Duffers will find plenty of great golf opportunities in the two northernmost Idaho counties, with three tournament-ready 18-hole courses, and three smaller courses. Use the guide below; also, check these stories on the local golf scene from past editions of Sandpoint Magazine:

* Spotlight on Golf Pros - Golf pros reveal the home-course secrets

* A Golfer’s Dream: 99 holes in 3 days - A pair of addicts go on a golf marathon

* Familiar Course … Unfamiliar Holes - Area golf resorts retool their courses

Here’s a roundup of our area courses:

The Idaho Club The former Hidden Lakes Golf Resort, 8 miles east of Sandpoint on Highway 200, was the "home course" for most local golfers, offering a scenic and challenging set of links. The course underwent a comprehensive facelift, and is now The Idaho Club, complete with 18 holes of Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf. 800-323-7020; TheIdahoClub.com.

Stoneridge Golf Course offers 18 holes with a split personality. A wide-open front nine sets you up for a trip into the timber on the back. From Sandpoint, go west on Highway 2 to Newport, Wash.; then drive south 12 miles on Highway 41 to Blanchard. 208-437-4653; StoneridgeIdaho.com.

Elks Golf Club has the distinction of being the closest course to Sandpoint as it lies just on the outskirts of town, off Highway 200 East about a half mile past the intersection with Highway 95. It is a user-friendly, nine-hole course that is reasonably priced and nicely groomed. 208-263-4321.

Priest Lake Golf Course is an 18-hole layout in the hills just west of Priest Lake, with a new back nine that has drawn favorable reviews. From Sandpoint, go west on Highway 2 to Priest River, then north on State Highway 57 to Lamb Creek. Watch for signs on right. 208-443-2525; PriestLakeGolfCourse.com.

Ranch Club Golf Course lies just west of the city of Priest River, about 30 miles west of Sandpoint on Highway 2, with nine holes. 208-448-1731.

Mirror Lake Golf Course is just south of Bonners Ferry on Highway 95, 30 miles north of Sandpoint, offering a well-groomed nine-hole course with different tees to play 18. Seven out of nine fairways slope; add water to some for lots of challenge. 208-267-5314.