In the tee box. From local fundraisers to the televised Albertson Open PGA qualifying Korn Ferry tournament, we’ve got golf! Indoor or out, there are plenty of places to practice your swing, play nine, or play 18 holes in year-round locations for varying skill levels.
Boise’s first known golf course opened as The Plantation (1917), now known as The River Club. Following in 1940, Hillcrest Country Club’s course was established. And the Broadmore Country Club course in Nampa opened in 1930, making it the oldest course in Canyon County. The newest course opened in fast-growing Kuna – Falcon Crest Golf Club (2023).
Looking for specific courses or to schedule a tee time? Research here and Treasure Valley Golf Courses. The Southwest Golf Course list from the Idaho Golf Association shows the courses closest to home as well as other Idaho courses!
Par 3 courses - Pierce Park Greens in Boise has a 9-hole par 3 course of 900 yards. Perfect for beginners, those practicing their short-shots, and those willing to be patient on the green, this course makes for hours of relaxed fun. First Tee Idaho caught my eye when golfing at Pierce Park. First Tee's purpose is to help kids (7+) build strength of character, inner strength, and resilience through a lifetime of challenges - on the golf course.
Nine Holes – Sometimes called executive courses, and recently dubbed “the new 18”, these courses are faster to play than 18 holes. Less stress. Less exertion. Some courses allow players to complete nine holes and leave the course. Pierce Park Greens and Indian Lake Golf Course, both in Boise, offer 9-hole courses. Pierce Park is a 27 par. Indian Lake is a 35 par with more slope and length (3,093 yards). Touchmark in Meridian has a 9-hole course that is private for the residents of their community. Falcon Crest Golf Club is a 9-hole, par 3 cadet course of 923 yards. Note: A “cadet” refers to clubs that are smaller than standard and designed for golfers with shorter-than-average hands.
Eighteen Holes – Based on the Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland, 18-hole golf courses are standard. Of course, eighteen holes take longer to complete than 9-hole courses. To qualify for professional golfer status, one must play 18 holes in qualifying tournaments. Golf course designs offer slopes, bunkers, long and short fairways, trees – or no trees, gardens – or no flowers along the way, water features (traps), and a variety of turf types and lengths. All of which create challenges for beginning to well-seasoned golfers.
Sometimes dubbed the "19th hole," the club house at 18-hole courses offers end-of-game socializing. The Treasure Valley has both public and private 18-hole courses, most with club houses.
Public – Public courses are open to anyone who schedules a tee time and pays the greens fees. Quail Hollow and Warm Springs Golf Courses are operated by Boise City Parks. Both offer lessons to youth and adult golfers. Boise Ranch Golf Course and Falcon Crest Golf Club are public and on South Cloverdale road.
Meridian’s public course is Lakeview Golf Club which is 18 holes and a 72 par course.
Eagle’s public courses are Eagle Hills Golf Course, Banbury Golf Course, and nearby Shadow Valley Golf Course.
Star, Idaho is a bit further drive, however, the 2004 opened River Birch Golf Course is a public 18 hole, 73 par course of 7,080 yards if you are up for a driving adventure!
Private – Private golf courses require membership joining fees, monthly fees, and sometimes food minimums as well. There are three ways to play a private course. 1. Join the club. 2. Be invited by a member to play as a guest at the club. 3. Participate in a scramble or fundraiser that is held at a private course. A fourth way to “get onto” a private course is to pay the fee to attend a private event – such as the Albertson Open and concert series at Hillcrest Country Club.
Boise’s Private Courses include: Hillcrest Country Club, Crane Creek Country Club, and The River Club.
Meridian’s Private Courses: Touchmark at Meadow Lake Village, The Club at Spurwing (Meridian address, often referred to as an Eagle city club).
Eagle’s Private Course: The Club at Spurwing.
Lessons – Parks departments, for-profit companies, and private clubs have lesson options. Whether it is a youth summer camp at a country club that provides group lessons or a one-on-one lesson for adults, golf-pro instruction can improve your swing and your game. Contact the course you play most often to explore your lesson options. Technology analysis at some store-front locations can also provide expert swing recommendations.
Year-Round – While many outdoor courses in Idaho are year-round, to protect the turf, some close for weeks at a time. When courses are closed, consider these options for ongoing golf swing practice. Top Golf in Meridian has miniature golf and their highway-visible driving range. Wahooz’s Hillbilly Hollow miniature golf is in Meridian. Virtual golf practice environments have opened up indoors around the valley and offer golf simulators as well as golf swing analysis.
Golf Shows – Annually, the Boise Golf Show demos clubs, gear, clothing, and provides course information from around the Treasure Valley and Beyond.
18th Hole. Whether you play 9 holes twice or an 18-hole course, miniature or virtual golf, options exist for any skill level of golfer and all ages of players right here, close to home. At the end of the day, maybe you feel like Smokey Robinson, who says: “People say, ‘Well, such-and-such a course is easy.’ I want to see the easy golf course. I’ve never played that one.”
Year-round golfing opportunities abound. Beginner or seasoned, players of every age golf Idaho. Let us know which your favorite Treasure Valley golf courses are – easy or difficult!
How is your golf knowledge? Slice. Rough. Pitch. Fore. Hole. Hazards. Birdie. Back nine. Albatross. Ace. Knowledge helps. Practice matters most.
Lifetime golfers say that every course plays differently depending on the day, the weather, and the attitude you take to the course. As a result, lessons, swing tune-ups and coaching, along with playing plenty of rounds make for an improved game.