From Chambers Bay's US Open venue to scenic Cascade resorts, discover Washington's premier golf destinations including Seattle, Spokane, Wine Country and coastal links.
Washington State features over 300 golf courses spanning diverse landscapes from Puget Sound links to Cascade mountain resorts. Home to Chambers Bay, host of the 2015 US Open and upcoming 2027 US Junior Amateur and 2033 US Amateur, Washington offers championship-caliber golf alongside accessible public courses throughout the year.
The Seattle metropolitan area alone boasts 100+ courses, while Eastern Washington's wine country and Spokane region provide sunny, dry conditions ideal for summer golf. From Robert Trent Jones Jr. designs to historic municipal tracks, Washington's golf scene combines Pacific Northwest beauty with world-class layouts.
📍 University Place (Pierce County)
The crown jewel of Washington golf, Chambers Bay is a British links-style course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. that opened in 2007 on a former sand and gravel quarry site adjacent to Puget Sound. The course gained international recognition as host of the 2015 US Open won by Jordan Spieth, marking the first US Open in the Pacific Northwest and the first played on fine fescue greens.
Washington has hosted multiple major championships and features several courses ranked among America's best public and private layouts.
📍 Sammamish (Seattle area)
Private club meaning "high heavenly ground" in Chinookan language. Designed by Ted Robinson (1969), renovated by Rees Jones for major championships. Known for narrow, tree-lined fairways with towering Douglas Fir and red cedar.
Major Championships:
📍 Brewster (North Central Washington)
Designed by David McLay Kidd, named Best New Course 2014 by multiple publications. Spreads across 115 acres of fine fescue overlooking the Columbia River Valley with Cascade Mountains backdrop. True links-style layout on treeless plateau with wide fairways, gigantic greens, and strategic bunkering.
Features:
📍 Walla Walla (Wine Country)
Dan Hixson design on rolling hills with Blue Mountains backdrop. One of only 3 Washington courses on Golf Digest's America's 100 Greatest Public Courses list. Features vast links-style layout through wine country terrain.
Details:
📍 Pullman (Washington State University)
Home course of Washington State University golf teams. Designed by John Harbottle III, recognized as architectural feat harmoniously blending with rolling Palouse hills. Strategic design requires thoughtful course management.
Rates (2025):
📍 Bremerton (Kitsap County)
Host of 2011 US Junior Amateur won by Jordan Spieth. Designed by John Harbottle III, opened 1996. Hilly layout with tree-lined fairways, greens that fall into collection areas, and 100-foot fir and cedar trees. Par 72, 6,200+ yards with excellent drainage.
Also features Cascade Course - second 18 holes for 36-hole facility.
📍 DuPont (Pierce County)
Official "home course" of Washington State Golf Association. Designed by Mike Asmundson with exceptional commitment to quality and accessibility. Features stunning Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains views.
Known for pristine conditions and strategic layout suitable for all skill levels.
📍 Shelton (South Puget Sound)
Designed by Gene Bates with dramatic elevation changes and immersive Pacific Northwest design. Features "Salmon-Safe" certification exemplifying ecological responsibility while delivering challenging yet fair test of golf.
📍 Kingston (Kitsap Peninsula)
Consistently ranked among Washington's top public courses. Features scenic layout with water features and strategic bunkering. Known for excellent conditions and challenge for golfers of all abilities.
The Seattle metropolitan area features over 100 golf courses within an hour's drive, ranging from championship public venues to accessible municipal tracks. The region's moderate climate enables year-round golf, though rain is common in fall and winter months.
📍 Newcastle (15 miles east of downtown)
Features 36 holes of championship golf with stunning panoramic views of Lake Washington, Mt. Rainier, Olympic and Cascade Mountains, and Seattle skyline. Two distinct courses: Coal Creek and China Creek.
📍 Auburn (37 minutes southeast)
Home to University of Washington men's and women's golf teams. Designed by award-winning architect John Fought. Championship public course featuring strategic bunkering and water features.
📍 Seattle (municipal)
Considered the best municipal track in Seattle. Designed by Chandler Egan, opened 1940. Front nine is relatively flat alongside Longfellow Creek, while back nine features hillier, more challenging terrain.
📍 Seattle (Beacon Hill)
Historic municipal course in Beacon Hill neighborhood south of downtown. Hosted 1967 US Amateur Public Links Championship. Tight, tree-lined layout playing 6,200 yards with scenic vistas of Seattle skyline and Mount Rainier.
Spokane features one of the strongest value-oriented municipal golf systems in the country, with pristine conditions and friendly atmospheres for under $50. Eastern Washington's drier climate provides excellent summer golf conditions with approximately 17 inches of annual rainfall compared to Seattle's 38 inches.
📍 Spokane (city course)
Long regarded as one of the best public courses in the United States. Built on a 240-foot canyon wall, providing unique perspective unmatched by any other Spokane course. Heavily wooded with trees creating natural fairway boundaries.
Details:
📍 Liberty Lake (18 miles east)
Ranked by Golf Digest as "One of the Top 10 Best Public Golf Courses in Washington State" (1996). Robert Muir Graves designed links-style course opened in 1988.
Features:
📍 Liberty Lake
One of the most spectacular public golf courses in the Pacific Northwest. Newly renovated championship 18-hole course featuring white sand bunkers, spacious greens, and strategic water bodies adding playful element to first-rate layout.
📍 Spokane outskirts
Well-manicured course entertaining local golfers for decades. Great for beginners and seniors with manageable layout and excellent value.
Details:
📍 Spokane (city course)
Bill Robinson design debuted 1993. One of five courses owned by City of Spokane Parks & Recreation. Tree-lined fairways laid out on hilly terrain where small stream and handful of ponds come into play.
📍 Spokane (city course)
Spokane's oldest golf course with beautiful Spokane River views. Setting offers camera-worthy moments while variety of tees make for great experience for all skill levels. Accessible layout enjoyable for all abilities.
Spokane County Courses: Additional courses operated by Spokane County include multiple municipal options offering pristine conditions and friendly atmospheres for less than $50 per round.
Eastern Washington's wine country offers exceptional golf combined with world-class wineries. The Tri-Cities area weather allows for year-round play on high-quality, high-value courses. Walla Walla features 6 courses with unending mountain views.
📍 Walla Walla
Premier Wine Country destination. Dan Hixson design on rolling hills with Blue Mountains backdrop. One of only 3 Washington courses on Golf Digest's America's 100 Greatest Public Courses list. Vast links-style course through wine country terrain.
Stay & Play Packages:
📍 Tri-Cities
Tri-Cities highest rated golf course by Golf Digest for ten consecutive years. Championship layout challenging golfers of all skill levels.
Details:
📍 Tri-Cities
Designed by Robert Muir Graves. Features challenging layout with extensive water hazards and strategic bunkering.
📍 Tri-Cities (opened 1948)
Part of Veterans Memorial Park since 1948. Beautiful tree-lined course with 18 holes suitable for all experience levels. Historic layout with modern conditioning.
📍 Milton-Freewater (near Walla Walla)
Opened 1974, one of oldest Walla Walla area courses. Offers panoramic views of Walla Walla Valley. Scenic layout with valley and mountain vistas.
The Cascade Mountains region offers resort golf experiences combining championship courses with mountain scenery. Located on the sunny eastern slopes 80 miles from Seattle, these resorts provide escape from coastal rain with drier climate and ponderosa pine settings.
📍 Cle Elum (80 miles from Seattle)
Premier Cascade resort on sunny side of mountains featuring three distinct courses plus accommodations and amenities.
Prospector Golf Course:
Rope Rider Golf Course:
Tumble Creek Club:
📍 Leavenworth area
Situated between Bavarian-themed Leavenworth village and Lake Wenatchee in Central Washington. Golf and ski resort offering four-season recreation with mountain setting.
📍 Port Ludlow (Olympic Peninsula)
Features significant elevation changes and expansive views of Port Ludlow Bay with both Olympic and Cascade mountains visible. Scenic resort course with challenging topography.
📍 Central Washington
Award-winning desert canyon golf in Eastern Washington. Features dramatic elevation changes and desert landscape contrasting with typical Pacific Northwest courses. Championship layout with resort amenities.
Resort Benefits: Cascade mountain resorts typically offer stay & play packages, on-site lodging, dining facilities, and other recreational amenities including hiking, fishing, and winter sports.
Pierce County is home to Chambers Bay and numerous other quality public and private courses. The region features diverse golf from links-style coastal courses to wooded parkland layouts.
Note: Washington features 300+ golf courses statewide. Visit Washington Golf Association for complete searchable directory organized by region.
Typical Rate Ranges (2024-2025):
Note: Rates vary by season, day of week, and time of day. Weekends and summer months typically cost more.
Washington's unique climate enables golf throughout the year:
Rainfall Comparison: Seattle 38" annually, Spokane 17", Wenatchee 11", Tri-Cities allows year-round play.
Peak Season: June through September
Central Washington summer: Most reliable weather all season - "doesn't rain, super dry."
Official governing body for amateur golf in Washington. Provides GHIN handicap services, tournament management, course rating, and player development programs.
Services:
Regional association serving Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and British Columbia. Provides handicap services and organizes regional championships.
Coverage:
Dedicated to junior golf development in Washington. Organizes tournaments, instruction programs, and college golf preparation for youth players.
Programs:
Junior golf tournament series in Western Washington providing competitive opportunities for youth golfers.
Location:
Port Orchard, WA
Website: Contact for current information
Chambers Bay in University Place is widely considered the best, having hosted the 2015 US Open and upcoming 2027 US Junior Amateur and 2033 US Amateur. This Robert Trent Jones Jr. design offers true links golf with fescue fairways, massive dunes, and Puget Sound views.
Other top contenders include Gamble Sands (Brewster) - named Best New Course 2014, Wine Valley Golf Club (Walla Walla) - one of America's 100 Greatest Public Courses, and Sahalee Country Club (Sammamish) - private club that hosted the 1998 PGA Championship.
For best public value, Indian Canyon in Spokane has been called one of America's best public courses since 1935, with rates under $50.
Yes, Washington offers year-round golf in most regions due to mild temperatures and infrequent snow. However, conditions vary significantly by location:
Western Washington (Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia): Year-round play with wet winters. Courses rarely close but rain is frequent November-March. Pack waterproof gear.
Eastern Washington (Tri-Cities, Walla Walla): Year-round play in lower elevations with much drier conditions. Tri-Cities area particularly reliable for winter golf.
Spokane Area: Most courses open year-round but occasional winter weather may cause temporary closures. Generally playable late March through November.
Cascade Mountain Resorts: Seasonal operation typically April-October due to elevation and snow.
Green fees vary widely from $30-$199 depending on course quality and location:
Premium Championship Courses: $129-$199 (Chambers Bay $99-$199 seasonal, Wine Valley, Newcastle Coal Creek, Palouse Ridge $129)
Championship Public Courses: $70-$129 (Gold Mountain, Washington National, The Home Course)
Standard Public Courses: $40-$70 (Most public courses in this range)
Municipal Courses: $30-$50 (Spokane city courses $46-$50, Seattle municipal courses similar)
Money-Saving Tips:
For variety and championship golf: Seattle Metro Area - Over 100 courses including Chambers Bay (US Open venue), Newcastle (36 holes), Washington National, plus numerous municipal options. Best for visitors wanting multiple rounds and diverse layouts.
For value and conditions: Spokane Area - One of America's best municipal golf systems with Indian Canyon, MeadowWood, and Liberty Lake offering pristine conditions under $50. Drier climate than Seattle.
For destination golf: Wine Country (Walla Walla/Tri-Cities) - Wine Valley Golf Club (Top 100 course), stay & play packages with wineries, year-round play, driest climate in state.
For resort experience: Cascade Mountains - Suncadia Resort (3 courses), Gamble Sands (Top 100), Kahler Glen near Leavenworth. Best summer golf with mountain scenery.
For best weather reliability: Eastern Washington - Wenatchee, Tri-Cities, Walla Walla receive only 11-17 inches rain annually vs Seattle's 38 inches. "Most reliable weather all summer long."
Booking recommendations by course tier and season:
Chambers Bay: Book 30-90 days in advance for summer weekends. Weekdays may have 1-2 week availability. This is Washington's most in-demand public course.
Premium Public (Newcastle, Wine Valley, Gamble Sands): 2-4 weeks advance for summer weekends, 1-2 weeks for weekdays.
Standard Public Courses: 1-2 weeks advance sufficient for most seasons, though popular Seattle-area courses may need more time on summer weekends.
Municipal Courses: Often accept walk-ons, especially weekdays. Spokane municipal system very accommodating.
Best Practice: Book as early as possible for June-August weekend play. Use GolfNow app for last-minute deals and easy booking across multiple Washington courses.
Resort Stay & Play Packages: Guarantee tee times when booking lodging - recommended for destination trips to Suncadia, Wine Country, or Cascade resorts.
Rain varies dramatically by region - Washington has both the wettest and driest golf climates in the Pacific Northwest:
Western Washington (Wet):
Eastern Washington (Dry):
Strategy: Visit Eastern Washington for guaranteed dry conditions, or Seattle area June-September for best weather. Courses west of Cascades rarely close for rain due to excellent drainage systems.
Washington has hosted multiple USGA and PGA major championships:
Chambers Bay (University Place):
Sahalee Country Club (Sammamish):
Gold Mountain - Olympic Course (Bremerton):
Jefferson Park (Seattle):
Washington is one of only a handful of states to host the US Open, PGA Championship, and US Senior Open. The 2015 US Open at Chambers Bay was historic as the first US Open in the Pacific Northwest and first played on fescue greens.
Yes, Washington offers several premier golf resort destinations:
Suncadia Resort (Cle Elum): Top Cascade resort 80 miles from Seattle featuring three courses - Prospector (Arnold Palmer design), Rope Rider (Hardy/Jacobsen), and private Tumble Creek. On-site lodging, dining, spa, and four-season recreation. Best May-October.
Gamble Sands (Brewster): Destination golf resort in North Central Washington featuring three award-winning courses by David McLay Kidd. Links-style golf with Columbia River and Cascade views. Lodge accommodations, acclaimed putting course. Year-round play.
Wine Valley Golf Club (Walla Walla): Stay & play packages with local hotels including historic Marcus Whitman. Combine championship golf (Top 100 course) with winery tours. Other Walla Walla courses nearby for multi-day trips.
Desert Canyon Golf Resort (Orondo): Central Washington resort featuring dramatic desert canyon golf, lodging, and Columbia River recreation.
Salish Cliffs Golf Club (Shelton): Native American resort with Gene Bates-designed course, casino, spa, and lodging south of Olympia.
Resort Benefits: Most resorts offer stay & play packages combining lodging with guaranteed tee times, often including meals and other amenities. Ideal for golf-focused trips or combining with Pacific Northwest tourism.
Chambers Bay offers unique US Open-caliber golf experience with specific considerations:
Walking-Only Policy: Chambers Bay is walking-only to preserve the links experience. Caddies available for hire (recommended for first visit). Expect significant elevation changes - good fitness helpful.
Rates & Booking: Green fees $99-$199 depending on season. Book 30-90 days advance for summer weekends. Located in University Place, 1 hour south of Seattle.
Course Conditions: True links golf with fescue fairways and greens. Conditions differ from typical parkland courses - firm, fast, bouncy. Wind often a factor. Greens can be challenging.
Difficulty: Plays 7,585 yards from tips, but multiple tee options. Course management crucial - aim away from hazards, use ground game. Not overwhelming for mid-handicappers from appropriate tees.
What to Bring: Wind jacket, extra balls (can be penal off fairways), rangefinder (distances deceiving), camera (incredible Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains views).
Best Time: May-September for warmest, driest conditions. Morning tee times recommended for calmer wind. Arrive 30 minutes early to check in and prepare.
Memorable Experience: Despite occasional criticism of green conditions during 2015 US Open, Chambers Bay delivers bucket-list golf experience with spectacular scenery and championship challenge. Worth the premium green fee for serious golfers.
Several comprehensive resources help locate Washington's 300+ golf courses:
Washington State Golf Association (WSGA): Official course directory at wagolf.org/courses/ - Searchable by region, includes course details, ratings, GHIN affiliation, contact info, and Google Maps.
GolfNow: Mobile app and website for booking tee times across Washington. Filter by location, price, availability. Often features last-minute deals.
Golf Digest Course Finder: Rankings and reviews of top Washington courses, searchable by region. Includes reader ratings and professional rankings.
WashingtonGolf.com: Comprehensive directory with course guides, tee time booking, golf packages, maps, and reviews organized by region.
GolfLink: Complete public and private course directory organized by city throughout Washington.
Regional Tourism Sites:
Pro Tip: WSGA course directory most comprehensive. Cross-reference with GolfNow for tee time availability and booking. Many courses offer online booking directly through their websites.
USA Golf: USA Golf Sites. Associations, Education, Juniors, News (Golf), Pro Players, Professional Golf, Seniors, Women's Golf
Last updated on November 24, 2025