Spokane, Washington: Your Definitive Golf Guide - From Local Pro to Visiting Golfer

Introduction: Welcome to Golfing in the Inland Northwest

Spokane, Washington, is a golfer's paradise. Nestled in the heart of the Inland Northwest, our region boasts stunning landscapes, a surprisingly mild climate, and a vibrant golf community. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, Spokane offers a diverse range of courses to suit every skill level and budget. This guide is designed to be your go-to resource, packed with insider knowledge and practical advice to help you navigate the world of Spokane golf. Consider this your personal playbook for an unforgettable golfing experience.

Course Rankings & Reviews

This section compiles a ranking of Spokane's top courses, combining expert opinions, player reviews, and course features. Rankings are subjective, but this provides a solid overview.

1. The Inland Northwest Golf Club (Championship Level)

• Signature Hole: Hole 16, a challenging par-5 with a dramatic uphill approach and water hazards.
• Notable Features: A challenging layout with undulating fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and excellent greens. Known for its meticulous conditioning.
• Unique Aspect: Offers a variety of tee options catering to different skill levels. Excellent practice facilities including a driving range and short game area.
• Slope/Rating: Slope 132, Rating 71.5.
• Best For: Experienced golfers seeking a challenging test.
• Seasonal Pricing: $60-$90 (depending on time of day and season).

2. Spokane Country Club (Championship Level)

• Signature Hole: Hole 12, a demanding par-3 with a narrow green guarded by bunkers.
• Notable Features: A classic, well-maintained course with mature trees and a traditional layout. Known for its fast, undulating greens.
• Unique Aspect: A historic course with a rich golfing heritage. Hosts amateur and professional tournaments.
• Slope/Rating: Slope 135, Rating 72.
• Best For: Golfers who appreciate a traditional course design and a challenging test of skill.
• Seasonal Pricing: $65-$95 (depending on time of day and season).

3. Manito Golf Course (Semi-Private, Excellent Value)

• Signature Hole: Hole 4, a picturesque par-4 with a water hazard and a tree-lined fairway.
• Notable Features: A beautifully landscaped course with a relaxed atmosphere. Excellent value for the quality.
• Unique Aspect: Located within Manito Park, offering a scenic and peaceful golfing experience.
• Slope/Rating: Slope 128, Rating 69.
• Best For: Golfers looking for a quality course at a reasonable price.
• Seasonal Pricing: $45-$60 (depending on time of day and season).

4. Little Falls Golf Course (Public, Great for All Levels)

• Signature Hole: Hole 17, a fun par-3 with a challenging carry over a creek.
• Notable Features: A friendly and welcoming course with a forgiving layout. Excellent for beginners and families.
• Unique Aspect: Offers a relaxed atmosphere and a good value for money.
• Slope/Rating: Slope 120, Rating 66.
• Best For: Beginners, families, and golfers looking for a relaxed round.
• Seasonal Pricing: $35-$50 (depending on time of day and season).

5. Peppertree Golf Course (Public, Excellent Value)

• Signature Hole: Hole 12, a visually appealing par-4 with a dogleg left.
• Notable Features: A well-maintained course with a variety of challenges. Good value for the money.
• Unique Aspect: Offers a good mix of challenging and forgiving holes.
• Slope/Rating: Slope 125, Rating 68.
• Best For: Golfers looking for a good value and a solid test of skill.
• Seasonal Pricing: $40-$55 (depending on time of day and season).

6. Riverside Golf Course (Public, Scenic)

• Signature Hole: Hole 16, a par-3 with a stunning view of the Spokane River.
• Notable Features: A scenic course with a challenging layout. Good for golfers of all skill levels.
• Unique Aspect: Located along the Spokane River, offering beautiful views.
• Slope/Rating: Slope 122, Rating 67.
• Best For: Golfers who appreciate a scenic course and a good challenge.
• Seasonal Pricing: $38-$52 (depending on time of day and season).

7. Copper River Golf Course (Public, New & Modern)

• Signature Hole: Hole 18, a long par-4 with a dramatic finish.
• Notable Features: A modern course with a challenging layout and beautiful scenery. Excellent conditioning.
• Unique Aspect: A relatively new course with a fresh design.
• Slope/Rating: Slope 130, Rating 70.
• Best For: Golfers looking for a modern course with a challenging layout.
• Seasonal Pricing: $45-$60 (depending on time of day and season).

Practical Golfer Information

Difficulty Breakdown

• Beginner-Friendly (Slope 110-125, Rating 60-68): Little Falls, Manito, Riverside. These courses offer forgiving layouts, wide fairways, and manageable greens.
• Championship-Level (Slope 125+, Rating 68+): Inland Northwest, Spokane Country Club, Copper River. These courses feature challenging layouts, narrow fairways, undulating greens, and strategic bunkering.

Seasonal Strategy

• Spring (March-May): Course openings vary. Expect some early-season course closures due to snow or moisture. Aeration is common. Pricing is generally lower.
• Summer (June-August): Peak season. Expect higher prices and busier tee times. Heat can be a factor – consider twilight rounds.
• Fall (September-November): Prime playing season. Beautiful foliage, cooler temperatures, and lower prices. Excellent conditions.
• Winter (December-February): Limited availability. Some courses offer winter rates or have indoor facilities. Indoor practice facilities are popular.

Tee Time Tactics

• Booking Platforms: GolfNow (https://www.golfnow.com/), individual course websites, phone calls.
• Advance Reservations: Highly recommended, especially during peak season. Book at least 2-3 weeks in advance.
• Walk-On Possibilities: Possible, but not guaranteed. Check with the course directly. Weekdays are your best bet.

Local Playing Conditions

• Weather Patterns: Mild winters, warm summers. Expect rain throughout the year, with the heaviest rainfall in the fall and winter.
• Wind Considerations: Wind can be a factor, especially on courses near the Spokane River. Check the forecast before you go.
• Course Maintenance: Courses generally maintain excellent conditions. Aeration is typically done in the spring and fall. Expect some course closures for maintenance.

Insider Knowledge

Pro Shop Insights

• Equipment: Pro Shop at The Inland Northwest Golf Club carries a wide selection of clubs, balls, and accessories. They also offer club fitting services.
• Lessons: Many courses offer lessons from experienced instructors. Check the course website for lesson schedules and rates. Consider lessons from instructors at the Spokane Golf Academy (https://spokane-golf.com/).
• Club Fitting: The Inland Northwest Golf Club offers professional club fitting services. Other retailers in Spokane also offer club fitting.

19th Hole Recommendations

• The Inland Northwest Golf Club: The Clubhouse offers a full menu of food and drinks.
• Spokane Country Club: The Clubhouse offers a classic dining experience.
• Manito Golf Course: The Manito Golf Course Clubhouse offers a casual dining experience.
• Peppertree Golf Course: The Peppertree Grill offers a casual dining experience with great views.
• Riverside Golf Course: The Riverside Clubhouse offers a casual dining experience with views of the Spokane River.

Local Golf Culture

• Etiquette Expectations: Be mindful of pace of play, repair divots, rake bunkers, and respect other golfers.
• Pace of Play Norms: Maintain a brisk pace of play. If you're holding up the group, let others play through.
• Community Tournaments: Numerous amateur and professional tournaments are held throughout the year. Check the Spokane Area Golf Association website (https://www.spokaneag.org/) for a schedule.

Transportation & Logistics

• Parking Situations: Most courses have ample parking.
• Public Transit Access: Limited public transit access to most courses. Driving is generally the easiest option.
• Multi-Course Day Planning: Consider a day trip to nearby courses in the region. Plan your route in advance and factor in travel time.

Seasonal Deep Dive

Spring Golf

• Course Reopening Schedules: Most courses reopen in late March or early April, depending on weather conditions.
• Aeration Timing: Aeration typically occurs in the spring to improve course drainage.
• Early Season Conditions: Expect some soggy conditions early in the season. Course conditions improve as the weather warms up.
• Seasonal Pricing: Generally lower than summer prices.

Summer Strategy

• Heat Management: Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and take breaks in the shade.
• Prime Tee Times: Early morning tee times are cooler.
• Twilight Golf Opportunities: Take advantage of twilight rates to avoid the heat.

Fall Excellence

• Peak Playing Season: Fall is the most popular time to play golf in Spokane.
• Foliage Golf: Enjoy the beautiful fall foliage while you play.
• Weather Transitions: Expect cooler temperatures and occasional rain.

Winter Options

• Year-Round Facilities: Some courses offer indoor practice facilities.
• Indoor Alternatives: Golf simulators and driving ranges are available.
• Off-Season Practice: Use the off-season to improve your game.

Regional Context

Architectural Styles

• Influences: Courses in Spokane reflect a mix of classic and modern designs, influenced by architects from across the United States.
• Notable Designers: Alister MacKenzie (influence on Spokane Country Club), Robert Trent Jones Sr. (influence on Manito Golf Course).

Geographical Advantages

• Terrain: The rolling hills and valleys of the Inland Northwest provide a natural setting for golf courses.
• Climate: The mild climate allows for a long golf season.
• Landscape: The forests, rivers, and mountains surrounding Spokane create a beautiful backdrop for golf.

Tournament History

• Notable Events: The Spokane Open is a long-standing amateur tournament.
• Championship Venues: The Inland Northwest Golf Club has hosted several amateur and professional tournaments.

Golf Community

• Local Associations: Spokane Area Golf Association (https://www.spokaneag.org/).
• Leagues: Numerous golf leagues are available for golfers of all skill levels.
• Networking Opportunities: Attend golf tournaments and events to connect with other golfers.

Special Features

Golfer Profiles

• Beginner: Little Falls, Manito
• Intermediate: Peppertree, Riverside
• Advanced: Inland Northwest, Spokane Country Club, Copper River

Seasonal Pricing Guide (Approximate)**

• Spring/Fall: $35 - $70
• Summer: $45 - $90
• Winter: $30 - $60 (with potential discounts)

Weather Contingencies

• Indoor Alternatives: Golf simulators, driving ranges, indoor practice facilities.
• Rainy Day Alternatives: Museums, breweries, restaurants, shopping.

Local Partnerships

• Stay-and-Play Deals: Check with local hotels and resorts for stay-and-play packages.
• Group Discounts: Many courses offer group discounts for parties of 12 or more.
• Affiliate Programs: Consider joining affiliate programs for golf equipment retailers.

Accessibility Notes

• Manito Golf Course: Offers accessible tees and carts.
• Riverside Golf Course: Offers accessible tees and carts.
• Inland Northwest Golf Club: Offers accessible tees and carts.

Disclaimer: Course details, pricing, and availability are subject to change. Please check the course website or contact the course directly for the most up-to-date information.

This guide is designed to be a living document. We'll continue to update it with new information and insights. Happy golfing!