Top Golf Courses in the Spokane & Coeur d'Alene Area — Reviewed by a Local

Reviews by Erik Cantlon, Lynsey's husband and avid golfer.

If you're moving to the Inland Northwest — or already here and looking for your next round — you've landed in one of the best-kept secrets in Pacific Northwest golf. The Spokane and Coeur d'Alene area punches well above its weight. Here are five public courses worth your time, ranked by someone who's actually played them.

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1. Circling Raven Golf Club — Worley, ID

Erik's take: "There's nothing not to like — beauty, immaculate world-class greens, a fantastic challenge."

If you only play one course in the region, make it this one. Owned and operated by the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, Circling Raven sprawls across 620 acres of wetlands, woodlands, and Palouse grasses — and has earned the #1 public course ranking in Idaho from Golfweek more than once. It's about 45 minutes from downtown Spokane, and worth every mile.

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2. Coeur d'Alene Resort Golf Course — Coeur d'Alene, ID

Erik's take: "This course is all about the 'experience' — the floating green, the boat ride, the caddy."

There's nothing else like it. You arrive by mahogany water taxi, play with a personal forecaddie, and eventually face the world's only floating, moveable green on the 14th hole. It's not cheap, but it's bucket-list golf. Golf Digest once called it "America's Most Beautiful Resort Golf Course." Hard to argue.

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3. MeadowWood Golf Course — Liberty Lake, WA

Erik's take: "Fun but difficult course. Easy to get to. The par five on hole 16 is signature."

Right off the freeway in Liberty Lake, MeadowWood is a links-style layout designed by Robert Muir Graves that Golf Digest once ranked among the top 10 public courses in Washington. The back nine gets more interesting — and hole 16 lives up to the billing. Great value, well-maintained, and convenient if you're in the Spokane Valley or Liberty Lake area.

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4. Indian Canyon Golf Course — Spokane, WA

Erik's take: "Old school charm — lots of elevation with treeline throughout. This course is best done by cart, it's a tough course to walk."

Designed in 1930 and opened in 1935, Indian Canyon is Spokane's flagship municipal course and a Golf Digest Top 25 public course in the U.S. It sits on the canyon wall at the west end of the city with a 240-foot vertical drop and towering pines throughout. Bing Crosby used to play here. History, character, and a real test of ball-striking.

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5. Coeur d'Alene Golf Club — Coeur d'Alene, ID

Erik's take: "Well-maintained, great value, friendly — a little something for every type of golfer."

Kootenai County's first public course (open since 1957), the CDA Golf Club is the kind of place you take a friend who's never played before or head to when you want a relaxed round without the resort price tag. Tree-lined fairways, well-kept greens, and a welcoming vibe. The on-site Pub53e is a nice bonus after the round.

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The Takeaway

Whether you're a scratch golfer or someone who just likes being outside on a beautiful day, the Spokane–CDA corridor has a course for you. And if you're considering making a move to the area, know this: the golf is just one more reason people come here and never leave.

Lynsey Cantlon is a luxury and waterfront real estate broker serving Spokane, WA and Northern Idaho. If you're exploring a move to the region, she'd love to help. Reach out at lynseycantlon.com.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best public golf course near Spokane? Circling Raven Golf Club near Coeur d'Alene is consistently ranked the top public course in Idaho and is widely considered the crown jewel of the region. Indian Canyon in Spokane is the best city-owned course and a Golf Digest Top 25 pick.

Is the Coeur d'Alene Resort Golf Course open to the public? Yes — you don't need to be a resort guest to play. Tee times are available through the resort's website. It's a premium experience with a premium price, but the floating green and forecaddie service make it a one-of-a-kind round.

What golf courses are near Liberty Lake, WA? MeadowWood Golf Course is located right in Liberty Lake and is one of the top-ranked public courses in Washington State. It's 18 miles east of downtown Spokane and easy to access off the freeway.