Gozzer Ranch Golf & Lake Club

I know Gozzer is private...but if you can find your way onto the course, Do NOT pass up the chance. One of Tom Fazio's finest, if not his best. Staff is wonderful. Views are amazing, and the golf course is in perfect condition. Not a single weak hole... hole after hole of incredible golf. The best in Idaho and the Northwest. You will wish you could play it everyday..

I fell in love with Coeur D'Alene when I had the chance to taste the good life for a couple days in 2010. The Tom Fazio design really couldn't be a better blend of interesting holes but imminently playable for members out to have good times. The scenery is unreal thanks both to natural beauty and Fazio's ability to shape holes, in this case out of pretty severe and sloping rock.

Discovery Land rolls out all the stops (comfort stations are stocked with all sorts of goodies) but the casual nature of the place -- like all the outdoor areas -- is sublime.

Icing on the cake: Wayne Gretzky was at the outdoor bar when we were there, so I got to say hi to a hockey hero. There was a member-guest tournament about to take place and I saw names like Brett Hull on the board, too.

I don't think there is a better modern club I've played in the west. It's special. If you get the invite, get on the first plane to Spokane.

(Editor's note: I'm leaving the value rating blank because they're working with a level of coin up here of which I'm not familiar!)

Course is absolutely spectacular. Amazing lake views, over the top comfort stations, great layout and pure greens...and, Gretzky has a wine cellar there!