Golf Course Review by: Bill Satterfield (2009)
Rankings:
The Takeaway: Grade C
Quick Facts
Designer: John Harbottle in 1996
Cost: $27.00 - $34.00 plus cart Click for current rates
Phone Number: (208) 468-9073 - Jim Brown, Head Professional
Course Website: Official Website - Visit Ridgecrest Golf Club's official website by clicking on the link provided.
Directions: Get here! - 3730 Ridgecrest Dr., Nampa, Idaho – UNITED STATES
Photos: See additional photos of Ridgecrest Golf Club
What to Expect: The first eleven holes at Ridgecrest have a much more open, linksy type of feel to them. Starting with #12 the course takes on a whole new attitude with a mega dropoff par three and then through some additional elevation changes and several water hazards. It is a fantastic contrast of holes, plus there is an additional nine hole executive course on site that measures nearly 2400 yards.
By the Numbers
| Tees | Par | Yardage | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White | 72 | 6824 | 71.2 | 125 |
| Black | 72 | 6330 | 68.6 | 117 |
| Gold | 72 | 5836 | 66.2 | 109 |
| Blue (Women) | 72 | 5193 | 68.4 | 117 |
Individual Hole Analysis
Signature Hole: 12th Hole – 227 Yard Par 3 – This dramatic holes play off a cliff edge well downhill to a green that is protected by four bunkers and a large hazard to the right. It is an exciting tee shot and the highlight of the course.
Best Par 3: 12th Hole – 227 Yards – Previously mentioned as the signature hole, the 12th hole is one of the most dramatic par threes in the state and likely the best par three in the Boise Valley. Playing down to a virtual peninsula green from 60 feet or so above the hole from 227 yards is fun, intimidating, and exhiliarating all wrapped up into one.
Best Par 4: 15th Hole – 285 Yards – Holes like the 285 yard 15th are what make the back nine at Ridgecrest such a blast to play. Clearly a driveable par four, the player must carry the water hazard the protects the front and left sides of the hole. A draw that follows the contour of the hole and stays over dry ground is the ideal play to set yourself up for an eagle attempt.
Best Par 5: 4th Hole – 515 Yards – The highlight of the front nine is this 515 yard par five that features a creek along the left side of the hole that flows into a large pond. The hole is reachable in two, but the green wraps around the pond so that a shot must carry the water to reach the green or the player must draw the ball in and skip it onto the green. A catch bunker is behind the green so feel free to give it a rip and see what happens.
Birdie Time: 15th Hole – 316 Yard Par 4 – Already tagged as the best par four on the course, the driveable 15th hole offers a generous landing zone to layup to if you are long enough or have the guts to go for the green in one. Either way should afford an excellent birdie opportunity.
Bogey Beware: 17th Hole – 417 Yard Par 4 – The 417 yard par four 17th hole is the nastiest and most controversial hole in all of Idaho; that's probably why I like it! Don't get me wrong, I would hate to have a handful of holes like this on the course, but one crazy challenge like the 17th is a welcome opportunity. The hole plays straight-away and after your tee shot you are faced with an uphill approach shot that is so steep you have to club-up three clubs to compensate for the change in elevation. On top of that, the green is VERY shallow to handle that type of approach but is plenty wide. Swing away and hope for the best as you tackle Idaho's toughest mid-length par four.
