The Club at SpurWing - Championship Course

I play Spurwing once a year in a corporate event, but I've never thought to review it before... go figure. As a result I have fewer pictures to share than usual.

I like this course, and as a private facility it is very well maintained. For the most part it's pretty straight forward golf and how much defense it offers against par depends on where you tee it up. It's plenty long from the tips, and several holes are set up to protect against average to big hitters with narrowing fairways and bunkers in the landing zones. If; however, you play the member (brown) tees and drive the ball in the 250 range you will likely out-punt the courses coverage on many holes and land in a safer widening fairway... depending on the challenge you want, choose your tees carefully (the pro-shop has a useful yardage book that can help with this).

I mentioned some surprises and that yardage book could come in handy here as well. There are a few holes on the back nine with a creek running through them that is often not obvious or even visible as you prepare to take your shot. I've seen several great looking shots disappear to the players dismay because of an unseen hazard.

The signature hole (which I do have a picture of because I came about 6 inches from acing it this time out) is a great elevated tee par three that plays a little longer than the elevation change might indicate. Gauging the drop and the wind can be tricky. For what it's worth my almost-ace was an 8 iron from 181... which would normally be a hard 7 or an easy 6 for me, so about a club and a half that day.

The only hole I ever hear complaints about is 14, which is a challenge at best and tricked out at worst. There are two ponds and a "perfect" drive (I hit a 245 yard 3w to position "A"... it's a 285 carry to take on the first pond) still leaves a roughly 200 carry over water to the green. I've played with several people who simply play it as a par five and layup in front of the second pond regardless of where their drive winds up.

The service at Spurwing has been great year after year and the food is always great. The course is always in great condition when I've played as well. I can't speak to pace of play since I only play there in corporate events, but I've played very few private clubs with pace issues, so I imagine the same to be true here.

If you get a chance, I'd certainly give Spurwing a run.

Open on most of the course, plenty of sand with long holes including par 3’s. Greens are challenging and hold well. Water is in play on some holes and tempts you to go for quick rewards. The club house and the food are a must see and try. The stuff is top notch, helpful and polite. One of the best courses in Idaho. The views of the mountains and the natural wild life are all a plus too.