Washington is a state that offers a variety of golf courses for every taste and budget. Whether you’re looking for a scenic links-style course along the Puget Sound, a challenging parkland layout in the mountains, or a fun and affordable course in the countryside, you’ll find it in Washington.
In this guide, we’ll introduce you to some of the best golf courses you can play in Washington and give you tips on enjoying your golfing experience in the Evergreen State.
Top 10 Golf Courses in Washington
Here are some of the top golf courses in Washington that you can play, according to various rankings and reviews.
Chambers Bay Golf Course
This is the site of the 2015 U.S. Open, where Jordan Spieth won his second major title. Chambers Bay is a true links course, with fescue grasses, sand dunes, massive fairways, and stunning water and Olympic Mountains views. It’s a walking-only course that requires strategy, creativity, and stamina. It’s also open to the public, but you’ll need to book well in advance and be prepared to pay a premium rate.
Snohomish Golf Course
This is a classic parkland course that offers a fair test of golf for players of all abilities. The course features all-grass tees, tree-lined fairways, large greens, and bunkers. It’s also known for its friendly staff, affordable rates, and excellent conditions. Snohomish Golf Course is a popular venue for tournaments and leagues, as well as casual rounds with friends and family.
Gamble Sands
This is a newcomer to the Washington golf scene, but it has quickly earned rave reviews and accolades. Gamble Sands is a minimalist design by David McLay Kidd, the architect of Bandon Dunes. It’s set on a high plateau overlooking the Columbia River, with wide-open fairways, firm and fast greens, and natural contours. It’s a fun and playable course that invites you to hit different shots and enjoy the scenery. Gamble Sands also has a par-3 course called Quicksands, a practice facility, and a lodge.
Wine Valley
This is another minimalist gem by David McLay Kidd, located in the heart of Washington wine country. Wine Valley is a links-style course that blends seamlessly with the rolling hills and vineyards of Walla Walla. It’s a challenging but fair course that rewards good shots and penalizes bad ones. Wine Valley also has a clubhouse, a pro shop, and a restaurant that serves local wines and cuisine.
Aldarra Golf Club
This private club offers an exclusive golf experience for its members and guests. Aldarra Golf Club is a Tom Fazio design with dramatic elevation changes, strategic bunkering, and immaculate greens. It’s also known for its final four holes, dubbed “The Gauntlet”, among the toughest in the state. Aldarra Golf Club is a golf-only club that focuses on providing its members with the best service and amenities.
Salish Cliffs
This public course offers a scenic and challenging round of golf for players of all levels. Salish Cliffs is a Gene Bates design that winds through the forested landscape of the Squaxin Island Tribe reservation. The course features elevation changes, water hazards, wetlands, and wildlife. Salish Cliffs also has a clubhouse, a pro shop, a restaurant, and a casino resort nearby.
Palouse Ridge
This public course offers a unique golf experience in the eastern part of the state. Palouse Ridge is a John Harbottle III design showcasing the Palouse region’s beauty and diversity. The course features rolling hills, native grasses, rock outcroppings, and panoramic views. Palouse Ridge also has a clubhouse, a pro shop, a restaurant, and a practice facility.
Sahalee Country Club
This private club offers an elite golf experience for its members and guests. Sahalee Country Club is a Ted Robinson design with 27 holes of championship golf in three nines: North, South, and East. The course is known for its narrow fairways, towering trees, and small greens. Sahalee Country Club has hosted several major events, including the 1998 PGA Championship, the 2002 NEC World Golf Championship, and the 2010 U.S. Senior Open.
Seattle Golf Club
This is one of the state’s oldest and most prestigious clubs, founded in 1900. Seattle Golf Club is an Arnold Palmer design with 18 holes of classic golf in a parkland setting. The course is known for its strategic layout, mature trees, water hazards, and bunkers. Seattle Golf Club has hosted several notable events, including the 1952 U.S. Amateur Championship (won by Jack Westland), the 1961 Walker Cup, and the 2009 Pac-10 Men’s Golf Championship.
Snoqualmie Ridge
This private club offers a spectacular golf experience for its members and guests. Snoqualmie Ridge is a Jack Nicklaus design that features 18 holes of mountain golf with views of Mount Si and the Cascade Range. The course is known for its elevation changes, waterfalls, creeks, and lakes. Snoqualmie Ridge has hosted the Boeing Classic, a PGA Tour Champions event, since 2005.
Tips for Golfing in Washington
Here are some tips to help you enjoy your golfing experience in Washington.
- Check the weather forecast before you go. Washington is known for its rainy and cloudy days, so wear appropriate clothing and equipment. You may also want sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for sunny days.
- Book your tee times in advance. Washington is a popular golf destination, so some courses may be busy or fully booked. You can use online platforms or apps to find and book your tee times quickly and conveniently.
- Respect the rules and etiquette of the course. Washington golf courses are well-maintained and respected by the golf community. Follow the rules and etiquette of the course, such as repairing divots and ball marks, raking bunkers, keeping the pace of play, and being courteous to other golfers and staff.
- Have fun and enjoy the scenery. Washington golf courses offer some of the country’s most beautiful and diverse landscapes. Take time to appreciate the views and the nature around you. You may even spot some wildlife, such as deer, eagles, or bears.
These are just some of the best golf courses in Washington that you can play. There are many more to discover and enjoy in this beautiful state. Whether you’re looking for a challenge, a scenery, or a fun time, you’ll find it in Washington.