Nested high above the Spokane sight

Indian Canyon shines like a starlit night

Up and down the golf walk we’ll go

Sending shivers from your head to toe

Narrow fairways fall from left to right

Demanding exact shots to keep it tight

Land it short or land it long

But for heaven’s sake keep it strong!

The Inland Northwest is rich in Native American history with numerous tribes settling in and around Spokane, one of which the city is named after. In Salishan, the name Spokane is translated to“Children of the Sun” or “sun people”. Along with the Spokane tribe, the Coeur d’Alene, Kalispel, Pend Orielle, Flathead, Kootenay, Colville and more, all called the area home. With land available west of downtown, or Indian Canyon Park, many of the Native Community built and lived in teepees and camps very near where the present day golf course lies. In 1913, part of this park became a golf course. The Indian Canyon GC we know today was then designed in 1930 by H. Chandler Egan, with play starting in 1935.  The teepees and camps remained inhabited well into the 1950s.

As a youngster, I remember driving “out of town” to Indian Canyon.  On the way was the cutest par 3 golf course ever created (at least in my memory).  Sunset Par 3  To play the short nine was a treat, and a warm up for many of the cities golf courses.  And Sunset was but a few par 5s away from one of the best tracks in the area, even the state… Indian Canyon.  Every time I visit this beautiful facility, it is a step back in time and a memory that makes me both smile and cry.  Sunset is no longer and so much growth has enveloped the area.  However, the golf course remains an anomaly as it is yesteryear and the present all rolled up in one.

Making the drive up the road and into the parking lot, close your eyes and embrace the energy, spirits from so many of the golfing greats and VIPs.   From the well knowns of Bing Crosby, Byron Nelson, Ben Hogan to the esteemed tribes of the Spokane to many others, Indian Canyon has been host to a wondrous group of people, and they certainly deserve it.

Holding guard and sharing views...the clubhouse and pro shop

Just steps away from the parking lot and similar to many of the other municipal or public courses in the city, the proshop and clubhouse, are a step back in time.  Sitting high up on the hill, the views to the city and Mount Spokane etch an indelible memory in your mind.. Add the rich history of multiple USGA events to the PGA’s Esmeralda Open to top 25 Public Course Honors, IC is like a present on any holiday morning. It may not be long, but the design, undulations, tree-lined fairways and need for course management upend any lack of yardage.

Since the old Sunset is gone, a warm up at the IC driving range will have to do.  Once ready, take the drive or walk down from the Proshop and set your feet on the first tee of this very special place.  A relatively benign but demanding straightaway par 4 opens the course  With the promise of air beneath the tee ball, the first shot of the day tantalizes, excites and urges you to just let it rip!  A hop in an old-style gas cart, or toss of the bag on your back and you are on the way. Meandering through beautiful tall pines, rolling hills and uneven lies, the front takes you on a journey to hit all kinds of shots.

The narrow first fairway

After finishing the first hole, you are off to the races. But, without local/home course knowledge, the quest of mighty par might start to slip.  Again, length is not the issue, but a bit of trickery and incredibly well designed holes and you are in for a test.  There is none more evident than the second and third holes, short on the card but oh so difficult.  Blind tee shots, sloping fairways and menacing trees; the trifecta of trouble.  Hybrids and long irons are not a bad idea for the tee ball, just getting in play is strategy.

Holes 4 - 7 wind, meander, move through the pines and when it is wet, it is tough.  With only one par 5 on the front nine, the par 3s and 4s stretch out giving demands to mid and short irons into brutally tough greens.

Play down the 3rd...the undulations of Indian Canyon

Coming to the par 3, #8, it s one of the hardest holes on the course (for me!) as it is narrow and feisty. No matter the tee you are playing, par (your par) is a wonderful achievement.

Heading up the 9th fairway, take a gander to the canyon walls.  What went on there?  What is the history?  Then take out the driver and go.  Though the final hole on the front is one of the shortest par 4s on the course, the gradual climb up the hill demands you add a few clubs on approach.

With beautiful hues of green and city views, the #10 tee box is snuggled just to the right of #1. This lovely par 4 (5 from the front tees) straight down to a timber-lined green invites you to just take the walk, hitting a little white ball along the way. The spiritual walk of the back nine is underway.  Indian Canyon is about to unleash the powers of wonder.

Timber-line green of the 10th

The short par 3, 11th, sets temptation on high as the yardage is but a wee child.  But be extra aware as the bumps and dips play more of Pinball Wizard than an easy two putt. The smallest hole of the day is followed by the biggest hole of the day, #12, simply a beast, then a sinister little par 3 and then a ripper of a par 4.

The homestretch of this golf course is one of the toughest in town. Though the scorecard might not infer as such, the common day moisture and climb back up to the clubhouse, add to the challenge. By the time you stand on the 18th tee, you have used so much in your arsenal but you grin, take the grip and rip it up the center. If you are carrying your clubs, bless you. Take that walk, make the putt and ready yourself for the 19th hole.

Blind shots on the back nine

What a test of golf. What glorious walk. What a storied history. Indian Canyon deserves all the accolades it has received over the years. A kudos to the staff and maintenance crew as the course is always in amazing condition! When in Spokane, do as the locals and belly up to the 1st hole at IC and walk with the best.