The final three holes at Vandal Golf Course are named “Heartbreak Ridge,” and for good reason. The par-4 16th starts it off with a drop off to the right of a fairway that narrows as it gets closer to the green. Maybe a driver isn’t necessary off the tee, with an easy landing area to the left of the fairway bunkers that line the right side. An approach shot up the hill to a bunker-less infinity green that falls off in every direction is everything a player can handle.
The course, formerly known as the University of Idaho Golf Course, is the home venue for the university’s men’s and women’s golf teams. It has been open since 1936 and has a long history of hosting several state and regional championships, such as the 2019 Idaho Junior Amateur. Designed by Francis L. James, Vandal GC is situated in the rolling hills of the Palouse region of western Idaho, providing its challengers with scenic views as they navigate the layout of roughly 6,700 yards.
Vandal Golf Course will serve as the venue for the 2026 PNGA Junior Boys’ and Junior Girls’ amateur championships, to be held concurrently from August 10-14. This will mark the third time the course has hosted the boys’ championship (2001, 2009) and the first time it will have hosted the girls’ event.