The Floating Green Returns!
Friday, April 12 was the official start of the spring golf season! At The Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course, this year’s Opening Day didn’t just signify the start of spring golfing, but also the welcoming of the new-and-improved Floating Green!
If you’ve been by the course this winter, you may have noticed something… missing. The iconic Floating Green vanished from the beautiful blue waters of Lake Coeur d’Alene for a facelift this winter. But rest assured, these renovations were completed and the famous 14th hole returned to its rightful spot in time for the spring golf season kickoff!
Now, let’s get into the dirty details! This modernization of the Floating Green included replacing the soil (and removing about 100 tons of sand to lighten the load), re-sodding the turf grass, and updating the irrigation system that keeps the turf that luscious green color. New wood panels will surround the exterior of the green, setting it up for 25+ years of golf action.
By removing the excess sand, the structure sits up higher in the water, which will allow the green to be closer to shore. This means more opportunities for our guests to “be on” the green. Everyone asks, “Did you get on the green?,” we want you to be able to say “yes!”. Golf fanatics, don’t worry- the Floating Green distance will change daily so the challenge is still there!
The putting surface area has been recontoured under the direction of golf course architect Scott Miller. Scott was the original architect for the entire golf course, so it’s a perfect fit for him to help us update the 14th hole! The bunkers will also all be rebuilt with state-of-the-art liner systems that keep the proper amount of sand in the right location, at the proper depth for proper playability. We know you don’t plan to land in a bunker, but know they’ve been newly designed if you happen to find yourself there!
The Floating Green is also ‘going green’! The winches that move the green are driven by hydraulics, allowing the green’s distance to change. The hydraulic fluid is being switched to a vegetable compound for environmental safety; this compound is safe to use in water, should there ever be a spill.
We sure are excited about the new-and-improved Floating Green and can’t wait to share it with golfers from around the world! Interested in being one of the first to play the new green? Explore spring golf packages and enjoy all that The Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course has to offer. See you on the green!