DM
NEW YORK
You had better make sure you hit the perfect shot if you want to make the 14th hole at this Idaho golf course. The Lake Coeur d’Alene course boasts with the world’s only floating, moveable golf green which sits in the club’s namesake. And if you manage to land your ball on the bobbing green, you’ll have to catch a boat out to take your next shot. Boasting the ultimate water hazard, the 15,000 square feet green is made up of blue grass and is surrounded by beds full of geraniums and five trees. Andy Mackimmie, head professional at the course, said: ‘The fourteenth is the ultimate risk and reward. ‘Land on the island, and you’re a hero. ‘Otherwise, you’ll join one of thousands of balls fished out of the water by divers every year.’
Players tee off from shore, then board a small electric passenger ferry known as ‘Putter’ for the trip to the floating green of the Par 3 hole. A boat attendant assists the players and caddies on and off the boat and on the return trip, a certificate of achievement is awarded to players with their name and score in calligraphy.
The man-made green is designed to move, providing a playable length ranging from 110 to 210 yards for men and 65 to 130 for women. Its movement is powered by a computer controlled twin-drum wench system which moves the green along an underwater steel cable network to the designated yardage setting.
The picturesque putting surface is so inconic that it acts as a backdrop for one of the resort’s many restaurants. Golf packages at the Coeur d’Alene Golf Resort include 18 holes on the course, lake shuttle transportation and a pre-round sports massage.