Boise State and Idaho Renew In-State Golf Rivalry

Broncos host Vandals in third annual 'Battle of Idaho' ahead of conference championships

Apr. 20, 2026 at 9:20am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a golf match between two teams, with the players and course broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape.The annual Battle of Idaho golf match provides a high-stakes regional rivalry and crucial championship preparation for both Boise State and the University of Idaho.Boise Today

Boise State University's men's golf team will host the University of Idaho in the third-annual Battle of Idaho, a regular-season matchup set for April 20, 2026, at the Hillcrest Country Club in Boise. The contest serves as the final tune-up for both programs ahead of the 2026 Mountain West Championship.

Why it matters

The Battle of Idaho has become an anticipated event that strengthens the regional rivalry between the two schools while also providing valuable competitive experience similar to the conference championship format.

The details

The Broncos, representing Boise State, enter the match coming off a strong spring season that included top-15 finishes at several nationally recognized invitationals. The Vandals of Idaho, competing as an independent program in men's golf, have used the annual matchup as a benchmark for measuring progress against Mountain West competition.

  • The 2026 Battle of Idaho is set for April 20, 2026.
  • The 2025 edition was held at the Idaho Golf Club in Moscow, where Boise State won by a margin of seven strokes.

The players

Boise State University

The Broncos' men's golf team, representing Boise State University.

University of Idaho

The Vandals' men's golf team, competing as an independent program.

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What they’re saying

“The Battle of Idaho provides a unique opportunity to test performance under conditions similar to those expected at the postseason championship.”

— Tim Conrad, Head Coach, Boise State Men's Golf

What’s next

Both squads are expected to field their top-five lineups based on recent tournament performance and practice rounds. Live scoring will be available through the Boise State Athletics website, with a post-match summary to be published following the conclusion of play.

The takeaway

The Battle of Idaho has become an important annual event that strengthens the regional rivalry between Boise State and Idaho while also providing valuable competitive experience for both programs ahead of their respective conference championships.