Looking to play the best golf courses in Idaho? GolfReviewsGuide.com picks out the top courses to play in Idaho.

When most people think of Idaho, what do they think of the Boise State Broncos, who have enjoyed some solid football seasons in the last decade.

However, golfing should be on the radar for this northwestern United States state too.

If you are looking for golfing in the north of Idaho, it’s fair to say you’d better aim for May to October. If you are looking at the south of Idaho, then expect a much broader range.

Clearly, seasonality issues apply in this northern state as we look to our top-five picks of the best golf courses in Idaho.

Our top picks for the best golf courses in Idaho are:

1. Circling Raven Golf Club

There is something that sounds a little ominous about a circling raven. Located near Worley, Idaho, the Circling Raven Golf Club is just across the border from Spokane (GEG).

This par-72 delight first opened in 2003. The Gene Bates designed course is a casino-course and nearby attractions include the Coeur d’Alene Casino. In fact, the Coeur d’Alene tribe both owns and operates Circling Raven.

The area surrounding the golf club would be described as wetlands, woodlands and grasslands. There are loads of lakes in this region but, unlike some parts of the USA, golfing is simply not available in this colder and northern region all year round.

Voted as a Golf Digest Top 100 course, if you are looking for the best that the small state of Idaho has to offer, then Circling Raven is our top recommendation.

2. Gozzer Ranch Golf and Lake Club

Located to the south of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and next to Harrison Slough, the golf course at the Gozzer Ranch Golf and Lake Club opened in 2007.

Tom Fazio, a well-noted architect in the world of golf course design, made the challenging course as a par-72 affair with a intimidating length of 7,317 yards.

The length out measures a lot of other courses in the state. But with nearby mountains and a lake view setting, this picturesque course plays beautifully in the wilderness of the Idaho frontier and you will soon forget about the length.

If you are planning a trip to Idaho that includes this golfing destination, then nearby Spokane just over the Idaho/Washington border is likely going to be your best bet for a major airport.

This course has achieved some major accolades in its short life — not too surprising given the eminent status of designer Fazio in the world of golf.

The course at Gozzer Ranch Golf and Lake Club was No. 28 in 2017 and 2018 on Golf Digest’s Top 100.

3. Blue Lakes Country Club

Among the older golf venues in Idaho, the course at Blue Lakes Country Club dates back to 1948.

This golf course at Twin Falls, Idaho is a par-72 but with just 6,474 yards in length and it emphasises accuracy and short game prowess a little more than your long game.

Architect Francis L. James passed away back in the early 1950s, however, his achievement still impresses modern golfers.

Situated close to the Snake River and with beautiful canyons in the area, golfers can expect amazing scenery. Unlike some courses in Idaho, this is one that you can also expect to be open in the winter months.

Experience something historic with this timeless course that was constructed before the mid-point of the last century.

4. Jug Mountain Ranch Golf Course

Located near McCall, Jug Mountain Ranch Golf Course is in western Idaho.

For an international airport that will get you close to this golf course, you may have to use Spokane International Airport (GEG) although there is a smaller airport in Boise.

The 18-hole course at Jug Mountain Ranch is a par-72 effort. Donald Knott designed the front nine in 2004 and that’s when the course first opened for play.

Two years later, in 2006, he designed the back nine and that’s when the venue became a full 18-hole course. The length of this mountain-setting links course is a moderate 7,287 yards.

Offering spectacular views while golfing, a nearby attraction includes the Payette National Forest. Not to be missed, the golf season at this venue is between May and October.

Accolades in the recent past have included a top-25 recommendation for value in all of the United States.

5. Shadow Valley Golf Course

Situated to the north of Boise, Shadow Valley Golf Course first opened in 1973. Golfers looking to play this public golf course can expect a par-72 with 6304 yards.

Located near Shafer Butte, a prominent mountain peak and recreational area in the region, travelers to Shadow Valley looking for a major airport can use Portland (PDX), Spokane (GEG) or Salt Lake City (SLC) and expect, if you’ll pardon the pun, a lengthy drive.

Boise airport itself is closer but it only has a moderately serviced airport.

C. Edward Trout designed the course, a gentleman who passed away in 2019 at the age of 92. He also designed the Eagle Hills Golf Course in Idaho, although Shadow Valley appears to have better lasted the tests of time.

A local favorite, the course sits in foothills with mountains in the distance. It has earned a reputation in the Boise area as the “Best of Treasure Valley” on numerous occasions and most area golfers would be quick to tip it as a great course at fair value.