Bomb Shelter Beginnings
Before the clubhouse was built, charter members of Crane Creek used a Cold War-era bomb shelter to gather, swap stories, and lay the foundation of the club’s camaraderie. Remnants of this era live on in club lore.
Golf Course Review & Scouting Report
Crane Creek Country Club
Boise, Idaho
Established
1963
Architect
Bob Baldock (original), David Druzisky (renovations)
Access
Private
Par
Par 71
Length
5,009 – 7,107 yds
The verdict
A Scenic, Modernized Foothills Classic
Crane Creek combines Bob Baldock’s original routing with smart, recent upgrades that maximize the Boise foothills setting. Privately held and beloved by members, it’s a fun, demanding round full of elevation twists and strategic challenge, but not a national destination. Strong course conditions and a lively, storied club culture make it a local must-play if you can land an invite.
Course DNA
Difficulty
76
Scenery82
Conditioning84
Shot Variety71
Walkability68
Green Complexity77
Wow Factor66
Design Quality70
Don't miss
Ask a longtime member about the club’s early days and Cold War-era bomb shelter gatherings—a quirky slice of Boise golf lore.
At a glance
Quick facts
Location
North Boise foothills
Clubhouse year
1969 (renovated 2006)
Recent course renovation
2014–2017 (Druzisky overhaul)
Signature feature
Rolling elevation changes
Original course name
Highlands Country Club
Practice facility
Full practice area, 2017 redesign
Greens type
Bentgrass
The design
The architecture
Crane Creek’s architecture balances the original vision of Bob Baldock with substantial, thoughtful renovations by David Druzisky. The routing dives into Boise’s rugged foothills, confronting players with shifting elevations, risk-reward par 5s, and a striking blend of open and tree-lined holes. Strategic bunkering, rolling fairways, and durable greens maintain the club’s classic private feel while Druzisky’s upgrades add bite and visual appeal. The result is a locally beloved test that rewards disciplined position play and adaptability to Boise’s dry-summer breezes and changing topography.
Baldock’s original routing is preserved in spirit, with Druzisky’s modern touch bringing crisp visuals and improved turf to the Boise foothills setting.
Defining features
- Strategic use of topography and elevation
- Mix of open and treelined fairways
- Renovated bunkering and greens complexes
- Risk-reward par 5s and demanding long par 3s
- Distinct front and back nine personalities
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 3
The Long Iron Test
PAR
3
YARDAGE
229
This daunting par 3 stretches to 229 yards from the Black tee and demands a confident long iron or hybrid, with native foothill landscape framing the entire hole. Birdie is a rare prize—par is earned by safe, disciplined play and green management.
Play it smart
Aim for the center of the green regardless of pin position, as par is always a solid score—many will be thrilled simply to avoid a big number.
Where it bites
Misses short or right invite a brutal up-and-down, while a left miss can leave a dicey recovery pitched well below green level.
Course management
Shots to think about
Approaching elevated greens with a tailwind
Take less club and land the ball earlier—run-ups can kick hard in firm conditions.
Long approach to par 3s in the wind
Favor ground game if possible; long irons may balloon and stall.
Second shot on tighter par 5s
Lay back to your comfort yardage rather than flirting with clusters of bunkers.
Short siding yourself on sloped greens
Prioritize leaving uphill or sidehill putts—avoid getting above the hole at all costs.
Driving on holes with a sidehill fairway
Aim higher on the slope and let the contour work the ball to the target line.
Approach shots from uneven lies
Match your swing plane to the slope—don’t force a flat-footed swing on hillside lies.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Firm, well-kept bentgrass greens and fairways, especially strong post-renovation.
Pace
Typically brisk for a private club; no published guarantee.
Vibe
Polished, friendly, member-focused with a sense of community and club tradition.
Dress code
Private club—traditional golf attire expected.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Manage Your Elevation Game
Practice both uphill and downhill approach shots—many holes test your club selection and stance on varied terrain.
02
Arrive Early for the Range
The recently renovated practice facility is ideal for dialing in touch before a demanding opening stretch.
03
Bring Your Versatile Short Game
Firm conditions and tiered greens make chipping and pitching control essential for saving par.
The lore
How it came to be
- 1963
Grand opening as Crane Creek (formerly Highlands Country Club)
- 1969
Clubhouse completed
- 1984
Clubhouse remodeled
- 2006
Clubhouse undergoes major renovation
Stories & legends
What makes it special
From Highlands to Crane Creek
The club originally opened as Highlands Country Club, but rebranded to embrace the native creek on property and its foothills roots—a nod to the ground’s past as 'Slaughter House Gulch.'
A New Era of Greens
Architect David Druzisky noted most greens are still original to 1962, except for a handful reshaped in his extensive renovations—a rare legacy in modernized private club golf.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
Before the clubhouse existed, members met in a Cold War-era bomb shelter.
2
Original greens from the 1960s still shape much of the putting surface character.
3
The club has a long-running connection to native Boise landmarks and lore, including its earlier name and the 'Slaughter House Gulch' nickname.
4
Two entirely new golf holes were added during the 2016–17 renovation.
5
The course blends open valley holes with classic foothill elevation changes.
Build the trip
If you’re making a Boise golf trip out of it
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
BanBury Golf Course
Public
A strong, modern public course in Eagle with river and wetland features.
Warm Springs Golf Course
Municipal
Boise's in-town municipal course, affordable and accessible.
Falcon Crest Golf Club
Public
South-of-town with big views and multiple 18-hole layouts.
Eagle Hills Golf Course
Public
Casual, playable layout ideal for a confidence round.
The River Club
Private
Another local private with an established reputation if you can secure an invite.
Downtown Boise for quick access to Crane Creek and other top Treasure Valley courses.
Course DNA
If You Like Crane Creek Country Club
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match8.3
May River Golf Club
Bluffton, South CarolinaWhy it matches: May River Golf Club is a natural next stop after Crane Creek Country Club: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Strong DNA Match8.2
Black Rock Country Club
Hingham, MassachusettsWhy it matches: What links these two? A comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character — a familiar feeling, expressed in Black Rock Country Club's own setting.
Strong DNA Match7.2
Richmond County Country Club
Staten Island, New YorkWhy it matches: If Crane Creek Country Club is your kind of course, Richmond County Country Club is worth a look because it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
The architect's other work
More from Bob Baldock
Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club
Jackson, WyomingChampionship golf at the foot of the Tetons
Olive Glenn Golf & Country Club
Cody, WyomingScenic championship golf in Cody’s mountain basin
Community Sentiment
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