Idaho Falls has no shortage of tradition when it comes to the game of golf. Its legacy goes back to the sand-laden greens of Pinecrest in the 1930s. After decades of expanding interest and development, it now includes a vibrant community players and a trio of public championship courses.
Along with those public facilities, much of the area's rich golf history and culture has also grown through development of the Idaho Falls Country Club. This vintage American layout was shaped from the hillsides south of town in the 1960s by the prolific architect William Francis Bell -- designer of the famous Torrey Pines Golf Course in southern California.
The club's roots date back even further to 1947, when it consisted of a single building perched kitty-corner to the Idaho Falls Municipal Golf Course (as Pinecrest was once known).
Eventually, an opportunity arose for equity members to sell the old property in town. After some serious scouting, the club found its new home 8 miles south in the gently rolling foothills. The terrain and soil were ideal, and the distance from Idaho Falls was deemed a perfect balance between privacy and accessibility.
Today, the country club is renowned for its tight fairways, lightning quick greens and scenic rolling layout. More than that, it also sports a growing reputation as one of the best deals in the region for the full country club experience.
"It has been continually improving for decades," says Ralph Hartwell, one of the club's oldest members. "It's a fine golf course. Above all, it has great character."
According to IFCC staffers, Hartwell and fellow club member Wayne Murphy have each tallied up a membership span of more than 49 years. (The two men were recently honored along with other long-time members in the club's recent "Legends" banquet.)
Hartwell notes that since the beginning of his time on the hill, the insignificant saplings that once dotted the layout have now become towering pines that flank the fairways at every turn.
Hartwell doesn't claim a particular hole at the club as his favorite, but is quick to praise the overall layout and design that has been maintained and improved over the decades.
"The changes in elevation -- that is one of the real plusses up here," he said. "The views are always stunning. And the staff here are getting better all the time, too, just like the course."
At the helm of the ship is PGA Professional Jon Potter, who serves as the club's General Manager. At his side is Head PGA Professional Jason Jacobsen and Assistant PGA Professional Sean Thomsen, as well as Head GCSAA Superintendent Josh Benson.
According to Potter, the economic decision to join should be a no-brainer for anyone with a penchant for great golf, personalized instruction, fine dining and a great atmosphere.
The club's dining room and clubhouse facility falls under the management of Korbit Kreimann. "It's just one more element that gives it the intimate atmosphere, along with some incredible food," Potter told us. "You're not waiting for a table at this place, either. The menu is outstanding, and the service, of course, is incredible."
To celebrate its 50 years on the hill, the club is offering an outlandishly good "50-50-50" deal on introductory membership packages. For anyone signing up in 2014, the initiate fee is just (you guessed it) $50, plus 50 percent off monthly dues for the first year.
For a full rundown of prices and other membership details, visit www.ifcountryclub.com or call 523-5762.