Northwest Golf + Travel | April 2022

NORTHWEST G O L F + T R AV E L

GOLF IS BOOMING IN

TREASURE VALLEY

GOLF TREKKER

GALENA RIDGE Nº 02 - APRIL 2022

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T H E P E OP LE ' S OPEN News Round-Up

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Regional Golf Courses

GO LF T RE K K E R Galena Ridge Kellogg, Idaho

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CH A M P I ON S H IP AT SA H A L E E News Round-Up

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A M AT E U R P L AYE R S TO U R News Round-Up

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GO L F I S B O O MI N G

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ROAD T RIP STAY BEST WES T ERN

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DE V E LOP M E NT Trilogy at Valor

News Round-Up

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Regional Golf Courses

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Regional Golf Courses

T Northwest Golf + Travel Magazine PO Box 85 Newman Lake, WA 99025 Director Tom Stebbins Creative Citywide Consultants

GOLF TREKKER

GALENA RIDGE DARIN PATZER

KELLOGG, IDAHO

NW G ol f Trekker

"So many people in this world live in hopelessness and dark despair. Until they find golf. Then they live in addiction and dark despair.” ~Golf Trekker Galena Ridge Golf Course is the featured destination for this month’s NW Golf Trekker.

Roughly an hour’s drive from Spokane (half an hour from Coeur d’ Alene, ID), Galena Ridge is literally carved into the mountain ridges adjacent to Silver Mountain Ski Resort and overlooking Kellogg, ID. Boasting one of the world’s longest gondola rides, skiing, mountain biking trails, a water park and over 200 rooms for nightly lodging, Silver Mountain Resort is becoming a family destination year round, but if you’re a golfer, plan to visit while the course is open – typically the first weekend of May through the first weekend of October.

a variety of holes and elevation changes requiring 70 to over 200 feet of ball descent carts are a necessity – you’ll find the nine holes exhilarating and well worth the opportunity to play twice, back-to-back. Several golfers I’ve played with consider Galena Ridge to be among the most unique and beautiful nine holes they have ever played (an assessment I share with them).

For a late summer afternoon round I came prepared with a light jacket as temperatures have been known to fluctuate by 20 degrees from start to finish, due to the weather changes in the mountain elevation. But on this day the temperature warmed to an enjoyable, overcast mid-70s.

I was matched up with two playing partners who, ironically, were both pastors from Golf shop Manager Bill welcomed our Spokane, Dayv Lounsbury and Ryan Kilgore. I group, along with Silver Mountain GM, Jeff anticipated that playing with two “men of the Colburn. Jeff told us that the course was named cloth” could mean a miracle might await on to celebrate the mining history of the Silver this day, an elusive hole-in-one, perhaps? As Valley, as Galena is a mineral from which lead I approached the first tee, the Golfer’s Psalm and silver are extracted. He mentioned that the wisped through my mind, my ball will lie tee markers – which feature hieroglyphic elk down in green pastures and beside quiet water – honor the herds which call these mountains hazards. home and often are seen wandering across The first tee box immediately gives you a the fairways in the early morning and evening hours. Course Superintendent Geoff Haynes, a taste of the theme of Galena Ridge. Playing Designed in 2008 as a development scratch golfer in his own right who hosted our reasonably short at 305 yards, the hole is an community, Galena Ridge’s first nine was group, added that “the resulting foot marks uphill climb requiring an expansive tee-shot unveiled at the peak of America’s Great when the elk walk, run and play are tolerable carry simply to reach the fairway, followed by Recession, and it remains a nine-hole course on fairways but on the greens are deep and an approach requiring at least an extra club or two to a small, two-tiered green. Our group at present awaiting future expansion as the take a lot of time to repair.” quickly noticed the quality and undulation economy and population allows. But with

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A further highpoint of the Galena experience for our group was of the greens. In fact, we struggled most of the day getting the feel on our putts, and Superintendent Geoff concurred that the greens feature experiencing the tricky, and awe-inspiring par 3 holes with their 70-foot Creeping Bentgrass, which is unique compared to the more common drop-offs. The challenge of attempting to guess the proper club, followed by watching the steep descent of the ball falling towards the distant Poa Annua greens at most public courses in the region. green far down below was a thrill. Superintendent Geoff summed up The first hints of Divine Intervention appeared as, uncharacteristically, the challenge of mowing and irrigating turf on steep slopes with the I began my round with two solid pars, promising for me, but at Galena trade-off being “the incredible vistas” of the wilderness environment of Ridge the challenge never lets up. Part of the fun of playing the 9-hole the Silver Valley. Indeed, with Galena Ridge being removed from any course twice is the opportunity to pick from a variety of tee box choices. metro area, it can feel at times as if you have the peace and beauty of the After playing from the whites on the front nine our group decided to entire mountain course completely to yourself. tempt fate by skipping the blues and moving all the way back to the Golfers at Galena Ridge can expect to pay in the $60 range for 18 black tees with their course rating of 4.4 strokes over par! Devilish difficulty, likely only matched by the Black Rock and Gozzer Ranch holes, with an 18-hole Twilight rate (after 3pm) discounted about 50%, and juniors play Twilight for free (visit the Silver Mountain website courses in the region. for 2022 rates). Whether you can plan your visit for a delightful early Asked about his favorite holes, GM Jeff picked holes four and six as autumn visit, or during the peak of this season, be sure to mark Galena his signature favorites. Hole six has a beautiful view of the Silver Valley Ridge onto your bucket-list for this coming golf season. from the elevated tees and as a par 4 plays a ridiculous 522 yards from One guest left a review that summed up well our own experience, the blacks, though with a significant elevation drop and roll. Jeff shared the tip that aiming for the “speed slot” found in the middle of the fairway “the best mountain course I ever played…very challenging and the can add even more distant to your drive. In fact, he shared that the first views were great!” Agreed – I’m already looking forward to experiencing year before the grass was mature one lucky gentleman actually rolled the mystique of Galena Ridge again this coming season. in a hole-in-one on the par 4 featuring the 200-foot elevation drop! I just Reach out to Darin at: darinpatzer@yahoo.com missed my personal miracle of the day when a birdie attempt on hole six rolled across the lip. But alas, the fates had turned against me and I fared no better than bogey on any other hole from the demanding black tees, not quite cracking 90 for the day. There’s a first time for everything in life, and today was my day to be taken behind the woodshed for a lickin’ …by a pair of parsons.

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NEWS ROUND-UP

WM PHOENIX OPEN

THE PEOPLE'S OPEN

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t might have seemed that it was business as usual at the WM Dahmen, the former UW player from Clarkston, Wash., then got into Phoenix Open this year, but it was far from that. the act by ripping off his shirt and throwing it into the air – something he promised he would do earlier in the day if he had enough re-tweets.

After a year where the tournament limited fans to 5,000 per Tweet mission accomplished. The CBS announcer had the line of the day, the event they call the “People’s Open” was more than just day: “You can’t unsee that.” that. It was open. It was crazy. It was everything that the event As you wander around the TPC Scottsdale Stadium course for four used to be and more. days, you never know who you might run into. One day, I stood by Let’s start with place where it all begins – the par-3 16th hole. This is a Phoenix Suns players Devin Booker and Chris Paul. A little while later, hole surrounded by hospitality suites and fans. More than 20,000 fans my wife Debbie said we just walked by the Seattle rapper Macklemore. line this hole - more spectators than some PGA Tour events get in one We quickly did a U Turn, met the man and Debbie got her picture taken like she had known him her whole life. day.

They don’t keep attendance numbers for this event any more, but it’s a Want some hole in one shots? Check. How about plenty of beer and cups thrown from the stands? Check. Ever seen a PGA Tour player flash sea of humanity for four days. To get a bleacher seat on the 16th hole, the stands and then another rip his shirt off? Check and check. I am not some fans will line up before the sun comes up and then spring to the hole to get a seat for the day. And to no surprise, many of them are fairly making this stuff up. inebriated long before the first group of the day makes it to the tee box.

Sam Ryder hit a hole-in-one on Saturday, setting up a chaotic Scottie Scheffler won the tournament in a playoff against Patrick Cantlay scene where fans dumped beer bottles and cups onto the green and (another story for another day as I lost out on a ticket I had bought at surrounding area – sending course marshals and anyone else close the casino on Cantlay) but that almost seems as an after thought to the by running for cover. On Sunday, it was Carlos Oritz’ turn for the ace chaos that is the WM Phoenix Open.

– and again, another beer shower and minutes spent cleaning up .

Steve Turcotte is editor of Inside Golf Newspaper. He can be reached at But that was just the run up to a main course. When Harry Higgs knocked in a long par putt on the 16th, he dropped his putter, turned to sdturcotte@comcast.net. the folks in the bleachers, lifted his golf shirt and flashed the fans. Joel

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NEWS ROUND-UP

CHAMPIONSHIP AT

SAHALEE

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ahalee Country Club and the University of Washington Men's Golf Program are proud to announce the creation of a new Men's Collegiate event to be held at Sahalee in September 2023. The tournament – called the Sahalee Players Championship - will replace the club-managed, independent elite amateur tournament of the same name that has been held since 1992.

The tournament will be played over two days in early September annually, and will include 12 teams to be comprised of the best Collegiate golf programs in the USA. As part of this transition, the independent Sahalee Players Championship was not be played in 2021 and will not be played in 2022 in order for Sahalee and the UW Men's Golf program to focus on preparation for 2023.

"We at Sahalee are extremely excited to begin a new chapter of the Sahalee Players Championship, and to begin a fantastic partnership with the UW" says Kevin White, Tournament Chairman of the Sahalee Players Championship. "Sahalee's history, mission and vision statements are all about bringing the top level of Championship golf on a regular basis to Sahalee – our course was built for it.

“By transitioning to a Collegiate Event, and riding the wave of momentum and growth of the Men's College game, we feel that we will attract and see the best possible amateur competition."

The field for 2023 is expected to include: Arizona State, Oklahoma State, Texas, Pepperdine, Stanford, USC, Illinois, Florida, Wake Forest, Duke, and host University of Washington - some of the top collegiate programs in the country.

Book a trip and enjoy a few rounds of golf and the mild weather in the Lewis Clark Valley. When the 19th hole rolls around, hang out at one of our many wineries, breweries, and restaurants.

Adventure into Hells Canyon, North America’s deepest river gorge, on an exciting white water jet boat tour and explore the scenic vistas, world-class fishing, and tales of legend and lore.

COME FOR THE GOLF, STAY FOR THE

adventure STAY & PLAY PACKAGES & SPECIALS

LEWISTON, ID • CLARKSTON, WA Photos ©Brad Stinson

www.visitlcvalley.com | (509) 758-7489

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Top 100 Golf Courses You Can Play in the NW!

ROSSLAND

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ROSS LAKE

BELLINGHAM

Semiahmoo GC

OMAK

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Swinomish Golf Links

Avalon GC

OAK HARBOR

VICTORIA

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REDMOND

SEATTLE

McCormick Woods GC

RENTON

Trophy Lake Golf & Casting

169 3

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Chambers Bay GC Fort Steilacoom GC

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Riverbend GC Druid’s Glen GC Tapps Island GC

North Shore GC

Allenmore GC High Cedars GC PUYALLUP Lake Spanaway GC

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Salish Cliffs GC

405

OLYMPIA

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Meadow Park GC Oakbrook GC 7 The Classic GC 410

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Hawks Prairie GC

Web Address

SPOK

Madrona Links GC Gold Mountain GC

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CHEWELAH Allenmore GC 253-627-7211 www.allenmoregolfcourse.com Avalon GC 360-757-1900 www.AvalonLinks.com BREWSTER Chambers Bay GC 253-460-4653 www.chambersbaygolf.com Eaglemont GC 360-424-0800 www.EaglemontGolf.com 395 Eagles Pride GC 253-566-5656 www.jblmmwr.com/eagles_pride Druids Glen GC 253-638-1200 www.druidsglengolf.com High Cedars GC 360-893-3171 www.highcedars.com Fort Steilacoom GC 253-588-0613 www.fortsteilacoomgolf.com 97 Gamble Sands Resort 509-436-8323 www.gamblesands.com Gold Mountain GC (2 courses) 360-415-5432 www.goldmountaingolf.com Lake Spanaway GC 253-531-3660 www.lakespanawaygc.com Madrona Links GC 253-851-5193, www.madronalinks.com McCormick Woods GC 360-895-0130, www.mccormickwoodsgolf.com Meadow Park GC 253-473-3033, www.metroparkstacoma.org/meadow-park-golf-course 21 North Shore GC 253-927-1375 www.nshoregolf.com Oakbrook GC 253-584-8888 www.oakbrookgolfclub.com Port Ludlow GC 360-437-8270 www.portludlowresort.com Riverbend GC 253-854-3673 28 www.RiverBendGolfcomplex.com WENATCHEE Riverside GC 360-748-8182 www.PlayRiversideGolf.com Salish Cliffs GC 28 360-462-3673 www.salishcliffs.com 90 Semiahmoo GC 800-231-4425 www.semiahmoo.com Suncadia Resort 54 holes 509-649-6400 www.destinationhotels.com/suncadia-resort/golf MOSES LAKE 19 281 Swinomish Golf Links 360-293-3444 www.swinomishcasinoandlodge.com/golf/the-course 90 Tapps Island GC 253-862-6616 www.tappsisland.net/golf TheELLENSBURG Cedars at Dungeness 360-683-6344 www.7cedarsresort.com/golf MOSES LAKE The Classic GC 253-847-4440 www.theclassicgc.com 90 The Golf Club at Hawks Prairie 800-558-3348 www.hawksprairiegolf.com The Home Course 253-964-0520 www.thehomecourse.com Trophy Lake Golf & Casting 360-874-8337 www.trophylakegolf.com Tumwater Valley GC 360-843-9500 www.tumwatervalleygc.com 82 26 White Horse GC 360-297-4468 www.whitehorsegolf.com Wine Valley GC 509-525-4653 www.winevalleygolfclub.com 395 PULLMAN 127 YAKIMA Bucket List Course:

WASHINGTON

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White Horse GC

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CLE ELUM

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Tumwater Valley GC

261

12

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395

97 visit the website.

For a complete listing of all courses

Gamble Sands GC

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The Home Course Eagles Pride GC Riverside GC

OKANOGAN

SeaTac International Airport Regional Golf Courses

Eaglemont GC

The Cedars at Dungeness Port Ludlow GC

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Suncadia Resort 54 holes

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Wine Valley GC

TRI-CITIES 82

CLA

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To Explore All Golf in the NW go to

WALLA WALLA

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PENDLETON

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NEWS ROUND-UP

AMATEUR

PLAYERS TOUR

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he Amateur Players Tour has set its schedule for the 2022 golf season. The Seattle area tour, run by Warren Otley, has events at some of the top courses in the Puget Sound.

The tour kicks off with an event March 26 at White Horse Golf Club in Kingston, Washington and continues throughout the summer before winding up with a two-day Labor Day event at Chambers Bay Golf Course.

Membership is required to be part of the tour and golfers from around the country say it is a tour that makes them feel like they are playing on the PGA Tour.

Players compete in golf tournaments at the local level in a season-long points race with players being divided into five divisions based upon their skill level to provide fun and fair competition. Division champions will be crowned at each event, with the winners receiving a trophy and all prize pools paid out in VISA Gift Cards.

APT members will have the opportunity to play some of the best courses in their local area, while also having opportunities to play national majors at elite venues such as Big Cedar Lodge, Streamsong Resort, Chambers Bay and Bandon Dunes. Players will qualify on the local level for the North American Championship (Oct. 10-12 in Nashville, TN), Senior North American Championship (Sept. 26-27 in North Myrtle Beach, SC), and the Fourball Championship (Nov. 14-16 at Bandon Dunes).

Membership is $125 per year and includes the opportunity to play in all APT events throughout the country and a handicap as well.

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OKANOGAN

OAK HARBOR

5

97

BREWSTER

NEWS ROUND-UP EVERETT

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ROAD TRIP STAY SEATTLE

REDMOND

BEST WESTERN KENT

TACOMA

90 90

WENATCHEE

405 405

PUYALLUP

CLE ELUM

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OLYMPIA

MOSE

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CENTRALIA

f you have a road trip to the Eastern Washington and the Idaho Panhandle, then the Best Western Plus University Inn in Moscow, Idaho just might have what you are looking for.

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WASHINGTON

The hotel has put together package deals with a variety of award-winning golf courses - all within an hour’s drive of the hotel. And in one case, one minute from the hotel itself.

The hotel has golf packages put together where you can play one or up to all five of the golf courses in one road trip. The closest course is the University of Idaho course which sits one minute from the hotel. The other courses that are part of the package include Palouse Ridge in Pullman, Wash., Circling Raven in Worley, Idaho, Lewiston Golf and Country Club in Lewiston, Idaho and Quail Ridge Golf Course in Clarkston, Wash.

YAKIMA 395

TRI-CITIES 82 82

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The Best Western Plus University Inn is the only hotel in the area to work with more than one golf course. Packages include lodging, golf, free drink certificates to the on-site restaurant and a full hot breakfast each morning. The hotel can also assist in making tee times at the courses.

The golf course choices are all terrific as Circling Raven and Palouse Ridge are both awardwinning golf courses. Lewiston Country Club has a private feel while the University of Idaho course is a hilly challenge and Quail Ridge is a perfect complement to the list.

Packages are available from April through the end of October.

For more info see www.uinnmoscow.com

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PRIEST LAKE

LIBBY 395 395

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SANDPOINT CHEWELAH

KALISPELL

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LAKE PEND ORILLE 41

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SPOKANE

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COEUR D’ALENE 90 90

St. Ignatious

WORLEY 90 90

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MISSOULA

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Top 100 Golf Courses You Can Play in the NW!

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MOSCOW

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Circling Raven 261 Red Wolf GC

90 90

MONTANA

LEWISTON

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CLARKSTON

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BUTTE

124 125

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WALLA WALLA

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IDAHO

Wine Valley GC 11

DLETON

Pendleton Country Club Wildhorse GC

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Boise International Airport Regional Golf Courses

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For a complete listing of all courses visit the website.

Birch Creek GC

Course Name

Meadow Creek GC 84

OREGON 84

Scotch Pines GC 26

Silvies Ranch GC

Phone

Web Address

BanBury Golf Club SALMON Boise Ranch Club Centennial GC, Nampa Eagle Hills GC, Meridian Falcon Crest GC, Kuna Jug Mountain Ranch GC Lakeview GC, Meridian McCall Golf Course

Eagle Hills GC River Birch GC

TimberStone GC 20 20

CALDWELL

Ridgecrest GC

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208-939-3600 208-362-6501 208-468-5889 208-939-0402 208-362-88975 208-634-5072 MCCALL 208-888-4080 15 McCall GC 208-634-6740 Meadow Creek GC, New Meadows 208-347-2555 Purple Sage GC, Caldwell 208-459-2223 95 Quail Hollow, Boise 208-344-7807 Jug Mountain Ranch GC Pendleton Country Club, OR 541-443-4653, 93 Pierce Park Greens, Boise 208-853-3302 Shadow Valley GC Red Wolf GC 509-758-2546 Red Hawk GC, Nampa 208-461-4295 Ridgecrest GC, Nampa 208-468-5888 Terrace Lakes GC STANLEY River Birch GC, Star 208-286-0801 Scotch Pines GC, Payette 208-642-1829 75 55 Pierce Park Greens GC Shadow Valley GC, Boise 208-939-6699 Sun Valley Golf (3 courses) 208-622-2251 Terrace Lakes GC, Garden Valley 208-462-3314 Quail Hollow GC The Retreat & Links at 541-573-5150 Silvies Valley Ranch, Seneca, OR TimberStone GC, Caldwell 208-639-6900 Purple Sage GC BanBury GC Twin Falls GCVALLEY 208-733-3326 SUN Centennial GC Warm Springs GC, Boise 208-343-5661 Wildhorse Golf, Pendleton 800-654-9453 KETCHUM Lakeview GC Wine Valley GC, Walla Walla 509-525-4653

BOISE NAMPA

Red Hawk GC

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MOUNTAIN HOME

REXBURG

www.playtimberstone.com www.tfid.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/41 www.warmspringsgolfcourse.com www.wildhorseresort.com/golf/golf.html www.winevalleygolfclub.com 20 Bucket List Course:

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Warm Springs GC Falcon Crest GC

Boise Ranch Club

DILLON www.banburygolf.com www.boiseranchgc.com www.centennialgolf.net www.eaglehillsgolfcourse.com www.falconcrestgolf.com www.jugmountainranch.com www.lakeview-golf.com www.mccallgolfclub.com www.meadowcreekgolfresort.com www.cityofcaldwell.org/play/golf-courses www.quailhollowboise.com www.pendletoncc.com www.pierceparkgreens.com www.redwolfgolfclub.com www.redhawkidaho.com www.ridgecrestgolf.com www.riverbirchgolfcourse.net 15 www.scotchpinesgolf.com www.shadowvalley.com www.sunvalley.com/things-to-do/golf www.terracelakes.com www.silvies.us

IDAHO FALLS

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20

93 84

Sun Valley Golf (3 courses)

Twin Falls GC

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POCATELLO 86

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GOLF IS BOOMING IN

TREASURE VALLEY CHRIS WOOD

G o l f i n the N or t hwest

BOISE – Warm Springs, one of two municipally owned golf courses in the Idaho capital, typically is the state’s busiest.

BOISE – A dwindling supply of tee times is driving the price of to buy in the Treasure Valley), it has been very difficult to get tee times golf upward in the Treasure Valley, trends that may not be unique to here. It’s possible the City of Boise would think about building another golf course, but it has to be a priority. There are other concerns, like Southwest Idaho. infrastructure, that are more important.”

An estimated 65,000 new residents landed in Boise and its While finding a tee time can be challenging, golfers at most Treasure surrounding suburbs in 2021, but the area hasn’t had a new golf course built in more than a decade. At public courses, both municipal and Valley courses also are feeling a pinch in their pocketbooks. Greens fees are on the rise at nearly all facilities in the Treasure Valley, driven by privately owned, the demand for golf is soaring like a scorched 5-iron. higher the higher price of resources and increased demand.

“Pretty much when it’s good conditions, we’re completely full,” said Scott McGeachin, PGA Professional and longtime Director of Golf at “We haven’t finalized our 2022 rates, but an increase is inevitable,” Warm Springs Golf Course, one of only two courses operated by the City said Kyle Weeks, PGA Professional and Director of Golf at Eagle Hills of Boise. “If (the weather) is a little iffy, we have some openings.”

Golf Course.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the statistics measuring Even with the price of a round of golf going northward, however, population growth in the Treasure Valley paint a picture of an invasion: Weeks shared some startling numbers for the amount of play at Eagle • Idaho was the fastest growing state in the Union in 2020 at 2.9%, Hills: the course is at 80% capacity on average, and over 90% during nearly double Utah and Montana, tied for second at 1.7% each. peak times. Weeks estimates rounds are up 50% in the Treasure Valley since 2020.

• The population of Ada and Canyon counties grew from 581,288 “COVID didn’t hurt because golf was something people could do, in 2010 to an estimated 737,790 in 2020, an increase of 27%. but it’s more about the continuing population growth,” he said. “It’s • In 2020, Boise suburbs Meridian and Nampa ranked in the top definitely a case of supply and demand and not enough golf courses to go around.”

10 of fastest-growing cities nationwide.

Public golf in the Seattle metro area also is booming, according “I definitely think it’s like the housing market,” McGeachin said of the dual surges in population and golf demand. “(Like finding a home to Micahel Fosnick, Director of Operations for Premier Golf, a Troon

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affiliate that manages municipal courses in Seattle and its suburbs. Fosnick pointed out record revenue in 2021, when rounds played on Premier courses rose from 231,000 to 272,000, a 17.7% increase.

“Once we came out of the early days of the Pandemic, we saw record participation, and that’s at golf courses, driving ranges, everything,” Fosnick said. “At Interbay (range facility), we’d have 80 people in stalls and 80 people waiting. I think it’s tapering off, but we’re still above pre-Pandemic levels.”

Golfers can book tee times 14 days in advance at Premier Golf courses. In 2020, the clock started at Midnight, but this year the time has been moved forward to 9 p.m.

“Last year if you didn’t get up at Midnight and call within 5 minutes on that first day, you were shut out,” Fosnick said.

“This year it’s a little more reasonable, but it’s still pretty full at least 10 days out.”

While demand is soaring like the Seattle skyline, the price of golf increased a more modest 5.5% from 2020 to 2021.

Greens fees across the Premier Golf courses averaged $22.14 weekdays and $26.98 weekends in 2021. Premier Golf also uses dynamic pricing, in which the price of a greens fee can decrease up to $10 or increase up to $5 based on a logarithm that measures demand, weather and other factors – much the same way airlines gauge the price of fares. The various City Councils set the price limits with affordability their primary goal.

“We feel like we’ve got the best solution (to balance demand and price),” Fosnick said. “Cities don’t want golf to be expensive.”

Warm Springs also has the luxury of Boise’s leaders valuing affordable recreation over profit, and McGeachin said prices will remain fairly steady. Still, the demand shows up in his pro shop on a daily basis.

“People moving to the Treasure Valley from other places want season passes, and they just aren’t available,” McGeachin said. “We have a real need for affordable golf. We could make a lot more money, but If we raise prices, we’re taking the senior who is on Social Security out of the market, and we don’t want that.”

The Treasure Valley has predominantly privately-owned, public golf courses, however, and Weeks said rising rates are justified because those courses are businesses that require profits to remain viable.

“Unfortunately, the price of everything is going up, so we have to keep up. It costs $6 per gallon to have gas delivered,” Weeks said, even before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine impacted the price of oil.

Regardless of the challenges posed by high demand and increasing costs, Fosnick said one positive trend is undeniable throughout the entire region.

“Golf in the Northwest is super healthy,” he said.

Meridian and Nampa Top 10 in Growth in the U.S.

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wild foothills. manicured courses.

From the award-winning restaurants, a scenic river and mountainous backdrop, to culture like you wouldn’t believe, Boise has it all. There’s 15 public courses to try and over 200 days of sunshine a year – so no matter what time of year you come, you’re bound to enjoy.

Visit boise.org to plan your next adventure.

Castlegar Golf Course — Lance Kuhlman

18

N O R T H W E S T G O L F + T R AV E L

Golden Golf Club

KOOTENAY BAY

NELSON

6

Kokanee Springs GR Granite Point at Nelson

CASTLEGAR

93

Redstone Resort Ltd

3 22

3B

95

3

EUREKA

95

BELLINGHAM

93

CANADA

6

38

ROSSLAND

3

KIMBERLEY

Top 100 Golf Courses You Can Play in the NW! Priest Lake GC

93

31

PRIEST LAKE

5

395

57

97

SANDPOINT

BREWSTER

CHEWELAH

EVERETT

395

SEATTLE

Gamble Sands Resort Indian Canyon GC SPOKANE Downriver GC 290

REDMOND

Spokane International Airport Regional Golf Courses TACOMA 405

5

ALIA 12

90

Phone

Birch Creek GC, Pendleton Bryden Canyon GC, PUYALLUP Chewelah Golf & CC Circling Raven GC Coeur d’Alene GC Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Creek at Qualchan GC Downriver GC Esmeralda GC Fairways at West Terrace GC Galena Ridge GC Gamble Sands Resort 12 Golden Golf Club Granite Point at Nelson Hangman Valley GC Indian Canyon GC Jug Mountain Ranch GC Lewiston Golf & CC Kokanee Springs Resort Liberty Lake GC McCall GC MeadowWood GC Palouse Ridge GC Priest Lake GC Quail Ridge GC RedStone Resort Red Wolf GC StoneRidge GC University of Idaho GC Wildhorse GC & Resort Wine Valley GC

Web Address

Fairways at West Terrace GC

WENATCHEE 541-443-4653 www.birchcreekgolfcourse.com 208-746-0863 www.brydencanyongolf.com 509-935-6807 www.chewelahgolf.com CLE ELUM 800-523-2464 x7273 www.cdacasino.com/golf/ 208-765-0218 www.cdapublicgc.com MOSES LAKE 208-667-4653 www.cdaresort.com/golf 509-448-9317 www.spokanegolf.org ELLENSBURG 509-327-5269 www.spokanegolf.org 90 509-487-6291 www.spokanegolf.org 509-747-8418 www.golfthefairways.com 208-783-1522 www.silvermt.com 509-436-8323 www.gamblesands.com 82 250-344-2700 www.golfgolden.com 395 250-352-5913 www.granitepointe.ca YAKIMA 509-448-1212 www.spokanecounty.org/1141/Hangman-Valley 509-747-5353 www.spokanegolf.org 208-634-5072 www.jugmountainranch.com 208-746-2801 www.golflgcc.com 800-979-7999 www.kokaneesprings.com TRI-CITIES 509-255-6233 www.spokanecounty.org/1210/Liberty-Lake 82 208-634-6740 www.mccallgolfclub.com 124 509-255-9539 www.spokanecounty.org/1234/MeadowWood 509-335-4342 www.palouseridge.com 208-443-2525 www.priestlakegolfcourse.com 509-758-8501 www.golfquailridge.com 12 250-362-2214 www.redstoneresort.com 509-758-2546 www.redwolfgolfclub.com 208-437-4653 www.stoneridgeidaho.com 208-885-6171 www.uidaho.edu/golf 800-654-9453 www.wildhorseresort.com/golf/golf.htmlPENDLETON 84 509-525-4653 www.winevalleygolfclub.com

54

Meadowood GC 53 Coeur d’Alene GC Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf

Galena Ridge GC Silver Mtn

90

Hangman Valley GC 90

Circling Raven

195

95

WASHINGTON

Bucket List Course:

90

Liberty Lake GC

Creek at Qualchan GC

Palouse Ridge GC

90

IDAHO

MOSCOW

26

PULLMAN

University of Idaho GC

127

Red Wolf GC

261

200

COEUR D’ALENE

For a complete listing of all courses visit the website.

KENT Course Name

Stoneridge Esmeralda GC

2

97

MONTA

LAKE PEND ORILLE 41

5

56

LIBBY

Chewelah Golf & CC

OKANOGAN

12

LEWISTON

12

Lewiston Golf & CC CLARKSTON

125

Bryden Canyon GC 95

129

WALLA WALLA

McCall GC

Wine Valley GC

OREGON

11

Wildhorse GC

Jug Mountain

3

82

95

Birch Creek GC

To Explore All Golf in the NW go to

www.GolfintheNW.com

MCCALL

84

95

84

IDAHO

KUNA, Idaho – The new Par-3 executive course features the contoured greens for which Falcon Crest is known.

CHRIS WOOD

Golf in the Nort hwe st

DEVELOPMENT

TRILOGY AT VALOR

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N O R T H W E S T G O L F + T R AV E L

T

he Northwest has a new golf community in the Boise suburb of Kuna, Idaho.

Falcon Crest Golf Club has been a favorite of Treasure Valley golfers for years, and the 36-hole championship facility is adding 2,200+ new homes, new public and private clubhouses, public and private parks, indoor and outdoor pools, and a spa and fitness center.

The first phase of development is Trilogy at Valor, a 55+ community in the heart of the complex with housing by Shea Homes bordering the existing Freedom 9. The first phase of construction is scheduled to be complete in 2023 and includes a private clubhouse and activity center for residents.

Reveille at Valor, a single-family complex with no age limit, is next and will surround Falcon Crest’s new Par-3 executive course. The new 9-hole, par-3 course replaces the previous 18-hole Robin Hood short course and is scheduled to be open for public play in mid-summer of this year.

Local golfers have wondered about the prospects for Falcon Crest ever since Hans Borbonus, Terry Cook, and George Totorica began to create their collective vision for landscaping and golf in the mid-1990s.

They opened seven holes in 1997-98, and the 18-hole championship course was completed in 2000. It was followed by the original 18-hole Robin Hood short course, which is now housing sites. The Freedom 9, built to honor Hans’ son, John Borbonus, who was killed in action in M3’s projects include: Afghanistan in 2007, added extremely challenging length at 3,914 yards from the tips.

• Foxtail Estates in Eagle • Red Hawk Ridge, a golf community in Nampa The entire new development is named Valor in John Borbonus’ • Hillsdale Creek in Meridian honor. While the new short course will be 9 holes with none more than • SpurWing Heights in Meridian 140 yards, it features the shaped green complexes for which Falcon • Boulder Point in Boise Crest is known.

• Riverstone in Star “There definitely will be golf for everyone out here, that’s for sure,” Falcon Crest has been a pristine golfing location, far away from the PGA Assistant Professional Braeden Larsen said while surveying the ever-growing hustle and bustle of the Boise metro area. The course is construction outside the pro shop window. known for its views of the plateaus surrounding Boise and the nearby Owyhee Mountains to the southwest. Some of that scenery will change, M3 has numerous developments in Arizona. In the Treasure Valley, but the allure of Falcon Crest will remain.

“I really don’t think the construction is going to affect how the course plays,” Larsen said. “The houses will be far enough away not to be in the driving zones, and the front 9 of the (Championship Course) will never have houses because it’s already tight.”

While golfers throughout the Northwest should be excited about the new communities, rumors of Falcon Crest going completely private have caused some nervousness in the Treasure Valley. Larsen echoed the sentiments of Falcon Crest GM Mike Rapp in ensuring that currently there are no plans for a change in access.

“The courses are in great shape, and we’re public for (the foreseeable future),” Larsen said.

CLICK HERE to join the interest list for Trilogy at Valor, an exclusive 55+ resort community, and find the new home on a magnificent golf course that you've been dreaming about

N O R T H W E S T G O L F + T R AV E L

21

WHEN IT’S TIME TO FLY

Chicago O’Hare

Burbank

(Begins May 2022)

Dallas Fort Worth

April 2022