Best Public Golf Courses in Spokane Wa

Updated February 2024 to update booking information.

One of our writers has spent his whole life in the Pacific Northwest.  And one of his best friends is originally from Spokane.  Every year, the two of them head back to Spokane to play golf for a few days. 

I haven’t been to Spokane personally, so that’s why I reached out to our writer for some input.  Like always, I polled our Golfer’s Authority for their thoughts as well.

After some considerable deliberation, we’ve listed the ten best choices for everyman golf below.

If you’re looking for a picturesque and affordable golfing experience in Spokane, WA, The Fairways Golf Course is a centrally located destination that offers scenic views and a mix of open and wooded areas. This public golf course is a popular choice for enthusiasts due to its difficult terrain, providing a mix of challenges for players.

The Fairways Golf Course is renowned for its beautiful setting, making it an ideal choice for both seasoned golfers and beginners. The course’s layout incorporates the natural landscape, offering a unique and enjoyable game. The combination of open and wooded areas adds variety to the game and keeps it interesting for golfers of all skill levels.

Located in Spokane, The Fairways Golf Course provides a convenient option for those in the area seeking an accessible and enjoyable round of golf. The course’s popularity can be attributed to its affordability, scenic views, and the diverse challenges it presents. Whether you’re a local resident or visiting Spokane, The Fairways Golf Course is a must-visit for anyone looking to play a round of golf in a stunning setting.

 

After experiencing the unique challenges and quaint setting of The Fairways Golf Course, your next golfing adventure in Spokane awaits at the renowned Indian Canyon Golf Course.

Nestled in the scenic landscape of Spokane, Indian Canyon offers an exceptional golfing experience with its narrow, tree-lined fairways and undulating greens. As you play golf here, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the city below, adding an extra dimension to your game.

Notably, Indian Canyon has a rich history, having hosted a PGA Tour event in 1945 and 1947. The course’s consistently high quality has earned it a spot among the best 25 courses in the US multiple times, making it a must-visit for any golf enthusiast.

Moreover, Indian Canyon Golf Course is open to the public, and the season kicks off in early March, allowing ample opportunity for avid golfers to enjoy its challenging layout and stunning surroundings.

Nestled within the charming surroundings of Spokane, Esmeralda Golf Course offers a par of 70 and covers 6,249 yards of regulation playing distance. The course is designed to provide a comfortable game and features thousands of trees creating natural bunkers.

Golfers can access a pro shop with equipment available for sale or rent and enjoy onsite food and beverage providers, as well as traveling cart services. Esmeralda Golf Course is owned by the city and is known for its flat and user-friendly layout, while also offering challenges for long hitters.

The city-owned golf course is popular among locals and provides a diverse mix of open and wooded areas for an engaging round of golf.

Windermere Golf Course, just a short drive from Esmeralda Golf Course, offers an elaborate 6,115-yard layout that attracts both local players and visitors seeking an engaging round of golf. This historic course opened in 1929, provides an idyllic setting for players to enjoy.

The course is renowned for its difficulty, making it a favorite among golfers looking for a challenge. With practice bunkers, putting greens, and a chipping area, Wandermere Golf Course offers ample opportunities for players to refine their skills and improve their game.

As one of the best public golf courses in Spokane, Windermere has garnered attention for its beautiful layout and challenging holes. Despite being somewhat overlooked, locals appreciate the course for its well-maintained grounds and engaging play. If you’re looking for a memorable round of golf in Spokane, Wandermere Golf Course is a must-visit. It’s no wonder it has earned a spot among the best public golf courses in the area, recognized by publications like Golf Digest.

If you’re seeking a thrilling and scenic golfing experience in Spokane, the Creek at Qualchan Golf Course offers a par-72 layout with well-protected greens and numerous water hazards, making it suitable for both professionals and amateurs.

Here are some reasons why you should consider playing at Creek at Qualchan Golf Course:

• Affordable Weekend Golf: Enjoy 18 holes at Creek at Qualchan Golf Course for under $40 even on weekends, making it an accessible option for golf enthusiasts.
• Convenient Amenities: Rent pull-behind trolleys and golf carts at the Pro Shop, and after your game, unwind at the restaurant and bar in the clubhouse for post-game meals and relaxation.
• Modern Design: Creek at Qualchan Golf Course is considered the crown jewel of Spokane’s golf offerings, featuring a modern design by Chandler Egan and providing a memorable golfing adventure.

The Creek at Qualchan Golf Course promises an exciting and enjoyable round of golf, with its scenic views and challenging layout. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a beginner looking for a new adventure, this course has something to offer for everyone.

Tucked away in the scenic surroundings of Liberty Lake, Trailhead Golf Course offers golfers a traditional layout and stunning vistas to enjoy while playing a round of golf. The course provides a mix of open and wooded areas, creating a beautiful backdrop for your game.

Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting, the stimulating terrain and diverse topography make Trailhead Golf Course ideal for golfers of all skill levels. The well-maintained greens and fairways, along with clubhouse amenities and professional staff assistance, ensure a pleasant visit.

Despite being somewhat overlooked, this gem of a course is beloved by locals for its idyllic setting and breathtaking views. If you’re looking for a unique and memorable golfing experience in the Spokane area, Trailhead Golf Course is a must-visit.

Nestled within the serene surroundings of Coeur d’Alene, the public golf course offers an affordable and picturesque setting for golfers of all skill levels. The course meanders through a pine forest, providing a serene and scenic backdrop for your game. It’s suitable for players of all levels, with diverse challenges and layouts to test your skills. Coeur d’Alene Public Golf Course is often overlooked but beloved by locals for its idyllic setting, making it a hidden gem for golf enthusiasts.

Here are some key points to consider about the Coeur d’Alene Public Golf Course:

• An affordable option for golfers
• Scenic pine forest setting
• Suitable for all skill levels

If you’re looking for a memorable golfing tour of golf in the beautiful surroundings of Coeur d’Alene, this course is a must-visit. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting, the Coeur d’Alene Public Golf Course offers a delightful and challenging experience for all.

 

Between Spokane and Coeur d’Alene is Post Falls, Idaho.  That’s where the hidden gem of Prairie Falls Golf Club is located. 

The two nines here are totally different, but blend together perfectly.  One nine is wide open and linksy, and the other tight and tree lined. 

You might think that the open nine allows you to bomb away.  Such isn’t the case.  The course isn’t long. But it puts a premium on course management and accuracy.  If you like to hit different shots, Prairie Falls is calling your name. 

Our writer loves the latter fact just for that reason.  He insists everyone else will too.

I don’t think I’ve used the words “links” and “mountain” in the same sentence when describing a golf course, but I’m about to.

As its name would suggest, Links Golf Club incorporates both elements of mountain and links golf in its design.  You’re at elevation here, and the ball travels a country mile.  However, you also have the choice to play shots using the course’s contours. 

Our writer and his childhood friend rave about this track as well. 

While the layout is outstanding, they’re equally impressed with the level of service they receive when they show up each year.  Truth be told, the staff remembered them this summer from more than 12 months prior.  How good is that?

Even though this track is also a bit of a drive from Spokane, it sounds like it’s more than worth the trek.

Another Spokane city course rounds out our list of the ten best tracks any Average Joe can play. 

It’s Downriver Golf Course.  And it’s one of the oldest in all of Eastern Washington. 

Set inside Riverside State Park, along the banks of the Spokane River’s main stem, you can’t ask for a more peaceful setting. 

This isn’t a long course by any means.  But it asks you to think on every hole.  No bomb and gouge out here, Big Fella. 

Be prepared to leave the driver in the bag and position your ball off the tee.  From there, club selection remains important for tight approach shots into postage stamp, quirky greens. 

I keep mentioning the cat, but our writer loves this place too.  He has an affinity for old-school tracks, and I trust his counsel in that regard.

If you do too, come play Downriver.

Conclusion

Truth be told, I’ve never stepped foot inside the city limits of Spokane.  But I want to.  From what I can gather, it sounds like a “city” that hasn’t been gentrified like so many others on the West Coast. . . There’s still a lot to be seen here and I feel like I should look, but not touch. . . I’m left with a seed of curiosity in my mind, and I’m antsy to feel the vibe myself.

While I heeded the advice of our writer for this course guide, I garnered valuable input from our readers too.  Thanks to you all, yet again.  You never let me down.

I’d love to hear more about the golf scene in the Spokane area.  If you can shed some light, drop us a note in the comments.  And as always, thanks for your reading and your continued support.