Courtesy of the club
Courtesy of Black Rock
Rob Perry/Courtesy of The Golf Club at Blackrock
Courtesy of Black Rock
Courtesy of Black Rock
The Golf Club At Black Rock
Coeur D Alene, ID • Private
The Golf Club At Black Rock
18168 S Kimberlite Dr
Coeur D Alene, ID 83814-5489
United States
Overview
Jim Engh’s architecture is all about turning fantasies into realities, and Black Rock delivers on that goal like few others, with some bobsled-run fairways (where one can putt from landing area downhill to the green), rollicking putting surfaces framed by squiggly bunkers and a par-4 11th pinched by towering rock formations that bring to mind a pinball machine. Unusual and controversial (it won Best New Private in 2003 ahead of Friar’s Head and Dallas National), Black Rock is a thrilling round of golf.
About
Awards
Ranking history:
Second 100 Greatest: Ranked since 2021.
Previous ranking: 141st.
2025-'26 ranking: 160th.
100 Greatest: Ranked from 2009-'20.
Highest ranking: 27th, 2009-'10.
Best in State: Ranked first, 2005-'09. Ranked second, 2011 to current.
2025-'26 ranking (and previous): 2nd.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“The Golf Club at Black Rock is a Jim Engh design overlooking Lake Coeur D’Alene in Idaho. Playing 7,130 yards from the back tees at a slope of 144 and rating of 72.8, Black Rock is a tale of two nines. The open front is exposed and subject to windy conditions, especially from some of the elevated tees. The first nine holes, while all good holes, are simply a prelude to the secluded, wooded back nine holes offering spectacular views of the lake, along with impressive rock formations and cascading waterfalls. The majority of holes at Black Rock play with at least some downhill elevation changes, especially on the front 9. The only uphill holes, the 12th, 15th, 17th, and 18th, are all at the end of the back nine making it a challenging final 4 holes. There is a preponderance of dogleg left (1, 4, 10, 11, 12, 15) so bring your draw if you want shorter approaches. Only the 6th is a dogleg right but a fade can be played on all but the 10th and 15th holes, albeit at the cost of a longer second shot. The elevated tees make many of the holes play shorter than their yardage but a nice breeze on the exposed front nine takes away some of the downhill benefit. All 5 of the par 5s play long, even the downhill 3rd, 8th, and 16th, with the shortest being the 12th at 568 yards. Very big hitters can think about reaching in two but they are 3 shotters for most players. Some significant elevation changes on the par 3s, particularly 2, 9, 13, and 14, make club selection of paramount importance. The 3 par 3s on the front nine are all long holes, over 200 yards, but elevated tees on 2 and 9 ease the burden somewhat. There is a good blend of par 4s with none drivable but all range in length from the short 368 yard 17th, but it is uphill, to the 453 yard 15th. The conditioning at Black Rock was good, but not at the level expected of such a renowned private club. Fairways were firm but spotty as were the greens, although they did roll true. Perhaps highly accomplished players could spin the greens but they seemed reluctant to accept all but perfectly struck shots without a big hop and release. Bunkers were very good with a consistent feel throughout. Black Rock is a fine golf course with stunning views of the Lake, particularly on the back nine. While beautiful, the waterfalls on 11 and 15 are manmade and just seem a bit false or contrived, as if they don’t really belong. Maybe it is just my personal opinion, but fake aesthetic enhancements detract from the natural beauty rather than enhance. The Golf Club at Black Rock is a very playable golf experience, not particularly difficult for highly skilled players. Greens are not overly severe, sloped, or fast and there is plenty of room off the tee, especially on the front 9. Significant elevation changes shorten the course by at least a couple hundred yards and diminish the challenge for the better players. It is a course that may become boring for studs but will always be a fun, scenic tour-deforce for everyone else. While very good, there is just something missing – perhaps the conditioning being slightly off or trying too hard with the waterfalls – from Black Rock being truly great."
Read More2025
Review
“The Golf Club at Black Rock is a Jim Engh design overlooking Lake Coeur D’Alene in Idaho. Playing 7,130 yards from the back tees at a slope of 144 and rating of 72.8, Black Rock is a tale of two nines. The open front is exposed and subject to windy conditions, especially from some of the elevated tees. The first nine holes, while all good holes, are simply a prelude to the secluded, wooded back nine holes offering spectacular views of the lake, along with impressive rock formations and cascading waterfalls. The majority of holes at Black Rock play with at least some downhill elevation changes, especially on the front 9. The only uphill holes, the 12th, 15th, 17th, and 18th, are all at the end of the back nine making it a challenging final 4 holes. There is a preponderance of dogleg left (1, 4, 10, 11, 12, 15) so bring your draw if you want shorter approaches. Only the 6th is a dogleg right but a fade can be played on all but the 10th and 15th holes, albeit at the cost of a longer second shot. The elevated tees make many of the holes play shorter than their yardage but a nice breeze on the exposed front nine takes away some of the downhill benefit. All 5 of the par 5s play long, even the downhill 3rd, 8th, and 16th, with the shortest being the 12th at 568 yards. Very big hitters can think about reaching in two but they are 3 shotters for most players. Some significant elevation changes on the par 3s, particularly 2, 9, 13, and 14, make club selection of paramount importance. The 3 par 3s on the front nine are all long holes, over 200 yards, but elevated tees on 2 and 9 ease the burden somewhat. There is a good blend of par 4s with none drivable but all range in length from the short 368 yard 17th, but it is uphill, to the 453 yard 15th. The conditioning at Black Rock was good, but not at the level expected of such a renowned private club. Fairways were firm but spotty as were the greens, although they did roll true. Perhaps highly accomplished players could spin the greens but they seemed reluctant to accept all but perfectly struck shots without a big hop and release. Bunkers were very good with a consistent feel throughout. Black Rock is a fine golf course with stunning views of the Lake, particularly on the back nine. While beautiful, the waterfalls on 11 and 15 are manmade and just seem a bit false or contrived, as if they don’t really belong. Maybe it is just my personal opinion, but fake aesthetic enhancements detract from the natural beauty rather than enhance. The Golf Club at Black Rock is a very playable golf experience, not particularly difficult for highly skilled players. Greens are not overly severe, sloped, or fast and there is plenty of room off the tee, especially on the front 9. Significant elevation changes shorten the course by at least a couple hundred yards and diminish the challenge for the better players. It is a course that may become boring for studs but will always be a fun, scenic tour-deforce for everyone else. While very good, there is just something missing – perhaps the conditioning being slightly off or trying too hard with the waterfalls – from Black Rock being truly great."
Read More2025
Review
“A unique golf course on the side of the mountain overlooking lake Coeur D Alene."
Read More2023
Review
“Dramatic course, elevation changes, no two holes alike, great views of the lake and water falls. Photogenic opportunities."
Read More2023
Review
“Beautiful Jim Engh creation with views of Lake Couer D'Alene. Fun course to play and in great condition. Make sure to play it if invited."
Read More2022
Review
“Wonderful Engh course with even better views. The course certainly was built for aesthetics but is still fun and relatively easy for all skill levels to play. Bring your camera."
Read More2022
Review
“Great views, great variety in holes. An argument can be made that this is Jim Engh's best work."
Read More2019
Review
“Great course, clubhouse and service. The two nines are very different with a more open layout on the front and more trees, water and elevation on the back. Several holes have terrific views of the lake and a couple have unique waterfalls over the rocks. One of the best clubhouses I've seen with lots of natural wood and western art. The course is great fun to play ."
Read More2018
Review
“Gated, secluded. One of the best clubhouses in golf. It is cart golf - although someone in very good shape might be able to walk it. Stunning lake views, interesting rock formations, and a waterfall that stops one in their tracks to look at it. Top conditioning gives the whole experience a decadent feel. A very fun day of golf. If invited, jump at the chance."
Read More2018
Review
“Great course with nice views and friendly staff. They were super accommodating overall and my caddie was able to give me an in depth history of the course."
Read More2018
