Idaho Golf took the guesswork out of choosing where to play your next game of golf with a glimpse inside some of Idaho’s premier courses.

A golf oasis, Falcon Crest is one of the newest gems in the Treasure Valley and was conceived as part of an extensive golf facility, with plans for adding an additional 18 holes in the future. Currently, you can play 18 holes on the Championship Course at Falcon Crest or play nine to 18 on Robin Hood, an executive nine-hole course that will test all your shots. Their practice facility is beyond belief, with more than 30 acres of driving range, putting greens, practice bunkers and more. Their signature Championship Course offers a challenge to golfers of all skill levels, with numerous lake and water hazards and big, undulating greens that play fast. With a sea of grass and open space, majestic vistas of the Boise valley and surrounding mountains, and a course design that blends the natural terrain with water, grass, sand and stone, each hole makes for a memorable experience. Falcon Crest offers a view to remember combined with unforgettable golf. “The most commented aspect of Falcon Crest is the great customer service,” says General Manager Dawn Lewis. “And the scenery and serenity are unmatched.

For 44 years, the Idaho Falls Country Club has been the hub not just for those with a passion for golf, but for the surrounding community. Nestled along the base of Taylor Mountain five miles south of Idaho Falls, the Club is an equal opportunity pleaser. From it’s beautiful setting, and annual holiday Tree Lighting Extravaganza, to its fine dining and entertainment options throughout the year, this recreational spot caters to a range of interests. Distinguished golf course architect William Bell created a design that has established the Idaho Falls Country Club as having one of the premiere courses in Eastern Idaho. Low and high handicappers will appreciate the tight fairways of Kentucky Blue and rye, the lightening quick bent grass greens, and rolling terrain throughout the championship 18-hole course. The natural setting encourages serenity and abundant wildlife as a little bonus. For beginners or those honing developing skills, the Club is equipped with among the best practice facilities in the region consisting of long range, short range, and two practice greens. They also have introduced new teaching technology that allows the student to have their swing analyzed by means of the new V1 Video Teaching System.

When you are looking for the best in Idaho golf opportunities, look here. Named one of the best courses in the United States by Golf Digest, the Sun Valley Resort Golf Course provides a challenging and ruggedly spectacular course that accommodates any skill level. This course, redesigned in 1977 (completed in 1980) by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., has ominous bunkers to catch the errant shot. Warm up at the driving range with breathtaking views north towards the majestic Pioneer mountains then test your skill on the 6,968 yard, 72 par course, which has 18 signature holes and crosses the sparkling Trail Creek seven times on the front nine alone. “The comments I get from most people are about the scenery out there, because there are different scenic views from each hole,” says Doyle Corbett, director of golf. “It’s enjoyable for all levels of players.” With Sun Valley’s year round sun average, you’ll play under crystal blue skies with views of the surrounding mountains. And with plans to add an additional 9 holes in the future, your scenic options for play just got better. Tune up your game at the Sun Valley Clinic or take along a pro for a private lesson.

The Washington Post declared the area where this course lies “an outdoor enthusiast’s dream.” Teeing off in the meadow where the Robert Trent Jones Jr.’s 18-hole Signature Gold Course lies means views of the spectacular mountain ranges of Central Idaho as well as breathing the fresh, cool breezes from nearby Lake Cascade. “The natural beauty and exquisite design of Osprey Meadow has produced an incredible setting for memorable golf experiences,” says Tom Altmann, Tamarack Resort’s Golf Course Superintendent. “Whether you are a beginner or tournament pro, Osprey Meadow, combined with Tamarack’s many other world class amenities, offers an unforgettable experience for all abilities.” Average greens size is 7,000 square feet with green slope gradient typically less than three percent. Feel like a pro when you practice on the driving range. The tee is perched high above a large bowl-shaped basin near hole 3 making it feel like you can hit the ball for a mile. A second 18-hole course is planned for future development. Hiking, biking and fishing round out the offerings in this boutique resort each summer; and skiing, snowboarding, skating and snowmobile trails are available late fall to spring.

Want in on a secret? Here’s one that’s been going around for 40 years. Fifty miles north of Boise in Garden Valley sits an 18-hole championship golf course nestled against Scott Mountain and the Middle Fork Range. With an elevation of 3,300 feet, this course definitely ranks high in picturesque terms, but is also demanding. The 18-hole layout plays as though it were two divergent nine-hole courses. The front nine is longer and more open than the back nine. The small greens are the challenge for approach shots and eight of the nine holes have out of bounds right. The fairways are very tight with off-fairway shots playing as lateral water hazards. The signature hole here is number 16, a 155-yard par 3 with and an elevated tee. “Players like us because the course is beautiful, challenging, not crowded, and offers a very relaxed atmosphere,” says Pro Brent Fleshman. “We have a fully–staffed and well–stocked pro shop to take care of your every need. Terrace Lakes provides a unique golfing experience for players of all skill levels.” There’s not a bad view on the course, with the back nine carved out of lush pine forests and a beautiful stream wandering throughout. Wild Turkeys, fox, deer, and elk are likely onlookers.

If you are looking for a public golf course with panache, you will find it at Quail Hollow Golf Club. Complete with a full grass driving range, men and women’s leagues and reasonable annual memberships, you can ride this course or walk it while enjoying the beauty of the surrounding mountains. Open for nearly 25 years, the club at the base of the Boise foothills provides 18 challenging holes with a magnificent view of the valley. Featuring a fairly open layout and fairways lined with the challenge of a thick rough, this course is also host to one of the Nike Tour and Senior USGA qualifiers. The club boasts a full pro shop with everything you need from lessons to lightweight jackets, tee times to new tees. Says Manager Brian Niebaur, “For the discriminating golf enthusiast that demands championship quality golf and a course with character look no further than Quail Hollow.”