Hayden Lake Country Club

[David Stamm]

I have tried doing a bit of research on the design history of this club, but have not had much luck.


https://www.haydenlakecc.com/About_the_Club




It apparently has a connection to the Olmsteds, but nothing mentioned about the course itself. I am fairly certain it was a "homemade" job in the beginning, but I wanted to see if anyone knew the evolution of the course. The typical names for the region such as Macan, Egan, Barker etc have not come up as being connected to it.




Anyone know anything?

[Daryl David]

I have heard members mention Kirtland Cutter as the original designer. Obviously there have been hundreds of changes made since. Here’s what the internet says about him. Nothing about golf. Maybe he designed the clubhouse?


Kirkland Cutter was an American architect known for his contributions to the architectural landscape of the Pacific Northwest during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He designed various notable buildings, including academic institutions, government structures, and private residences. His work often exhibited a blend of architectural styles, ranging from Beaux-Arts to Renaissance Revival. Cutter played a significant role in shaping the architectural character of cities like Spokane, Washington, and beyond.

[Daryl David]

This looks a little clearer.


The Hayden Lake Country Club was originally the site of the Bozanta Tavern (Bozanta is an Indian word meaning “meeting place by the lake”). J.C. Olmsted, of the distinguished Brookline, Massachusetts Firm of landscape architects who designed New York’s Central park, was brought out to plan the grounds. The lakeside resort was designed in 1907 by Kirtland Cutter, the leading Northwest architect of the era.
[/color]
[/color]So, maybe Olmstead for the course and Cutter for the buildings.

[Bret Lawrence]

David,


I searched the old American Annual Golf Guides and the only year the course was listed was in 1926.  In 1926 the course was referred to as the Bozanta Tavern Golf Links with a 1910 date of establishment. The course had 18 holes in 1926, with no yardage listed. 


The Olmsted Archives has very little information for Idaho projects.  It appears J.C Olmsted was contacted by the Couer d’Alene Civic Club.  There are 5 letters in the archive with two newspaper clippings pertaining to the city, but that’s as close as the Olmsted projects got to Hayden Lake from what I can see.


There are at least two histories of the course and club. 


One written in 1982 titled: Bozanta Tavern: The Hayden Lake Country Club 75th Anniversary 1907-1982


A second written in 1992, titled: Meeting Place By The Lake: An informal history of the Hayden Lake Country Club.


Both of these histories are in the USGA Museum catalog.  If you haven’t read these maybe you could contact the USGA for copies?


Good Luck with the search.


Bret

[Josh Bills]

From the Olmsted Archives 1909

[Bret Lawrence]

Nice find Josh!

[Josh Bills]

Here is a 1953 aerial showing the course more than 9 holes. 

[Josh Bills]

Doesn't appear much changed between 1953 and 1975, except the trees grew:

[Josh Bills]

Here is a 1937 aerial as well.  Doesn't appear a lot has changed over the years, but those with more local knowledge can compare:

[Josh Bills]

Here is a link to the Library of Congress file from Olmsted on Hayden Lake, I have not taken the time to review for potential discussion on the golf course:


https://www.loc.gov/resource/mss52571.mss52571-02-167_0188_0265/?st=gallery

[David Stamm]

Thank you all for your responses!

[Sven Nilsen]

Here's everything I have on Hayden Lake (o/k/a Bonzanta Tavern Golf Links) -


1907 - articles in Golfers Magazine and Golf Magazine noting the laying out of a 9 hole course at Hayden Lake (this coincides with the 9 holes noted on the 1909 Olmsted Plan, suggesting the course may have predated the Olmsted's involvement).


1925 - 1928 - listings in the American Annual Golf Guides for Bonzanta Tavern Golf Links with 18 holes, Grass greens and a date of formation of 1910.


1929 listing for the same guide contains the same information as well as a par of 70 and a yardage of 5,507 yards.


The 1938 Official Golf Guide notes the course but contains no information.

[DFarron]

Has anyone played this course? If so how was it?


Headed up there next week

[Jonathan Cummings]

I've played it 100+ times.  Probably in 20 M/Gs over the years.  I was a member at Avondale next door for some years and would have joined HLCC if I had stayed around there.  Dinner overlooking the lake in the clubhouse is as good as it gets.  The course is pleasant but too tight with nerve-racking Lakeview Rd cutting right thru the place.  You'll enjoy the first green - shaped like Idaho.  "are you playing to Coeur d'Alene, Boise or Idaho Falls today?"  The club bought 13 acres 20-some years ago and had Rathard (sp) from Denver design 3 new holes.  Bing Crosby was a member there for years as his cabin was just across the lake.  In the 1950s I have heard the M/G was the largest Calcutta in the country.  So much so a HLCC high roller brought Sam Snead out as his guest for a few years.  Pretty place but doesn't move the golf needle much.  JC

[DFarron]

I've played it 100+ times.  Probably in 20 M/Gs over the years.  I was a member at Avondale next door for some years and would have joined HLCC if I had stayed around there.  Dinner overlooking the lake in the clubhouse is as good as it gets.  The course is pleasant but too tight with nerve-racking Lakeview Rd cutting right thru the place.  You'll enjoy the first green - shaped like Idaho.  "are you playing to Coeur d'Alene, Boise or Idaho Falls today?"  The club bought 13 acres 20-some years ago and had Rathard (sp) from Denver design 3 new holes.  Bing Crosby was a member there for years as his cabin was just across the lake.  In the 1950s I have heard the M/G was the largest Calcutta in the country.  So much so a HLCC high roller brought Sam Snead out as his guest for a few years.  Pretty place but doesn't move the golf needle much.  JC

Thanks! Any other courses nearby you'd recommend ?

[Jonathan Cummings]

Play Avondale.  Close to my heart.  Very tight little housing course that can be a fun and inexpensive round.  Won't move the needle but in good shape it is quite pleasant.  I always enjoyed the Cd'A muni too.  The other more notable courses you've likely heard about.  The Cd'A Resort course, The Black Rock pair and Gozzer are all worth a tee in the ground (assuming you can get on the later three).  If you want a chance at seeing moose and bear head on up to Sandpoint and The Idaho Club.  On the south side of the Lake is Circling Raven - a nice Bates layout.  Skip the rather sad casino there!  Kalispell (Old Spokane CC) is quite good and worth a drive over to Spokane.  Further south you could play Palouse Ridge - a university course that is above average.  J

[Kalen Braley]

Jonathan,

Not sure how Indian Canyon was left off this list, perhaps just an oversight.     Outside of Black Rock and Gozzer, I would put it above all the rest you mentioned...

[DFarron]

Play Avondale.  Close to my heart.  Very tight little housing course that can be a fun and inexpensive round.  Won't move the needle but in good shape it is quite pleasant.  I always enjoyed the Cd'A muni too.  The other more notable courses you've likely heard about.  The Cd'A Resort course, The Black Rock pair and Gozzer are all worth a tee in the ground (assuming you can get on the later three).  If you want a chance at seeing moose and bear head on up to Sandpoint and The Idaho Club.  On the south side of the Lake is Circling Raven - a nice Bates layout.  Skip the rather sad casino there!  Kalispell (Old Spokane CC) is quite good and worth a drive over to Spokane.  Further south you could play Palouse Ridge - a university course that is above average.  J

Thanks for the referrals, looks like I’m headed to Idaho Club but I may have a chance at Gozzer.

[Jonathan Cummings]

Jonathan,

Not sure how Indian Canyon was left off this list, perhaps just an oversight.     Outside of Black Rock and Gozzer, I would put it above all the rest you mentioned...

Played IC many times.  A worthy muni and once a perennial top 50 or so public in the US.  Two things I have never liked about IC is it's often in ratty condition sometimes to the point of neglect and the other it that it's a complete bitch to walk with level lies the exception rather than the norm.  Even in good condition I would not put IC above Avondale, HLCC, Circling Raven or Idaho club in my personal Inland Empire rankings.

[Kalen Braley]

Different strokes for different folks and all...

I get Idaho Club and Circling Raven, they are fine modern layouts, but in this case my preference lies with an old-timey course like IC with its wicked greens, fairways built in giant swales instead of being bulldozed to oblivion, and uneven lies aplenty to challenge each shot.  Its got great bones, and a Gil Hanse-like restoration would certainly make it sparkle again.  Full disclosure HLCC is the one course mentioned a few posts ago that I haven't played.

P.S.  I know Avondale is a sentimental pick for you, but I have a hard time putting it any higher than 2 on the DS.

[Jonathan Cummings]

Different strokes for different folks and all...

I get Idaho Club and Circling Raven, they are fine modern layouts, but in this case my preference lies with an old-timey course like IC with its wicked greens, fairways built in giant swales instead of being bulldozed to oblivion, and uneven lies aplenty to challenge each shot.  Its got great bones, and a Gil Hanse-like restoration would certainly make it sparkle again.  Full disclosure HLCC is the one course mentioned a few posts ago that I haven't played.

P.S.  I know Avondale is a sentimental pick for you, but I have a hard time putting it any higher than 2 on the DS.

Fully admit my love for Avondale is sentimental.  Way too constrained by housing.  But in great conditions like the many M/Gs I've played there, it's a joy.

[David Stamm]

Speaking as a resident here in the CDA area, Indian Canyon is not to be missed. The green complexes are just brilliant. A favorite of of Tommy N and my home course. Perhaps Egan's best preserved course.


Idaho Club is a very pretty setting, but a very, very difficult course with lots of forced carries. Its worth playing once, but no more than that.


Circling Raven is a good option. Bates did a good job overall.


Latah Creek, (formerly Hangman's Valley) is a solid course and probably my 2nd favorite course on the Spokane side of the border.

[DFarron]

Speaking as a resident here in the CDA area, Indian Canyon is not to be missed. The green complexes are just brilliant. A favorite of of Tommy N and my home course. Perhaps Egan's best preserved course.


Idaho Club is a very pretty setting, but a very, very difficult course with lots of forced carries. Its worth playing once, but no more than that.


Circling Raven is a good option. Bates did a good job overall.


Latah Creek, (formerly Hangman's Valley) is a solid course and probably my 2nd favorite course on the Spokane side of the border.

You were so correct about Idaho Club. Beautiful surrounding and first class but too many forced carries and if you missed the green there was very little way to recover.

[David Stamm]

Upon further research, it appears that Hayden Lake CC was called the Coeur d’Alene Country Club at Hayden Lake prior to 1985.

[Jonathan Cummings]

That's not true.  I was there in the early 80s.  Griffitts (Henry/Griffitts clubs) had just retired as head pro.  Bud Hofmeister (old head pro and pal of member/crooner Bing Crosby) was old but still giving lessons there.  It was called Hayden Lake CC then.  Be curious of your source as I have never heard it called CDA CC.