Set in the rolling hills of the Palouse of north central Idaho, a mile (1.6 km) east of the border with Washington, the par-72 course is at an average elevation of 2,650 feet (810 m) above sea level.

The back tees measure a moderate 6,602 yards (6,037 m), but the significant elevation changes, terraced fairways, and often breezy conditions contribute to make it a challenging track.

[5] The course is open eight months per year, March through October, and is located on the western end of Nez Perce Drive, directly south of the Kibbie Dome stadium and the century-old Shattuck Arboretum.

The first nine holes were opened 88 years ago in 1937,[6][1] on the southwest edge of campus, designed by Englishman Francis L. "Frank" James (1877-1952).

[16] A former professional golfer from Newport Beach, California, Baldock designed hundreds of courses in the West,[17] including Hangman Valley south of Spokane, Sun Willows in Pasco,[18][19] Crane Creek C.C.

[20] All 18 holes at the UI course opened for play 55 years ago in August 1970 with some minor modifications to the original nine.