Sun Valley, ID
Cool-summer golf in Hemingway's mountains — trout streams, big peaks and a storied lodge.
America's original destination ski resort turns into a golf idyll every summer. Trail Creek, the resort's Robert Trent Jones Jr. headliner, winds along its namesake stream beneath Bald Mountain, with the White Clouds nine perched above for golden-hour loops, and the Elkhorn course adding a second full 18 across the valley. The Sun Valley Lodge anchors it all with real history — Hemingway famously worked here — and Ketchum, five minutes away, brings the mountain-town bar and restaurant scene. Fly-fishing, gondola rides and alpine air fill everything between rounds.
| Course | Designer | Notes | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trail Creek | Robert Trent Jones Jr. | The headliner along Trail Creek beneath Bald Mountain — stream crossings and postcard backdrops. The marquee. | resort |
| White Clouds | — | The dramatic nine on the high ground — sunset views over the whole valley. | resort |
| Elkhorn | — | The valley's second full championship 18 — a strong change of pace across the way. | resort |
The resort
The storied 1936 lodge — Hollywood and Hemingway history on the walls, a famous pool, and the village, spa and first tee all at hand.
◆ The private house
A mountain house in Ketchum or the Elkhorn valley — hot tub under the peaks, a fire table for cool evenings, and both courses within ten minutes.
4-6 BR · sleeps 8-12 · ~$700–$3,000/nt
AM Fly into Sun Valley via Salt Lake or Seattle, or drive up from Boise.
PM Check in at the lodge, walk the village, welcome dinner in Ketchum.
AM The RTJ Jr. headliner along the stream.
PM Gondola up Bald Mountain or pool hour; duckpin bowling and drinks at the lodge.
AM The valley's second 18 at Elkhorn.
PM Guided fly-fishing on silver water; steak dinner in town.
AM The team match back on Trail Creek.
PM Trophy dinner, then a sunset White Clouds nine — the best golden hour in golf.
AM Breakfast on the terrace, one last mountain look, then the flight out.
When the South is 100 degrees, Sun Valley is 75 and dry — mountain golf along a trout stream, a historic lodge with Hemingway ghosts, and Ketchum's bars at night. The great summer-escape trip.
Book lodge rooms and golf together; July–August is peak mountain season and the town fills. Direct summer flights serve Sun Valley's own airport with connections through Salt Lake and Seattle — Boise is the drive-in backup. Add a guided fly-fishing half day.