Golf course recommendations? (Spokane, Chewelah: lawyers, casino, lawsuits)

[Grandma(in waiting)]

My husband and I will be visiting in the spring (mid-April) and we're both golf fanatics. We're also midwesterners and used to golfing in what some might consider to be colder weather.

Will the courses be open that early and which ones would you recommend?

Thanks.

[509]

At one time, Golf Digest rated Indian Canyon as one of the top 100 public courses in the US. I believe Indian Canyon would be open by April. I enjoyed playing Indian Canyon, but gave up golf before some of the other course came into being. Maybe a current golfer can give you up-to-date information. Some of the other courses are probably just as good, just newer.

Here is the web site to Spokane Parks Department and the golf course link.

Spokane Parks & Recreation:

Be aware that Coeur d'Alene has some great private courses. It is only 30 miles from downtown Spokane. Also there are great courses all around Spokane and up into BC.

I like playing the course in Chewelah.

[Grandma(in waiting)]

Thanks. I did see that course when I was looking around online and gave them a call, not really expecting to reach anyone, but I left a message on the answering machine. It looks like a nice place.

We really don't want to go through the hassle and expense of flying out with our golf clubs if the courses aren't going to be open, but perhaps we'll be able to get more information later.

Thanks again!

[skinem]

I second Indian Canyon. Nice, long established moderately challenging course. Should be open by mid-April--usually is.
It was also great for sledding years ago...lots of hills. (I'm guessing lawyers and fear of lawsuits has stopped that.)

[Grandma(in waiting)]

Thanks, skinem!

[ILoveSpokane]

The problem with Indian Canyon is that it is very hilly and heavily wooded. Hard for the snow to melt in the shade. Also, with the way our weather has been the last few years, who knows how long the snow will be around. you should be ok in April though. here are some great courses. There are some higher end and more expensive courses in the CDA are, however, Spokane public courses are Awesome and very affordable for what you get to play!!

Higher End
CDA (most prestigous in area - most expensive too!)
Circling Raven @ the CDA Casino (new, very well done, you will see wild life - Deer, turkey, maybe a moose if your lucky)

Public courses in Spokane that are great:
Aformentioned Indian Canyon
Hangman Valley
Qualchan
DownRiver golf Course (Spokane's oldest)

The above 4 are my favorite.

[Grandma(in waiting)]

Thanks! It looks like we're going to have a nice choice. (It took me awhile to figure out that CDA is Coeur d' Alene). The golf resort there looks very nice as do the courses in Spokane.

I know it's impossible to predict the weather, especially in spring, but I appreciate the input and the recommendations.

[kena]

IloveSpokane's list is good. A brief rundown of my take on some local courses:

Indian Canyon: a great public course. Great views of the area. Not overly long but very tight with trees and changing elevations. If you're not a big walker I would recommend a cart.

Downriver: nice older course, easier than Indian Canyon.

Hangman: More wide open than the Canyon/Downriver but longer. Water on several holes, some nice elevated tees.

Qualchan: a newer course with more sand/water but more open fairways. A few unique holes. Can score well without being a big hitter but requires accuracy.

The Cd'A resort is a beautiful resort course, very well maintained, floating green, is expensive (compared to city/county courses).

Circling Raven is a newer course, very pretty layout, private so a little more on the expensive side and is a bit more of a drive from Spokane.

I'd also check out Medowwood golf course in liberty lake. A public course that is more of a links style, lots of water and a nice layout.

You should be fine in April although some of the courses may not be in optimal condition.

[Grandma(in waiting)]

Very informative. Thank you!