Idaho Falls Golf Courses Open Early This Year

Rare warm weather allows city's three municipal courses to open on February 28, the earliest in years.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Due to unusually warm and dry weather this winter, the three city-owned golf courses in Idaho Falls, Idaho will open for the season on Saturday, February 28 - the earliest opening in years. The courses were previously unable to open until March or even April in recent years due to wet and wintry conditions.

Why it matters

The early opening of the Idaho Falls golf courses is a welcome sign of spring for local residents and a boost for the city's recreational amenities. It also highlights the impact of climate variability on seasonal activities and the ability of parks departments to adapt to changing weather patterns.

The details

Idaho Falls Parks and Recreation announced on Facebook that Sand Creek, Pinecrest, and Sage Lakes golf courses will all open this Saturday, February 28. Tee time reservations opened on Friday morning. The pro shops, food options, and golf carts will also be available starting this weekend. In recent years, the courses have been unable to open until March or even April due to wet, wintry weather.

  • The golf courses will officially open on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
  • In 2025, the courses opened on March 12 but had to close again on March 13 due to wet weather, not reopening until March 25.
  • In 2024, the courses couldn't open until March 22 because of winter weather.
  • In 2023, the courses couldn't open until April 12.

The players

Idaho Falls Parks and Recreation

The department that oversees the three municipal golf courses in Idaho Falls.

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What they’re saying

“Dust off those clubs and come enjoy the fairways. We can't wait to see you out on the course!”

— Idaho Falls Parks and Recreation (Facebook)

What’s next

Golfers can now book tee times for this weekend and the days following at the Idaho Falls golf courses.

The takeaway

The early opening of the Idaho Falls golf courses is a positive sign of the region's shifting climate patterns, allowing residents to enjoy outdoor recreation earlier in the year. It also demonstrates the ability of local parks departments to be nimble and responsive to changing weather conditions.