Guide: How to Plan a Golf Trip to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Let’s face it: some people just aren’t going to give you the credit you deserve You could cure cancer, invent a beer that never gets warm, or you could build a thousand bridges and they’d still say, “Yeah, but…” This is for you—the one doing the planning, the one corralling your group text of degenerates into a legit golf trip to one of the most gorgeous and low-key bougie places in America: Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Let’s get into the basics for planning any golf trip first.

Tip 1: Book Early or Cry Later

This really goes for booking any bucket list golf course that you want to play. A Coeur d’Alene golf trip is no different. The Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course (you know, the one with the floating green) is a hot ticket. Especially in late spring and summer. If you want to lock in a round there, you’re going to need to book months in advance. Don’t be the guy emailing in May for a July tee time.

• Website: Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course
• Pro Tip: Call them. They’re friendly, and can help package stay-and-play deals that might not be visible online. I called them and asked them if they had any days that were blocked off for tournaments or anything and they were more than happy to help.

If you book early or need a handful of tee times, they are going to want you to pre-pay the $290 green fees (that’s peak season rate as of writing this) per person. Once you fill out the required paperwork (authorizing the charges) and the “contract” that they need on their end. Once submitted, the deed is done. You’re locked into tee times for some world-class golf.

Tip 2: Choose the Right Dates (And Manage the Weather Haters)

This should arguably be the first step in booking a golf trip, because without your compadres, you’re just traveling and that’s not the point here if we are booking that bucket list golf trip. June to early September is prime for most places you could want to go. The biggest downside is that peak season is going to cost you more to get on the course. Judge your group accordingly. You get the best weather and long days. But keep in mind this is Idaho, not SoCal—weather can be fickle. Plan a 3- or 4-day trip to give yourself wiggle room if it rains one day.

You’re going to price some people out. You can’t plan around everyone’s finances. This is a luxury trip and even though the golf is excellent, it’s not worth missing a mortgage over (for some people). Also, be okay with having some people that you really want to be there not be able to make it. We all know that having your bestie there would make the trip even better, but, just know that I’m coming from experience on this, filling spots with people who are all-around good vibes can be just as awesome.

• Avoid: Late fall. Things shut down fast when the chill hits.
• Pro Tip: Get in a group text and pick three to four dates that work for you and what you want to accomplish for the trip. Then, lock it in on the calendar with at least a foursomes worth of guys (that way you know you’re going no matter what).

Tip 3: Lock in Lodging – Rentals are King, But Don’t Sleep on the Resorts

Yes, you could do a cheap Airbnb. Yes, there is an argument to be had to stay at the Coeur d’Alene Resort. Their stay and play packages are actually pretty solid, but my recommendation is that you book that badass Airbnb or VRBO that you were eyeing. My biggest issue with staying at the resort is the vibe. I’m doing this trip with the fellas and we want to let loose, respectfully. You can get the lakeside views somewhere else, I’m okay with skipping the on-site dining and spa, but the golf cart boat shuttle (yes, seriously) is something I don’t know if I can miss. A rental house can give a game room, a kitchen where your buddy can show off his cooking skills, a hot tub to soak in after you play 36 holes in two different states, or maybe you want to share a bunk bed with your bestie. I’d highly recommend a rental. Pick one that’s not an unreasonable distance from the downtown area and the main golf courses.

Website: The Coeur d’Alene Resort – Check the stay and play packages.

Tip 4: Add More Golf – Don’t Just Play the Headliner

It’s easy to get tunnel vision when planning a golf trip around a single iconic course, but the best trips are built on variety. Mixing in lesser-known gems keeps costs manageable, reduces pressure on one round to carry the whole trip, and makes your itinerary feel more like a golf experience than a checklist. For this Idaho trip, Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course is the showstopper, but the area has some sneaky good courses to round out your trip:

• Circling Raven Golf Club – 30 minutes south. Beautiful, tough, and way less hyped than it should be.
• The Highlands – Affordable and fun. Good for day one warm-up or day three hangover.
• Avondale Golf Course – Local vibes, well-maintained, and not booked solid.
• MeadowWood & Liberty Lake Golf Courses – Right next to each other and perfect for a 36-hole day. The booking process is seamless, and the staff couldn’t have been more helpful. Highly recommend making this part of your itinerary.
• Indian Canyon Golf Course – A Spokane classic with elevation changes and beautiful tree-lined fairways.
• Creek at Qualchan Golf Course – Scenic and serene, tucked into a forested canyon. A peaceful change of pace.
• Latah Creek Golf Course – Friendly, forgiving layout that’s perfect for a casual round.
• Links Golf Club – Wide open, links-style layout that lets you swing freely and settle into the trip.

Tip 5: Logistics – How to Get There Without Losing Your Mind

Don’t sleep on this part—poor logistics can sink an otherwise perfect golf trip. From airport selection to vehicle size to the clothes you pack, planning smart travel details gives your group more time for fun and less time wasted. For a golf trip to CDA, this is the play:

• Fly into Spokane, WA (GEG) – 40 minutes away. Plenty of car rentals.
• Golf in Spokane – There’s tons of great golf in Spokane (even a great course right next to the airport). Fly in early and knock a tee-time out before it’s check-in time at the rental or hotel.
• Rent a Van/SUV if you’re bringing the boys. Split it, load the clubs, and enjoy the scenic drive. A large passenger van is a criminally underrated weapon on a golf trip.
• Lodging – I mentioned it earlier but it’s worth reiterating: Rentals are clutch. Having a home base with the whole crew takes things up a notch and makes some even better memories. Plus, you have place to set up a poker game to keep the gambling going off the course.
• Weather – It’s 2025. You should be able to check a weather app on your phone. You don’t need someone telling you how to dress. I’m not your parent (segue into the next point). I will say that mornings can be chilly. Golf polos and shorts at noon; hoodies and beanies at 8am.

Step 6: Be the Trip Dad Without Being a Buzzkill

Every trip needs a leader, but no one wants to be micromanaged. The sweet spot? Nailing the essentials—tee times, beds, meals—and letting the rest flow. A bit of upfront structure turns a potential disaster into a laid-back, memory-making weekend. Trust me: your future self (and your group) will thank you. To reiterate, you don’t need an itinerary that looks like a military operation, but you do need tee times, lodging, and some idea of where you’re eating and drinking.

• Dining Out:
  • Crafted Tap House & Kitchen: Burgers, beers, and vibes—what more do you need? Oh wait, I know. THEY DO TURTLE RACES ON FRIDAY NIGHTS!! How cool is that? Freaking turtle races. Maybe MF Jones will win his race and you’ll reap the rewards of a “free” beer.
  • Hudson’s Hamburgers: A Coeur d’Alene institution since 1907, famous for its no-frills approach to juicy hamburgers, swift service, and nostalgic charm.
  • The Burger Dock: A bright, modern spot dishing out creative burger concoctions loaded with local flavors and plenty of quirky character.
  • Izzy’s Comfort Kitchen: A cozy haven for homestyle meals, offering hearty comfort dishes made from scratch and served with a friendly, welcoming vibe.
• Booze & Brews:
  • The Resort’s Whiskey Bar is underrated. Also hit up The Moose Lounge or Midtown Pub.
  • Local Breweries worth mentioning:
    • Trickster’s Brewing Company
    • Daft Badger Brewing
    • Post Falls Brewing

Bonus Tip: Add a Casino Trip Before You Fly Out

When flying out of Spokane, do yourself a favor and spend your final hours at Northern Quest Resort & Casino—just minutes from the airport. Whether you’re celebrating a trip full of birdies or drowning the memory of too many triples, it’s the perfect hangout spot for one last round of drinks and some low-stakes blackjack.

You can grab breakfast, lunch or dinner, hit the sportsbook, or just decompress before re-entering real life. It’s a great cherry on top of the trip—and way better than killing time in the terminal.

Final Thoughts

This trip (or booking any trip for that matter) isn’t about the Instagram clout. It’s about good golf, great scenery, and planning something amazing. A Coeur d’Alene golf trip delivers if you do it right.

Book the damn trip.