May 01, 2024
Boise may not attract the attention that Northern Idaho gets, with courses like Black Rock, Gozzer Ranch and the Coeur D'Alene Golf Club with it's famous floating green, only accessible by ferry. However, golf in Boise will satisfy all golf nuts. From flat sprawling fairways to holes with extreme elevation changes, there's always variety and a challenge around the corner. Also, don't be surprised if you encounter deer, coyotes and other beautiful wildlife during your rounds. If you're looking for things to do in Boise, golf should be near the top of your list!
Most golf courses in Boise offer winter and summer rates. The season all depends on the severity of winter but you can expect 7-8 months of great conditions during the year. There are 24 golf courses within a 30 minute drive from downtown Boise, so you're spoilt with options. Some courses wind and weave side by side with the Boise river, while others are nestled in the Boise foothills, providing spectacular views and challenging shots. Below are some of our favorite public courses in Boise:
Shadow Valley is located halfway between Eagle and Avimor. This allows for some breathtaking views of untouched landscape. Shadow Valley is known to always be in immaculate condition giving some of the private courses a run for their money. The front nine is adventurous with large elevation changes and the need for some imaginative shots, while the back nine takes a more traditional approach with tree lined fairways. The staff are friendly and professional, always providing a wonderful experience.
Our first Municipal course on the list, Warm Springs has some of the lowest green fees in town. It has an extremely welcoming environment especially for families and those learning the game. Sandwiched between the Boise River and the foothills, there are some great views to enjoy and the wildlife viewing is also excellent. Warm Springs is the closest course on our list, with downtown being just a 5 minute drive away.
BanBury is a flat course known for it's fast greens and large amount of water. With Boise's new level of traffic, Banbury is a 30 minute drive from downtown, meaning it is more frequented by Meridian and Eagle residents. The clubhouse and patio are exceptional with Harvey's Restaurant serving up some of the best food and cocktails in the area.
Quail Hollow is a favorite among local golfers. It can be challenging and is best suited to the skillful and crafty golfer. So much so that most golfers only use their drivers once or twice on the front nine! The course weaves through small valleys around the Boise foothills and gives the impression of being well outside of the city. Quail Hollow is often touted as the best value for money course in the Treasure Valley, with exceptional course maintenance, low green fees, great bar and restaurant and a challenging golf test, it has it all!
Falcon Crest boasts one of the best golf complexes in all of Idaho. This includes The Championship Course, the nine-hole Freedom Course and the nine-hole Cadet Course, an executive par 3 course. Plus, the driving range and practice areas are unmatched. The courses are surrounded by the Falcon Crest or Valor Subdivision. These beautiful homes are being built in phases and are currently for sale. Once the entire development has been completed and trees have had a chance to mature, this may be one of the most desirable communities in the treasure valley.
Boise Ranch tee times are often booked by regulars which gives the clubhouse a great community feel. Don't be intimidated, as the staff and locals are welcoming and love sharing the course with new faces. The course itself is fairly straightforward and traditional with a few elevation changes and some water holes. It's a great course to have a relaxing round with not having to worry too much about pace of play or your score getting too high.
Boise isn't without it's selection of private country clubs. Most clubs feature a golf course, tennis facilities, pool, restaurant and gym. Along with use of the facilities, clubs put on a variety of events each year and venues can be booked for weddings or other functions. Below are some of the private courses in Boise:
Hillcrest Country Club may be the most well known private course in Boise. It hosts the Albertsons Boise Open with Korn Ferry Tour players and some world famous musical guests gracing the property each year. The course is impeccably maintained, as you would expect from a private course, and the club is family friendly with great kids activities planned each year. The tennis facilities are impressive with four outdoor and two indoor courts for the colder months.
Crane Creek is nestled in the foothills just off Bogus Basin Road. This makes it a hotspot for residents of the Highlands and other foothill homes lucky enough to enjoy a view of the valley. It's difficult to decide whether Crane Creek's shining light is it's seasonal top rated restaurant menu or the ten court tennis facility. Either way members can experience world class value, just 5 minutes from downtown Boise.
The Club at Spurwing is known for it's extremely in demand housing that lines each fairway. It offers two courses, The Championship Course and a nine-hole Challenge Course. Along with a lengthy course that long-hitters will enjoy, Spurwing provides a family friendly atmosphere complete with all the amenities you can expect from a private course.
PO Box 4562
Boise, ID 83704
Boise: (208)-391-3203
San Diego: (619)-333-0287
