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Downriver Golf Course delivers classic muni golf beside the Spokane River

Downriver Golf Course opened in 1916 and is the city’s oldest layout. The fairways sit in a bend of the Spokane River under tall pines. Rolling ground and river banks shape many holes, yet the walk stays gentle. Downtown sits ten minutes away, but the park setting feels far from traffic and noise. The Downriver Golf Course is adjacent to the Riverside State Park.

Downriver Golf Course Fast Facts

Holes / Par

18  71

Back tee yardage

6 130 yd

Course rating / slope

68.8  115

Designer

Early city crew, opened 1916

Setting

Riverside parkland with pine canopy

Practice

Range, putting green, short game area

 

Downriver Golf Course Overview

The routing makes two nine-hole loops out and back from the stone clubhouse. Front holes move north and east along the river. The back nine turns into thicker timber then returns at the water’s edge. Fairways are generous but lined by pine trunks that block recovery shots. Greens are small and tilt toward the river. Summer turf firms up, so low running chips often save par. Water comes into play on seven holes. Bunkers are shallow yet large, asking for crisp sand play. Downriver welcomes all skill levels, but the river wind and sloping greens keep low scores honest.

Hole By Hole Highlights

Hole

Par • Yards

Key note

1

5 • 444

Downhill start offers early birdie chance with firm roll.

3

4 • 366

Fairway bends left, second shot must carry front trap.

5

4 • 447

Long dogleg faces steady breeze off river.

7

5 • 517

Reachable with two big swings, creek guards lay up.

11

3 • 218

Signature hole, tee shot over water to narrow green.

13

5 • 492

Risk reward, pine left blocks approach if drive leaks.

15

3 • 193

Elevated green falls off both sides.

18

4 • 323

Short closer, pond right and clubhouse behind green.

Downriver Golf Course Amenities & Practice

A full grass range sits beside the first tee with four hitting stations. A large putting green and a smaller chipping area match course speeds. Pull carts and power carts are ready at the bag drop. PGA staff teach private and group lessons.

Food & Beverage

The clubhouse grill serves hot breakfast, burgers, and cold drinks. Patio tables look over the ninth green. Reviews note friendly service and quick turn snacks.

Rates, Booking, Local Tips

GolfLink lists an estimated seventy-three dollar fee for eighteen holes with cart. Actual rates swing lower on weekdays and during twilight. Tee times can be booked on the city website seven days out. Walkers enjoy flat terrain, though morning dew can slow early putts. Most putts break toward the river even when the slope looks straight. In summer, late afternoon wind adds one club on holes five and eleven.

Final Word on the Downriver Golf Course in Spokane

Downriver blends history, pine shade, and steady river views into a course that feels both friendly and testing. Solid greens, good practice space, and a relaxed city price make it a must-play stop in Spokane.

This course is one of many featured in the Washington Golf Directory. Your guide to Washington State public golf courses, local driving ranges, and weekend-worthy golf getaways. Whether you’re playing nine before work or planning a road trip across the state, we’re here to help you explore more golf, one course at a time.