Number 15 on my list takes me to one of my favorite places on earth - Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The golf course at Coeur d’Alene resort is really something special. If you want an experience of being a member at an elite golf club without paying the membership dues, this is your best bet. For a couple hundred dollars you can have the experience for a day.


I have played some unbelievably beautiful golf courses, But none have been as perfectly manicured as Coeur d’Alene. The greens were perfect, the fairways were cut as close as municipal course greens and the rough could be fairway on many courses. With the lack of any real rough, white sand bunkers, pristine conditions and flowers dotting the course, it is almost Augusta Like in feel.

But the experience doesn’t stop there. You also get some of the nicest golf carts I’ve ever seen with plush leather seats, massages prior to teeing off and a driving range on the lake with floating golf balls. The owner of the course is big on making his guests happy, so although the course has some challenges it’s mostly user-friendly. The fairways slope towards the middle, the rough is fairway length as I mentioned and the greens are mostly flat with only slight breaks.

With all that said it cannot be understated how breathtaking the course is. It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been and there is a mix of some some great golf holes.

I am a big fan of Scott Miller golf courses, We Ko Pa - Cholla and Keirland here in Arizona are also some of his quality work. Cholla in particular is one of my favorites in Arizona. But this course is easily his most well known. He seems to almost effortlessly design beautiful and memorable golf holes.

Everyone knows about the famous island green 14th. Some may consider it gimmicky, but I love it. The island is on a computerized track system and can play from 140 to about 200 yards depending on the day. It was 180ish for me on both days I played it. You must take a boat out to the Green and back. Honestly, it’s one of the funnest holes you will ever play. Rarely do you hear such loud cheers from your group for hitting a green on a par three.

But the third, fifth and six holes are also great par 3’s and just as stunning. In particular, the par three 5th hole which I consider one of the most beautiful par threes in the world. Overall this is a bucket list course for sure, a must play for anyone who loves golf.


Par 3 5th, I took this picture, no filter.



Par 3 6th hole


The famous 14th


2nd hole, toward the lake



1st, 18th and 9th holes. The 18th is easily the hardest hole. 480 yard par 4.


3rd shot approach on the par 5, 12th


Short par 4, 13th. If you can avoid the lake, It’s a great chance for Birdie before the difficult 14th.