Idaho

Designed By: Scott Miller

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In one word: iconic.

 

The Coeur d'Alene golf experience is one that has has received it's fair share of praise over the years but until you actually drive down the winding road, past the seemingly endless red blooming flowers, see the lake in the background and the huge American flag waving by the clubhouse, nothing really prepares you for what you're about to experience. 

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The entire area is completely beautiful and the during the check-in process it's hard not to burst with excitement. Your caddy (mandatory) will have your clubs on your cart by the time you come back outside and he will escort you to the driving range--which in of itself is a treat. Unlike any other course you'll play you are encouraged to hit balls at floating targets in the lake! This is also the first time that you will set eyes on what everyone really goes to see--the famous floating island green which is every bit as cool in person as you can imagine it or see in pictures. 

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Once you're warmed up and it's time to begin play there is a bit of hesitation as you begin to wonder if the rest of the course will like up to the same hype but as you will quickly see; it absolutely does!

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The first couple holes bring you away from the clubhouse and up one of the surrounding hills where you soon will find a tremendous series of interesting holes with unique green shapes, a multitude of bunkers, and impressive lake views. Holes 3-5 are particularly fun and photo worthy but you must keep your focus as they are also quite a challenge. Holes 6, 7, and 8 are all cool in their own way and it's hard not to admire the beauty of the huge pines that you must play through (and around) during this stretch. 

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Holes 9 and 10 are perhaps the least interesting on the course but 11 gets you right back into things and about half-way through the hole you remember why something seems familiar. This hole is crafted much like the famed 13th hole at Augusta National and as you approach the green you almost need a reality check to remind yourself that you are still in Northern Idaho. 12 is a great par 3 and 13 starts by taking you over the lake-edge on a long wooden bridge to the tee box that is completely stunning.

 

Then, the moment you've been waiting for: hole 14--the floating island green!

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It's tempting to just stand there and admire, take a million pictures, or thank your creator for your great fortune to simply be there until you remember that you actually have to hit a somewhat challenging golf shot. One thing you also should be prepared for, is that there is actually a little added pressure from on-lookers who are likely warming up on the driving range, putting on the practice green, or are simply in the vicinity for their peek at this floating piece of heaven. After your approach (which hopefully has struck ground) you are guided by boat to the green itself and the entire experience is a bit surreal. Don't be fooled by the beauty of the hole, however, as the green has a fair amount of undulation and escaping with a par or better is no easy task. 

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Once you return to solid ground it takes a couple holes to gather yourself and fortunately the course gives you the opportunity to do so as you cross back into the flattest portion of the course. By the time you make your way down 18 it has all sunk in and you will realize why exactly Coeur d'Alene has the reputation it does. It is an unbelievably special experience and worth every penny and minute of anticipation. An absolute must-do for any passionate golf fan!