This cities oldest golf lies to the north

Spokane Country Club was the name set forth

In the early years before the boom

And all the courses that would loom

The Kalispel council would get the call

To keep the fairways and trees of tall

And all the history that surrounds the ground

Of a golf course that was lost now found

There is a rich connection between the Native Americans and the city of Spokane. The city (and eventually golf club) name comes from the Salish language and the Spokane Tribe’s mother tongue, the meaning of which is “Children of the Sun” - though some believe it is more complicated than that. Founded in 1873 by James Glover, Spokan Falls was incorporated in 1881. It wasn’t until a few years later, in 1883, that an “e” was added to Spokan[e]. Then in 1891, Falls was dropped and the city officially was incorporated as Spokane.

In 1894, the first holes in Spokane were laid out near Liberty Park - the land was of pasture and the cups made of tomato cans. It was the foresight of Henry M. Hoyt, a prominent Spokane attorney. Having returned from a trip to the east coast of the United States, a few clubs and golf balls in tow, he set out to bring the game to the people of the town. With the excitement and interest growing, The Spokane Golf Club was founded in 1898, complete with clubhouse and nine holes, making it the fourth oldest golf club in the Northwest. It would also be one of the five original clubs coordinating the PNGA or Pacific Northwest Golf Association.

In 1904, the Club was in search of new land in order to expand the course. It was determined that Hart Field would be the new home. However, in 1908 the recently completed clubhouse was burned to the ground sending some members reeling to relocate again (others would stay prompting another private club, Manito). The original “city lines” extended to what is now, Garland Street, just a few miles from downtown Spokane. Just beyond these lines were 140 acres of pristine and natural land cuddled up against the Little Spokane River. Home to a variety of flora and fauna and unspoiled terrain, the first nine holes, thought to be designed by the Englishman James M. Barnes, were settled. The second nine would be unveiled in 1914, design unknown but with belief that the new Head Professional, David H. Findlay, had quite the hand. The foundation of the course was now set for what it is today and the clubhouse firmly stationed. The Spokane Country Club was born.

At that time, this area was a distance from the residential sections of town, so a jitney was used to transport members. The clubhouse contained rooms for anyone who wanted to stay the night or weekend. Spokane Country Club would grasp the honors of hosting the very first Women’s US Open in 1946, a match play event (the format would turn to stroke play thereafter), won by Patty Berg. A redesign in 1988 by Robert Muir Graves, Spokane CC would entertain many events before the club going through a lawsuit, ending in 2013. The Kalispel Tribe would purchase the club for $3 million and the name would change to Kalispel GC.

Driving up Waikiki Drive on the north side of the city, the polished and beautifully groomed entrance to the Kalispel GC awaits. Shortly upon arriving in the parking lot, senses arise and a spirit envelops you; there is a sense of history. A walk into the clubhouse sends out an olfactory delight; steeped deep in the crevices and throughout the architecture, you can almost smell the centurion age. For it is within these walls that time has passed and meandering steps have graced the floors. With nostalgia in your soul, move onto the nicely appointed pro shop and ultimately the first tee.

The course stretches to 6663 yards. Though one of the longest in the area, the design’s teeth make a bite with hazards and bunkers. The greens are relatively obscure but can sneak up so watch your back.  The first hole sets the stage for a musical of the Bing Crosby kind. A dogleg to the right with a sinister little bunker hugging the right side of the fairway, just enough in sight that a wayward drive can cause a little havoc. Optimum distance off the tee may not require the driver as a landing of 200 - 220 will leave a mid to short iron to the bucket. A fairly large green welcomes you to the start of the round and provides enough information for what is in store. #2 boomerangs the opposite way, tight on both side and longer than the first. With the green slightly downhill, a good drive will ensure an iron for approach. Beautiful ponderosa pines line the back of the green so going long might cause trouble. #3, though straight as a dime, it is slim and narrow and a bit of a climb. Playing longer than it looks, with a pesky tree in full play, keeping it right will keep it tight! The greens are starting to get a little tricky. The 4th hole is just plain long. Not much to the design but it requires focus and gumption. Heading to the 5th, depending on your length and wedge game, a fairway wood might be the ticket off the tee. There is a grass gulley about a buck twenty-five from the green. If you are high on the wedge, and have a cannon of a driver, go for it! It is the first real chance to pull it out. Average to long in length, the sixth hole has a subtle curve in design, otherwise it can calm the self and dial it in for what is ahead. #7 begins the unique feature of every other hole being a par 3 and par 5, up until 14 - and they will challenge your every nerve but give you time to walk in the woods. #8, beautifully designed par 5 and #9, a sticky little par 3, round the front giving every bit of agitation, yet electrifying the soul.

After a quick stop at the turn, the 10th hole swiftly and speedily requests your presence, and all of it. A wonderfully designed par 5 tempts you into shaping the drive left to right, but there is water all along that side. Best to keep to the left even though it adds a few yards. A second up the belly will give you a short iron in to a flatter green and a chance for a move to you one under. #11. Simply a long beast of a par 3. Tee it up on the right hand side of the tee to give yourself the best chance of moving it from the left. #12, just a spectacular par 5. Shapely fairway bunkers and tight landings off the tee make for a great hole and another chance for score. #13 is a spunky par 3 with trouble left…well guarded and spicy! #14, a dog leg left that gives you permission to take that driver and bend it like Beckham! A nice draw down the right side will give you the best shot in the green. As long as you can hit it straight, #15 is a great shot for birdie. Shorter in length and a fair green are a recipe for yumminess. It is no doubt that anyone who plays Kalispel will fall in love with the 16th hole. Finally a hole you can bust a drive, even take a bit of the right corner. If you are a long hitter, with the fairway sloping down, there is a chance you can hit it in two. But make sure you can get it there as the green is defended by a large front green side bunker.  So #17. What a gem. It is the design of the hole, yes, but also the surroundings. Water down the left and mammoth trees decorating the cape behind the hole. And number 18. If you come into this hole down one or even, what a great hole to finish. If you are down, take the drive and beat it over the bunkers and if you are even, take it short before the traps and go from there.

So there it is. One of the longer reviews but certainly deserving. Kalispel may not be the best course in the area, but to play it is to love it. Knowing a little bit about the background gives a different perspective. The greats have walked these hallowed grounds and now you could too. Oh, and by the way, stop in at the 1898 Public House after play.  Elegance and sophistication in a local and chill setting, topped with some of the best food and drink in the city.  The day will be complete!