Spokane might not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a golf trip, but this eastern Washington city quietly operates 19 courses that would make any major metro jealous. The combination of historic municipal gems, modern county facilities, and world-class resort courses within a 45-minute drive creates a golf scene where you can play championship layouts for the price of a decent dinner or splurge on floating island greens that cost more than your car payment.
Finding your perfect Spokane golf experience
The sheer variety of golf in Spokane means there's genuinely something for everyone, from beginners who break into cold sweats thinking about water hazards to scratch golfers seeking their next conquest. The municipal courses alone would sustain most cities, but add in the county facilities, family-owned publics, and nearby resort courses, and you've got enough variety to play a different track every weekend for months.
The five courses you absolutely can't miss
Before diving into the full catalog, these five courses represent the essential Spokane golf experience:
- Indian Canyon for history buffs
- Circling Raven for serious golfers
- The Creek at Qualchan for scenery
- Liberty Lake for modern value
- Coeur d'Alene Resort for buckets lists
Each offers something unique, whether it's Indian Canyon's Golf Digest recognition or Circling Raven's top Idaho ranking. The beauty is that four of these five cost under $60, making Spokane one of the best golf values in the Pacific Northwest.
Municipal courses deliver championship golf for pocket change
Spokane's four city-owned courses all charge the same $52 for 18 holes, which in today's golf economy feels like finding a designer shirt at Goodwill. The 2025 rate sheet shows junior rates at just $15 and sunset rounds for $30, making these courses accessible to pretty much anyone with clubs and a pulse.
Indian Canyon stands as the undisputed king of municipal golf, earning repeated recognition among America's best public courses. The H. Chandler Egan design (yes, the same architect who created Pebble Beach) opened in 1930 and has aged like a fine wine that someone accidentally stored in a dusty municipal basement. The course tumbles 240 feet down canyon walls, creating the kind of elevation changes that make your GPS rangefinder question its life choices.
What makes Indian Canyon special
The par-72 layout plays 6,255 yards with a 69.8 rating and 124 slope, numbers that sound reasonable until you're standing on the seventh tee. This driveable 287-yard par-4 tempts big hitters to go for the green, but the narrow landing area surrounded by canyon walls has destroyed more scorecards than bad putting. The course hosted PGA Tour events in 1945 and 1947, attracting legends who probably wondered why anyone would build a golf course on the side of a cliff.
Walking Indian Canyon is technically possible in the same way that climbing Mount Rainier in flip-flops is technically possible. The elevation changes make a cart mandatory unless you're training for an ultra-marathon. Recent multi-million dollar irrigation upgrades have the course in the best shape of its long life, and the restaurant's deck overlooking the first tee provides the perfect spot to watch other golfers realize what they've gotten themselves into.
The Creek at Qualchan brings drama from the first swing
Built in 1992 as Spokane's newest municipal course, The Creek at Qualchan immediately announces itself with an opening tee shot that drops 80 feet off a cliff. This isn't one of those gentle downhill par-4s where you gain an extra 20 yards… this is a legitimate cliff that makes acrophobic golfers consider taking up bowling.
The 6,559-yard course earned the highest Golf Advisor rating among Spokane's municipal facilities with its 78.1 score. Hangman Creek meanders through the property, coming into play just often enough to keep things interesting without ruining your entire round. Five ponds add to the water features, creating postcard views that almost make up for the balls you'll donate to them.
The thirteenth hole deserves special mention for its controversial design featuring a severe dogleg left with a completely blind landing area. The course installed a video monitor showing the fairway beyond the corner, which feels like cheating but beats launching balls into the unknown. The on-site restaurant has developed a cult following for its old-fashioned burgers, presumably because nothing tastes better after surviving 18 holes of dramatic elevation changes.
Easy Ezzy lives up to its nickname
Esmeralda Golf Course provides a completely different experience as the municipal system's most forgiving layout. The locals call it "Easy Ezzy," and with a 111 slope rating, it's the course where breaking 100 feels achievable even for golfers who usually need a calculator to add up their score.
Don't mistake beginner-friendly for boring, though. The 6,331-yard par-70 course features over 2,000 mature trees that frame wide fairways without threatening every shot. Esmeralda pioneered night golf in Spokane with glow-in-the-dark balls, because apparently regular golf wasn't challenging enough for some people. The course also offers GolfBoards, those motorized skateboard-golf cart hybrids that make you feel like you're living in the future even while playing a century-old game.
Downriver carries the deepest history
As Spokane's oldest course, established in 1916, Downriver has seen more golf history than a Ken Burns documentary. Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, Bob Hope, and Bing Crosby all played here, though presumably not in the same foursome. The 6,130-yard par-71 layout features just five sand bunkers on the entire course, following a minimalist design philosophy that lets the natural terrain provide the challenge.
The famous "Amen Corner" spans holes 3-5, where even atheists find themselves praying for pars. Recent irrigation upgrades have enhanced conditions at this riverside gem, and the 325-yard finishing hole provides an exciting chance to end on a high note… or donate one last ball to the Spokane River.
County courses raise the bar without raising prices
Spokane County operates three courses that feel like they should cost twice their $42-44 green fees. The pricing structure includes twilight nine-hole rounds for $25 and junior twilight rates at just $15, making these championship layouts accessible to players watching their budgets.
Liberty Lake Golf Course represents the newest gem following a $6 million renovation that transformed the original 1959 layout into a modern championship test. Designer Rick Phelps created a 6,607-yard par-70 course featuring rolling hills, brilliant white sand bunkers, and strategic water hazards across 124 acres. The course reopened March 7, 2025, in exceptional condition with its signature water features creating both beauty and strategic challenge.
MeadowWood brings links golf to eastern Washington
Robert Muir Graves designed MeadowWood Golf Course on former farmland, creating a 6,874-yard links-style layout that earned Golf Digest recognition as one of Washington's top 10 public courses in 1996. The 126 slope rating reflects strategic bunker placement and water features that punish poor decisions without being unfair.
Wide fairways welcome driver on most holes, but the thick rough can turn errant tee shots into archaeology expeditions. The course features fairway-length grass surrounding many greens, providing recovery options for players willing to get creative with their short game. It's the kind of course where you can shoot your best and worst scores in the same week, depending on whether the golf gods smile upon your driver.
Latah Creek tests every club in your bag
Latah Creek Golf Course in Hangman Valley presents the county system's most challenging test with two 600-yard par-5s that make you question the adequacy of modern driver technology. Bob Baldock's original 1969 design underwent Rick Phelps' renovation in 2008, creating a 6,865-yard layout where Latah Creek affects play on seven holes.
The unique aquatic driving range features floating golf balls that travel 95% of normal distance, letting you practice your water shots without the usual guilt of environmental destruction. The course itself provides wide fairways that encourage aggressive play despite the 133 slope rating. Opening March 21 for the 2025 season, Latah Creek maintains exceptional conditions that would make many private clubs jealous.
County course booking strategies
All three county courses offer similar pricing with several money-saving options:
- Regular 18 holes: $42-44
- Twilight 9 holes: $25
- Junior twilight: $15
- Loyalty Pass: $300 annually
- Military discount passes: $20
Book tee times up to 12 days in advance through the county's online system. The Loyalty Pass pays for itself after 15-16 rounds, making it worthwhile for anyone planning to play monthly. Military personnel get an even better deal with discounted annual passes that practically guarantee they'll be out there every weekend.
Public courses from budget-friendly to links-style challenges
Beyond the municipal and county systems, Spokane's public courses range from historic family operations to modern championship tests. These courses fill important niches, whether you're looking for a quick nine holes or a links-style challenge without the ocean views.
Wandermere Golf Course holds special status as north Spokane's family-owned gem since 1929. Operating continuously for 95 years along the Little Spokane River Valley, this 6,050-yard par-72 layout offers exceptional value at $18-29 while delivering scenic river and mountain views throughout its links-style routing.
The 450-member men's club reflects strong community support for a course that balances challenge with forgiveness. It's the kind of place where the starter knows your name, the hot dog at the turn tastes like childhood, and nobody judges you for hitting a breakfast ball on the first tee.
Deer Park delivers mountain golf without mountain prices
Located 30 minutes north of Spokane, Deer Park Golf Club presents one of the area's most challenging public courses. Keith Hellstrom's design incorporates water features on seven holes, and regular wind conditions can turn a pleasant round into a character-building experience. The 6,751-yard layout provides breathtaking mountain views that almost compensate for the balls you'll lose to the wind.
The 350-yard grass driving range ranks among the region's best practice facilities. Unlike those artificial mat ranges that make every shot feel pure, Deer Park's natural grass tells the truth about your swing. The 1,300-square-foot pro shop carries all major brands and offers custom fitting services for golfers ready to blame their equipment for their scores.
Par-3 courses perfect for beginners and time-crunched players
Sometimes you want to play golf without committing an entire morning or testing your driver 14 times. Spokane's three par-3 courses provide affordable options starting at just $9, making them perfect for families, beginners, or anyone working on their short game without judgment.
Pine Acres Par-3 on North Division has introduced multiple generations to golf since 1960. The 760-yard layout winds through mature pines on what feels like a miniature version of a championship course. The facility includes a 300-yard driving range with covered spots for year-round practice and one of the area's largest golf shoe inventories in its pro shop, because apparently people lose golf shoes as often as golf balls.
Additional par-3 options include:
- Painted Hills: 1,004 yards, bent grass
- Trailhead: 2,548 yards, mix of 3s/4s/5s
- Pine Acres range: 300 yards, covered stalls
- Trailhead amenities: Year-round heated range, simulators
Trailhead Golf Course in Liberty Lake deserves special mention as more than just a par-3. The 2,548-yard layout includes a mix of par-3s, par-4s, and one par-5, creating a legitimate test that requires every club. The year-round heated driving range and FullSwing indoor simulators make it eastern Washington's premier practice destination, open 362 days annually because even golf addicts need Christmas off.
Private clubs and resort courses for special occasions
While Spokane's public golf scene provides tremendous value, sometimes you want to treat yourself to something special. The area's private clubs and resort courses deliver premium experiences that justify their premium prices… mostly.
Kalispel Golf & Country Club, the former Spokane Country Club, hosted the inaugural U.S. Women's Open in 1946 and maintains its historic charm under tribal ownership. The Kalispel Tribe's 2015 acquisition preserved this 1898 course while adding modern amenities including the upscale 1898 Public House restaurant. Limited public access comes through Northern Quest Resort stay-and-play packages at $115 when available.
Resort courses worth the drive
Just 45 minutes from downtown Spokane, Circling Raven Golf Club has earned its reputation as Idaho's #1 public course. Gene Bates designed 7,189 yards across 620 acres of natural terrain, creating a 144 slope rating that challenges low handicappers while five tee boxes accommodate everyone else.
Peak season weekend rates reach $199 ($179 for hotel guests), but shoulder season pricing drops to $99-139. The Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort property includes a 25-acre practice facility, indoor simulators, and the Twisted Earth Grill in its 6,500-square-foot clubhouse. It's the kind of course where you'll take 147 photos and play your worst golf while having your best time.
The Coeur d'Alene Resort Golf Course commands $265-300+ for its bucket-list experience featuring the world's only floating island green. The 14th hole's 15,000-square-foot putting surface floats on Coeur d'Alene Lake, moved daily by computer-controlled cables to vary distances from 100 to 200 yards.
The premium price includes mahogany boat transportation to the course, mandatory forecaddie service, and GPS-equipped luxury carts with heated seats. They even provide personalized bag tags commemorating your round, which is nice since you'll need proof that you actually paid that much to play golf.
Making the most of Spokane's golf season
Most Spokane courses operate March through December, with exact dates depending on eastern Washington's mood swings. The 2025 season began with county courses opening March 7-21, followed by municipal courses in mid-March.
Booking strategies vary by course type. Municipal courses open reservations seven days in advance at 2pm through SpokaneGolf.org, creating a mad dash for weekend tee times at popular courses like Indian Canyon. County courses extend the booking window to 12 days, while private clubs and resort courses often accept reservations months in advance.
Money-saving tips that actually work
The best values in Spokane golf require strategic timing:
- Twilight rates after 5pm: Save 40-50%
- Weekday mornings: Better pace, pristine conditions
- Annual passes: Pay off after 48-50 rounds
- Shoulder seasons: 30-50% off resort courses
- Junior programs: Incredible deals for kids
The $70 Players Pass for municipal courses drops rates to $42, saving $10 per round. Play seven times and it pays for itself, making it a no-brainer for anyone planning regular rounds. County loyalty passes offer similar value at $300 annually, while unlimited municipal passes at $2,500 make sense only for true golf addicts playing twice weekly.
Winter doesn't end golf season thanks to indoor simulators at Indian Canyon, Esmeralda, Downriver, Deer Park, Trailhead, and Circling Raven. These facilities let you maintain your swing through the cold months, though hitting into a screen lacks the satisfaction of watching a ball disappear into actual water hazards.
Planning your Spokane golf adventure
Whether you're a local looking to explore new courses or a visitor planning a golf trip, Spokane's variety means you can craft completely different experiences. Start with the municipal courses for incredible value, especially Indian Canyon for its history and challenge. Add a county course like Liberty Lake for modern amenities, then treat yourself to Circling Raven or splash out on Coeur d'Alene Resort's floating green.
The beauty of Spokane golf lies not just in the courses themselves but in their accessibility. Where else can you play a Golf Digest top-25 course for $52, then drive 45 minutes to experience a floating island green? The combination of value, variety, and quality makes Spokane a hidden gem in Pacific Northwest golf, assuming you can handle elevation changes that would make a mountain goat nervous.
Just remember to book early, bring extra balls for the water holes, and save room for a burger at Qualchan. Your scorecard might suffer on some of these challenging layouts, but your wallet will thank you, and isn't that really what matters? Well, that and finally breaking 80 at Indian Canyon, but let's start with realistic goals.
