PINE ACRES

Aptly named, this cozy par-3 track is nestled intimately amid towering pine trees on the northern edge of Spokane, and features an outstanding practice facility that draws golfers of all skill levels from nearby Spokane Country Club and Wandermere Golf Course, which no longer has a practice range.

PGA Professional Jim Tucker leased the course for almost 20 years before buying it in 1995.

The short layout, which features holes ranging in length from 62 to 115 yards, has changed little throughout the years and still requires punch shots off the tee mats on several holes that are protected by large, overhanging tree limbs.

The first hole, for instance, is guarded on the right by just such a limb, making it impossible to fly a high wedge shot to the green. There is similar trouble on the left side on a couple of other holes.

The greens are generally small, round and flat, but they putt remarkably true. Having to hit off mats on every tee box is a bit perplexing, but Pine Acres remains a favorite spot for parents to bring their young children who are interested in learning the game.

“We get a lot of beginners, children and seniors,” Tucker said. “As far as the course goes, it’s pretty much new golfers, but on the range we get a good variety of players because of our proximity to the (Spokane) Country Club and Wandermere.”

Rates are $7.50 for adults on weekends. During the week, adults pay that same amount, but juniors between the ages of 6-12 and seniors over 63 can play nine holes for $6. And additional nine holes is $3.50.