Golf the Gem State
Compiled by Jennifer Liebrum

Fisherman, hiker, skier, stargazer, adventurer, nature
lover and, yes, even those more "civilized" sportsmen
who favor golf as their outdoor activity—there is room for
all of your personalities in the tamed wilderness of the
Idaho.

And, if you come for a visit and decide you want to
stay, communities are sprouting up throughout the area
that are integrated with the landscape to preserve the
integrity of the surroundings while addressing the primal
desire so many share to get back to the simple pleasures
that nature provides.

Idaho is active throughout the year, but when winter’s
snows give way to the fairways, your biggest challenge
will be deciding which course to try first.

Huntsman Springs
Driggs, Idaho

Huntsman Springs was designed and built around a vast network of existing seasonal water flows, wetlands, and wildlife habitat.
In the words of designer David McLay Kidd, there are instances where the back tees are farther from the previous green than would be found on a traditional walking course. The aim of these longer walks is to allow the golfer more interaction with the natural features. Part of his firm's philosophy is "walk if you can, ride if you must" and walking with one of the club’s knowledgeable caddies will certainly be a great way to enjoy your round. Keep an eye out for the bald eagles fishing out of the pond near the fourth tee—it's a real sight to see!
The course ranges in length from 7,800 to 5,500 and there is a set of family and junior tees. The golf course, soon to be open in 2009, is planned to be challenging, yet accessible. Greens are very large and fairways very wide.
The course will feature a private clubhouse with practice facilities, a restaurant and a full service retail shop. The construction of the course is ahead of schedule with a late 2009 opening possible.
For more information visit www.huntsmansprings.com or call 877.354.9660.

McCall Golf Club
McCall, Idaho

Since 1934, golfers have been drawn to the tree-lined fairways and undulating greens of McCall Golf Club.
Today, three, nine-hole courses comprise this 27-hole facility located in the west central mountains of Idaho.
Situated on the fringe of Ponderosa State Park means wildlife are often the spectators as you wend your way through the course. The moderate climate means golfing is often year-round.
The course is great for all levels of play and is an amazing public municipal course. The terrain here is gentle and easy to walk and natural hazards add to the challenge. Club and cart rentals, a full pro shop, a driving range and a full-service restaurant and lounge overlooking the golf course are bonuses. PGA instruction is available from a tour pro and there are tournaments for men and women of all ages.
Allan Morrison is Head Golf Pro and Clubhouse Manager. A pro since 1989, his teaching philosophy is based around mastering the fundamentals of grip-stance-alignment, then concentrating on weight transfer and perfect balance. He believes education should be fun and he emphasizes that with his two other instructors, Ron Weber and Ray Center.
Weber is known for his patient teaching style and it’s popularly held that there is not a golf swing issue he’s been unable to help students overcome. Center and Weber are available for group or individual lessons and clinics are available for the motivated starting golfer or the one seeking to polish up their skills.
For more information, visit www.mccallgolfclub.com or call 208.634.7200.ntly exist. For
information, visit www.rtssunvalley.com.

Lakeview Golf Club, Meridian, Idaho

It’s easy to spend a whole day here at Lakeview, which is lakeside with a
beautiful ridgeline view of the Boise foothills. The par-72 course became 18 holes in 2005, and owners renovated the restaurant and other support facilities soon after.
Enjoy beautifully-groomed sand bunkers and challenging lake holes. There is a driving range and a practice facility for warming up before your round, as well as a fully-staffed pro shop, with lessons available.
Grab lunch at the snack bar and regroup for dinner and drinks at the restaurant and recount the day on the patio overlooking the beautiful hills of Boise. There are active men’s and ladies’ clubs too.
For more information visit www.golflakeviewgc.com or call 208.888.4080.

University of Idaho Golf Course, Moscow, Idaho

Withstanding the test of time, the University of Idaho Golf Course was originally designed by Francis L. James and constructed in 1933. Nestled among the rolling hills of the Palouse, panoramic vistas of wheat fields change with the seasons from emerald green to amber gold against a mountain backdrop.
This unique 72-par, 6,602 yard course is challenging, offering a variety of shots from uneven lies to elevated and recessed greens. The front nine provides scoring opportunities featuring three par 5s in an open grassland venue. The back nine tightens up into a narrow parkland theme, including two difficult par 3s. The round concludes by running the gauntlet of the last three challenging holes known by locals as “Heartbreak Ridge”.
For more information visit www.uidaho.edu/golf or call 208.885.6171.