As the only course on the trip I have played before, Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course affords me a few luxuries that other course introductions do not. Including, but not limited to, using my own pictures; the planned book cover and splash image for my web site serves as an example…
Of course, Coeur d’Alene (CDA) is best known for its floating green. When I played the course for the first time I stuck my tee shot. Later that night I participated in a charity closest to the pin contest and plopped my first 11 shots in the water (clearly, rental clubs were to blame!) before finally getting on track and landing 5 of the last 6. The origins of this unique hole are an interesting tale in and of themselves.
“It began with a sudden flash of inspiration – a man walking his dog, gazing out at a tugboat towing a raft of logs on Lake Coeur d’Alene. In 1991, the first ball was struck onto the floating green on the 14th, and Duane Hagadone’s vision was on its way to becoming one of the best-loved icons in golf.”
This is, without a doubt, the most beautiful course I have played thus far in my life (there are some Tracks on this trip that will give it a run for it’s money, I’m sure… but I haven’t played them yet). The course features stunning lake views, dramatic elevation changes, and in-play water hazards throughout the course (note the double lake inlets surrounding the landing area on the par 4 hole below).
CDA is also know for its service and in my experience this quote from Golf digest is not off the mark at all…
The Coeur d’Alene is what every resort should be. It’s not just upscale, it’s posh. You aren’t just pampered here, you’re spoiled. It’s not just an escape, it’s an experience…
All in all this promises to be a fantastic day on the course and a nice (albeit brief) glancing blow to my home state on the way to Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii. Idaho is day 47 and CDA is just about anything you could want in a course…