Shadow Valley Golf Course

Beautiful scenery and beautiful course layout. Green roll beautifully perfect weather.

Greens played somewhat slow but true, fairways great shape. Staffing great kept golfers hydrated with bottled water throughout the day.

Another great Boise course. Plenty of elevation changes. Trees lining almost all fairways so I spent alot of the day punching the ball. Greens were in good shape.

I reviewed this course in '17 and everything in that review remains true, but it's been a few years and an update on conditions etc. is never a bad idea.

Currently the course is playing great, without much in the way of pace of play issues. Yesterday we did have a slow group that bogged things down around the 8th hole (for us anyway... they were 5 groups ahead of us I'm told)... anyway, the course proactively got on top of that and by the 11th hole we were going at the pace we wanted again the rest of the way.... all that you can ask for.

As mentioned in other reviews, there are two rather different sides to Shadow; the rolling front nine (that can be a challenge to walk in places because of hills, but is still quite walk-able) and the almost entirely flat back nine featuring doglegs on 5 of the 9 holes.

There are a few holes on the front that can set you up for blind second shots, but only the 5th is really all the dangerous.

It's also worth mentioning that Shadow may have the best, most consistent, bunkers in Boise. I'm never going to say I *like* being in the sand... but I consistently feel I have a good chance - not only to get out, - but also to give myself a chance of a save in these traps.

This is very much on the short list of "don't miss" courses if you're going to be playing in Boise (especially if you're only going to play nine.... the front nine is special if you like a little quirk and scenery in your round!)

It never ceases to amaze me how SVGC plays like 2 completely different courses. The front plays almost as a links- exposed greens, lots of fairway slope. The cant of the fairway will make or break your 9.
The back is all angles. You need to be able to move the ball in both directions, hit low & high shots, and have good distance control. It's a parkland 9, with trees bordering every fairway but 1. Wondwrful short yard challenge. Highly recommended

My favorite part of this track is that there are (almost) not two holes that are alike. You could argue that 10 and 12 are similar (dog leg left par 4's requiring either a relatively short tee shot, or a successful cutting of the corner over trees); however, even these holes differ quite a bit after you get beyond the general nature of the tee shot.

The short par 4 second hole is a perfect example of the interesting course elements in play here. After a short tee shot (I use a 7 iron unless I'm feeling bold and trying to cut part of the corner over trees - even then just a 5) you are left with another fairly short downhill shot (a wedge if you cut a little off the corner with a longer club, else an 8 or 9) into a shallow green with a creek running in front of it and OB on the other three sides.

Most of the holes on the front nine have some sort of roll or elevation change, while much (all but 2 holes) of the back flattens out. The back, however, features dog legs or other course elements on each hole to keep things interesting. There is more OB on this course than you will find on most Treasure Valley courses so if you are not shooting accurately you can go through quite a few balls; however it's a pleasure - both interesting and scenic - to play as long as you are fairly accurate.

I've seldom had issues with pace of play here, with things generally moving along quite nicely. The clubhouse folks are always welcoming and friendly as well. Shadow Valley is one of the better courses in the Boise area and certainly worth having toward the top of your "get out and play" list.

Really enjoyed playing this course; definitely worth the short drive to the outskirt of Boise. I found it to be challenging, but very fun! Each hole keeps you on your toes, as you strategically maneuver your way around the course. The staff was very friendly and offered me a free bottle of water and a cookie on my way to the first tee. Some of the greens were inconsistent, but they're in the process of resolving the issue. *All of the greens were in good condition and played well - just a couple differed from the others. This course is now on my list for playing when I'm in town for business.