Duffers will find plenty of great golf opportunities in the two northernmost Idaho counties, with two tournament-ready 18-hole courses and another being built, 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 closed in 2006 to undergo a comprehensive facelift. It is now being transformed into The Idaho Club, complete with 18 holes of Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf. Look for the course to be ready for play in 2008. Phone (800) 323-7020.

Stoneridge Golf Course Here you’ll find 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. Phone (208) 437-4653 or look up 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. Phone (208) 443-2525 or go to 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.