Three Legendary Courses. One Unforgettable Golf Trip.
Your guide to planning the ultimate golf getaway at Sun Valley Resort
Sun Valley Resort has been welcoming guests since 1936, and golf has been part of the experience from the resort's very first summer in 1937, when the original Sun Valley Golf Course opened. Today, the golf experience has expanded to 45 holes across three distinct championship courses, with state-of-the-art practice facilities and professional instruction, all set against the stunning mountain scenery of the Wood River Valley.
Whether you're planning a solo getaway, a couples vacation, or a group trip, Sun Valley is the ultimate destination for summer golf. The long sunny days of an Idaho summer mean you can easily play two courses in a day, or all three over a weekend. Here's everything you need to plan your Sun Valley golf trip:
A Legacy Built on the Fairway
The original Sun Valley Golf Course expanded to 18 holes in the 1960s before a full redesign by famed course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. in 1980. Today it's known as Trail Creek, and it anchors a legendary trifecta alongside White Clouds and Elkhorn that makes Sun Valley's golf every bit as renowned as its skiing. Far from repetitive, each course carries a completely different personality and challenge. Wildlife sightings are common at all three, and even in the busiest months, a sense of solitude and peacefulness reigns supreme.
The Three Courses
Trail Creek
18 Holes · 6,974 yards · Par 72 · Redesigned by Robert Trent Jones Jr.
Surrounded by the stunning peaks of Bald Mountain and the Pioneer and Boulder Mountain Ranges, Trail Creek is the grand dame of Sun Valley golf. This 18-hole, par 72 layout spans 6,974 yards and offers a mix of tree-lined fairways, strategic bunkers, and water features that are as beautiful as they are demanding. The front nine features seven crossings over its namesake creek, a tributary of the Big Wood River, adding both spectacle and challenge, while the back nine integrates seamlessly into the surrounding alpine landscape. Trail Creek fits so naturally into the valley that at times it feels more like playing in a nature reserve than on a golf course. Don't let that fool you, as large mature trees, elevated greens, and blind doglegs are more than enough to keep even the lowest handicaps on their toes.
White Clouds Golf Course
9 Holes · 3,600 Yards · Par 36 · Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.
Perched above Sun Valley Resort with sweeping 360-degree views of Bald Mountain, Dollar Mountain, and the Pioneer Range, White Clouds course is an unforgettable alpine links-style experience. At 3,600 yards across 9 holes, the numbers may seem approachable, but this course is not for the faint of heart. Constantly rolling terrain, deep bunkers, narrow fairways, golf-ball-gobbling sagebrush hillsides, and diabolical pin placements will humble even the best golfers. Best played for the first time in the still early mornings or late evenings when the wind isn't howling, ideally with someone who knows the course. Bring a few extra balls, take some deep breaths, and enjoy those views. It's well worth every challenging stroke.
Elkhorn Golf Course
18 Holes · 7,214 · Par 72 · Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. & Jr.
Originally opened in 1974 and acquired by Sun Valley Company in 2011, Elkhorn presents a formidable golfing experience built to test you. Its expansive 7,214-yard layout features large undulating greens and over 100 strategically placed sand traps and bunkers that will challenge every club in your bag. It's a tale of two sides: the front nine, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., features challenging terrain demanding length and precision, while the back nine, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., follows a meandering creek with water hazards on nearly every hole. Elkhorn rewards confident tee shots, and the views, from the Elkhorn hillsides across to White Clouds, are as much a part of the experience as the golf itself. Before you leave, treat yourself to a delicious meal and a well-crafted cocktail at the Elkhorn Grille.
Swing by the Sun Valley Club
No golf trip to Sun Valley is complete without time spent at the Sun Valley Club. Home to the Pro Shop for both Trail Creek and White Clouds courses, it sits just 100 yards from the first tee box of Trail Creek, making it the ideal spot to fuel up before your round or wind down after.
Perhaps the best lunch spot in Sun Valley to eat, drink, and relax, the Sun Valley Club offers a wrap-around outdoor patio with exceptional views of Bald Mountain, the Trail Creek Driving Range, and the Sawtooth Putting Course.
The Sun Valley Club is also home to all of our practice facilities: a full driving range, the 18-hole Sawtooth Putting Course, and our year-round Virtual Golf Simulator, perfect for warming up, winding down, or squeezing in a round when the weather has other ideas.
Leave the Logistics to Us
Don't let the logistics of traveling with clubs get in the way of your game. Sun Valley Resort has partnered with Ship Sticks to make it easy. Ship your clubs directly to the resort so they're waiting for you when you arrive.
While you're at it, consider booking a lesson. Whether you're navigating White Clouds for the first time or looking to sharpen your game at elevation, our Golf Professionals are available to help any golfer reach his or her goals, offering private, group, and on-course instruction.
Making the Most of Your Golf Trip
A perfect Sun Valley golf trip goes something like this: Start at Trail Creek for a classic 18-hole round. In the afternoon, cross Sun Valley Road for a spectacular (and challenging) 9-hole round on White Clouds. After 27 holes, head back to the Sun Valley Village for drinks and dinner.
The next morning, make the short drive to Elkhorn for another 18 holes of premier mountain golf. If 45 holes aren't enough, hit the Driving Range or practice your putts on the Sawtooth Putting Course.
Book Your Stay
Whether you're staying in the iconic Sun Valley Lodge or Inn, one of our condos or spacious cottages, or our townhomes on the White Clouds course, your Sun Valley Resort lodging comes with serious perks for golfers: priority tee times, advance booking privileges, and exclusive green fee discounts across all three courses.
Sun Valley is waiting — and so is your tee time