Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Coeur d'Alene Resort Golf Course is a regionally elite public-access destination—especially famous for its one-of-a-kind floating green on Lake Coeur d’Alene. While the course isn’t a national championship brute, its scenery, hospitality, and memorable par 3s guarantee a fun, talk-of-the-trip round.
Scott Miller’s design at Coeur d’Alene Resort isn’t about brutal length or championship grind. Instead, he sculpts a playable, endlessly photogenic routing that celebrates Lake Coeur d’Alene’s shoreline with wide corridors, creative angles, and a constant sense of occasion. The floating 14th green is the centerpiece—but each hole finds ways to showcase water, native pines, and panoramic mountain views. Miller balances excitement for the casual player with enough approach-shot complexity to keep resort regulars itching to come back.
Miller’s work here stands out for its drama, approachability, and willingness to break the mold—most famously with the floating green.
A stout, straightaway test with water down the right and a narrow target, making precise placement critical. From the Black tee, it’s the most demanding two-shotter on the card.
Favor left on the tee to open up the green; approach with control rather than aggression.
Water guards the right and aggressive lines can lead to big numbers.
Polished, lush fairways and greens with plenty of resort service touches.
Generally smooth with a relaxed vacation vibe; busy on peak summer days.
Special-occasion, upbeat, and highly photogenic—expect plenty of group photos.
Resort golf attire—collared shirts, no denim, soft spikes.
Take a moment on the practice range to hit to floating targets before facing the real thing on 14.
The floating green moves—the exact shot varies, so get your actual distance from the starter.
Layer up for breezes; temperature swings are common along the water.
Course opens, debuting the world’s first floating green
Hosts Merrill Lynch Shootout, drawing PGA pros to Idaho
Scott Miller oversees course updates to maintain resort presentation
Golf Digest ranks Coeur d’Alene #4 in Best in State
Ranks #57 on Golf Magazine’s Top 100 You Can Play
Listed #7 in Idaho’s state rankings
The visionary concept came from owners Duane Hagadone and Jerry Jaeger, who were inspired by log rafts being tugged across Lake Coeur d’Alene. The result: a moveable, computer-controlled floating green that’s become one of golf’s most famous holes.
When the course debuted in 1991, its striking lakefront setting and innovative features made immediate waves—earning a #11 spot among America’s best new resort courses and putting Idaho on the national golf map.
The 1992 Merrill Lynch Shootout brought top professionals to test their mettle against the floating green. Chip Beck emerged champion—proving even tour players could sweat that island tee shot.
The floating green moves daily and is accessed via custom boat shuttle.
Each player receives a personalized souvenir bag tag after their round.
The floating 14th can range from 95 to 220 yards, depending on pin and tee.
Forecaddie and cart with GPS are standard with all green fees.
The course made Golf Magazine’s Top 100 You Can Play within 15 years of opening.
A must-play nearby, often named among the best value destination courses in the Northwest.
Gorgeous semi-private Jack Nicklaus design set in mountain wilderness.
Easily accessible, parkland-style, and a relaxing add-on to resort play.
Local-friendly, forgiving layout—great for a low-stress extra round.
Convenient for early arrival or sunset nine; high-value casual option.
Downtown or lakeshore Coeur d’Alene for access to tee times, nightlife, and lake activities.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Gozzer Ranch Golf & Lake Club shares a memorable sense of place, making it a compelling counterpart to Coeur d'Alene Resort Golf Course.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Tributary shares a memorable sense of place, making it a compelling counterpart to Coeur d'Alene Resort Golf Course.
Why it matches: Makena Golf & Beach Club is a natural next stop after Coeur d'Alene Resort Golf Course: it shares a memorable sense of place.
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