The traditional crown jewel of the Idaho Panhandle is, without question, the world-renowned 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.
Golf Digest has endorsed The Coeur d’Alene as “America’s most beautiful resort course.” You don’t have to travel too far into the property to see why. Its flawless bent-grass fairways are nicer than the average putting green. The rich landscape is stocked with junipers, geraniums and petunias, and the ingenious layout is such that you rarely encounter golfers outside of your group.
Conversely, you will see a lot of your caddy, who has been expertly trained by local resort staff to provide precise yardages, track wayward shots and pamper you every step of the way.
The golf experience here is so good it’s almost absurd. Evidenced by its praise from Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous, the green fees are anything but cheap. Then again, you definitely get what you pay for.