s Coeur d’Alene area runs a similar season, though spring comes slightly later. Sun Valley and high-elevation mountain courses have a shorter window: mid-June through mid-September reliably. Summer temperatures in Boise (85–95°F) are warm but manageable for golf; late afternoons can require caution in July–August heat. North Idaho summers are ideal: 75–85°F with low humidity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many golf courses are in Idaho?
Idaho has 97 golf courses in our database. The largest concentrations are in the Boise Treasure Valley (largest metro), the Coeur d’Alene-North Idaho area (most famous nationally), and the Sun Valley resort corridor. Idaho is an underrated golf state — low prices, uncrowded conditions, and genuine mountain scenery distinguish it from more marketed Western destinations.
What is the best golf course in Idaho?
Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course is Idaho’s most nationally known experience — the floating island green is a genuine golf landmark. Circling Raven Golf Club earns broader recognition as a consistently affordable and high-quality everyday round. For private courses, Hillcrest Country Club in Boise is the state’s most respected private facility.
When is the best time to golf in Idaho?
June through September statewide; May and October are viable in the Boise metro. Plan the Coeur d’Alene floating-green experience in July or August for the best lake weather and maximum daylight hours.
How much does golf cost in Idaho?
Idaho is exceptional golf value. Everyday public courses run $20–$45; quality semi-private options charge $35–$65; Circling Raven runs $55–$85 for a nationally acclaimed layout; and Coeur d’Alene Resort charges $100–$175 for the marquee floating-green experience. Idaho consistently ranks among the West’s best-value golf states.
All Golf Courses in Idaho
Browse all 97 Idaho golf courses in our database below, including green fees, location, and course details.