Golf courses have always carried their own unique charm—whether through architectural design, natural landscape, or the atmosphere they provide. But among thousands of golf courses worldwide, only one stands out as truly extraordinary because it was built on the water: the Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course. This course offers a playing experience found nowhere else on earth.
Located along the northern shoreline of Lake Coeur d’Alene in Idaho, USA, the golf course is part of the luxurious Coeur d’Alene Resort, a world-class vacation destination that blends sport, scenic beauty, and premium hospitality into one unforgettable experience.
What makes the course famous is the iconic Floating Green, the world’s first floating golf hole built entirely on a man-made island weighing 22,000 tons. Unlike traditional courses, this island can move across the lake, thanks to a sophisticated underwater cable and computer-controlled positioning system. As a result, the green’s location changes from day to day—creating a new challenge every time it is played.
More than just a golf course, it is an engineering masterpiece that combines modern technology with stunning natural surroundings. Picture yourself taking a tee shot from land toward a floating green in the middle of a lake—then riding a dedicated water taxi to reach it. This surreal experience has cemented Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course as one of the most iconic golf destinations in the world. Here is GoGolf full review.
Coeur d’Alene Golf: A One-of-a-Kind Course with Numerous Awards
Since its grand opening in 1991, the course immediately captured international attention. Designed by renowned golf course architect Scott Miller, the 6,803-yard layout integrates the breathtaking backdrop of Lake Coeur d’Alene into nearly every hole. Each shot feels like a brushstroke on a living canvas that evolves as the round progresses.
The uniqueness of this course lies not only in its Floating Green but also in its extraordinary landscape details. The course features more than:
- 1,500 wildflowers
- 4,000 petunias
- 25,000 juniper plants
- 30,000 geraniums
- Towering pine trees lining the fairways
This lush botanical arrangement delivers both serenity and challenge, as the sheer beauty often distracts golfers during play.
Beyond landscape design, the supporting facilities elevate the experience even further. Upon arrival, golfers are greeted by highly trained resort staff offering warm, personalized service. The driving range is unlike any other—players hit floating range balls directly into the lake. Even the golf carts come equipped with seat heating and cooling systems, ensuring comfort in all weather conditions.
Out of the full 18 holes, the legendary 14th hole, or The Floating Green, is the undeniable star. Each year, approximately 28,000 golf balls end up sinking into the lake due to the difficulty of this challenge. The precision required to land a ball on a floating green has earned this hole a reputation as one of the most thrilling and difficult in the world.
However, the other signature holes also demand attention.
- Hole 2 is often cited as the toughest, requiring pinpoint accuracy across a sloping fairway with hidden bunker protection behind the green.
- Hole 5, inspired by Sardinian course designs in Italy, is renowned for its beauty. It features a cloverleaf-shaped, three-tiered green surrounded by massive bunkers, natural rock formations, and sweeping lake views.
It’s no surprise that the course has received numerous prestigious awards. Golf Digest and Golf Magazine have both ranked it among the most beautiful courses in America, while Condé Nast Traveler listed it among the Top 100 Golf Programs Worldwide. These accolades affirm that Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course is not only technically unique but visually and experientially world-class.
Dining & Facilities at Coeur d’Alene Resort
Beyond its iconic golf course, Coeur d’Alene Resort offers a variety of premium facilities that enhance the overall experience. One standout is the Floating Green Restaurant, an exclusive dining spot where guests enjoy gourmet meals against the backdrop of the lake and the picturesque course scenery.
The restaurant serves a full-range menu:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Light bites for golfers taking a break
With both comfortable indoor seating and a scenic outdoor patio, it provides a memorable dining experience equal to the thrill of playing its famous holes.
The resort also features a Pro Shop stocked with top golf brands such as:
- Nike Golf
- Adidas
- Cutter & Buck
- Antigua
The merchandise is both functional and stylish, making it a popular stop for visitors seeking premium apparel and souvenirs.
To complete the luxury experience, the resort offers a spa and massage facility, helping golfers unwind after a long day on the course. The combination of sport, scenic retreat, and rejuvenation services makes a visit to Coeur d’Alene feel like a holistic golf getaway.
Green fees at the Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course range from USD 150 to USD 250, inclusive of premium amenities rarely found elsewhere. Considering the unmatched experience of playing the world’s only floating golf hole, many international golfers consider the price both reasonable and worthwhile.
Conclusion
The Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course is far more than just a golf venue—it is a global icon of sport and tourism. With its floating golf hole, stunning natural landscapes, and luxurious amenities, it successfully merges engineering artistry, scenic splendor, and sporting excellence into one unforgettable package.
The legendary Floating Green stands as the defining attraction that leaves a lasting impression on every golfer who attempts it. Yet, the overall course design, resort atmosphere, and exceptional service make Coeur d’Alene a complete world-class golf destination.
International awards only reinforce what countless golfers have already experienced firsthand: Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course is one of the most beautiful and unique golf courses on the planet.
Through its blend of modern technology, breathtaking nature, and premium hospitality, Coeur d’Alene proves that golf can transcend sport—becoming a once-in-a-lifetime experience worth remembering forever.
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