The story of Valor.

The vision for Falcon Crest Golf Course in Kuna, Idaho came from Hans Borbonus all the way back in the 1980s.  It took over ten years for the team behind the course to bring the first part of that vision to reality.  That team includes Hans Borbonus, Terry Cook, and George Totorica. 

Borbonus was a true visionary, with the unofficial nickname “Boise’s Gardner”, a talented landscape architect and a spectacular gardener with an impressive list of clientele, specifically Idaho native grocer mogul, Joe Albertsons. As owner of Boise’s most trusted gardening center Cloverdale Nursery, Hans was well known in the Treasure Valley for his talent. Fascinated with golf, Borbonus began growing sod grasses at Cloverdale Nursery in the late 80 and planted the first turf in 480 acres of an alfalfa pasture and sheep farm, which would come to be Falcon Crest.  Hans would keep acquiring more land at the site of the Falcon Crest Golf Course throughout the 80s which would ultimately become the Valor Master Planned Community in Kuna, Idaho.

With the help of his family and co-workers at the nursery, Terry, George, and Hans Borbonus, they would come to build Falcon Crest one hole at a time. Squeezing in landscaping and construction of the course while in between other jobs. They were able to make Falcon Crest unique by utilizing the heritage of the Treasure Valley. Pieces of architecture from around Boise can be found worked into the course – for example – roof trusses from an old church and rail road tiles from around town which can be seen incorporated into the course today.  In 1997-1998, they were able to open up the first 7 holes privately.

Hans looked to golf pro, Rob Huff, to help build the course to PGA specifications.  The method was not very technical, but it worked – Hans would have Huff hit the ball and they would adjust the space as needed, learning as they went. Opening in 2000, Falcon Crest was the first of its kind in Boise.  Hans along with Terry, Gerhard and George would continue to build the rest of the course over the next 12 years with passion and finesse.

However, it wasn’t always easy. They had their struggles; over building a few holes by accident making it hard to maneuver with carts, issues obtaining water permits, rocks in the soil making it hard to grow grass for the course, but through it all they prevailed.  Hans’ vision was to highlight the aesthetics of the land and bringing out the natural beauty of the area; Owyhee Mountains on one side of the course and the Boise Foothills on the other.

While on a trip to Palm Springs, Hans met Roy Crowe a legendary golf course “shaper” who helped perfect the last 9 holes on Falcon, Robin Hood, and the Freedom Course; which he built to honor the memory of his late son John Borbonus who was killed while serving his country.  Hans and Gerhard made their names by showing the Boise community what could be done with landscaping, hard work and artistic visionary. 

Hans landscaping legacy also includes work on the renowned Katheryn Albertson’s park, Crane Creek Golf Course, Hillcrest Country Club as well as other courses in the Boise area leaving his mark throughout the Treasure Valley and building one of the premier golf courses in Idaho - Falcon Crest Golf Course.   

Hans’ son, John Barbonus enlisted in the armed forces shortly after September 11th, 2001.  John was killed while serving his country in Baghdad in 2007.  He saved many lives in his squadron by stopping a dump truck full of explosives from entering their patrol base.  John served with the Bravo Troop, 1st Squadron, 40th Cavalry (ABN), 4th Brigade Combat Team (ABN), 25th Infantry Division, and was awarded with the Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Silver Star for his heroic actions.

In honoring John Barbonus, Hans built the Freedom Golf Course and holds an annual memorial golf tournament which benefits many non-profits around the Treasure Valley. The American Flag that stands atop the ridgeline at Falcon Crest, which is visible for miles around, is also a tribute to John and the sacrifice he made by his service to his country and brothers in arms.

To continue John Barbonus’ legacy of bravery and all of those who serve with bravery, honor, and integrity, the community developed around Falcon Crest Golf Course will be appropriately named Valor - to show great courage in the face of danger, especially in battle.

To those who have served our country, we thank you.