It all began with a simple vision. A person, out taking their dog for a walk along the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene, watched a tugboat pulling logs. That experience created a truly astounding golf course. A golf course that was once called “America’s Most Beautiful Resort Golf Course” by Golf Digest. It’s easy to see why. After all, the golf course at the Coeur d’Alene Resort isn’t just any golf course. It requires a ride in a sleek mahogany boat to reach, because this is the floating golf course.
What better way to enjoy the beauty of Lake Coeur d’Alene and the relaxation and serenity of golf than by playing a game directly on the lake? And with custom golf carts, beautiful boats, and personal caddies, the resort takes golfing to its absolute finest. Everything is meticulous and pristine, and the entire resort is a testament of luxury. You’ll never play a finer game of golf.
The Highlights of the Course
The golf course at the resort is a full eighteen-hole golf course, and it features some incredibly tricky holes. Before you get to the world famous floating green, you have thirteen holes to golf, and they feature some unique and challenging features. If you thought a sand trap was the worst of your obstacles, just wait until you reach the floating green and have to land your ball on the green surrounded by the lake.
Hole number two is considered to be one of the toughest of the course. It’s made challenging because of a steady head-breeze that comes off of Lake Coeur d’Alene. This hole requires accuracy, and requires a strong tee in order to hit the par four.
Holes five and six each fight for the title of “most picturesque” holes anywhere. Hole five was modeled after, or inspired by, one in Sardinia, Italy. It contains a clover shaped green, and spectacular views of the lake because of its elevation. Shoot for the middle of the green here. Hole six also boasts stellar views, but this hole is surrounded by enormous 80-foot pine trees. Be careful on this hole. Junipers lie in wait to catch errant golf balls.
Hole thirteen, while being the hole right before the floating green, features two ways of meeting par. The first is a safer, and shorter drive over the water inlet. You have to tee off over the inlet, and avoid the lake on the left. It’s a narrow course. If you feel like taking a chance, just like John Daily did in 1992 during the Merrill Lynch Shootout Championship, you can risk the longer drive to the green.
The floating green, or hole fourteen, is certainly the challenge of the eighteen-hole golf course. It actually is floating, and changes position on the water. You’ll only have two chances to drive onto the green. Miss those chances, and you’ll have to take a drop on the green. And, your golf balls will join thousands of others at the bottom of the lake, testaments to failed attempts. If you make it, though, you’ll be a hero. Either way, you’ll be taken out to the green on the “Putter,” an electric shuttle boat. Once you’ve completed the hole, the Captain will present you with a certificate of completion as a memorial of this world-famous hole.
The Floating Green Restaurant
After you’ve finished off one of the most memorable golfing games of your life, head on over to the Floating Green Restaurant. This is another memorable experience. And overlooking the floating green, it’s the perfect place to relax after a nice round of golf. It features a casual dining experience, which is great for unwinding. And you can dine indoors or out on the patio.
Of course, you don’t have to visit after a round of golf. You can come before and enjoy a nice breakfast to start your day of golf off right, or just come and enjoy a nice dinner. You’ll love the beautiful sunset over Lake Coeur d’Alene as you dine. With a fantastic gourmet menu, and beautiful views, you’ll need a reservation for dinner. But it’s the perfect ending to the day, and its picturesque views are ones you’ll remember, and carry with you for the rest of your life.