Washington State offers a diverse selection of top-tier golf courses, from coastal links to tree-lined championship layouts.
The five best courses are Chambers Bay, Gamble Sands, Aldarra Golf Club, Sahalee Country Club, and Wine Valley Golf Club—each offering a unique blend of design, challenge, and scenery.
Keep reading for a detailed breakdown of what makes these courses stand out.
Chambers Bay (University Place, WA)
Set along the Puget Sound with breathtaking waterfront views, Chambers Bay is one of Washington’s most distinctive and revered golf courses.
Designed to replicate the rugged beauty of traditional Scottish links, it provides an unforgettable challenge for golfers of all skill levels.
With a history of hosting prestigious tournaments and a design that prioritizes strategy and shot-making, this course delivers a world-class golfing experience.
What Makes Chambers Bay Unique?
Chambers Bay stands out not just within Washington but in the entire United States due to its authentic links-style design, which is rare outside of the British Isles.
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the course was built on the site of a former sand-and-gravel quarry, resulting in dramatic elevation changes, rolling fairways, and vast sandy waste areas that give it a raw, rugged aesthetic.
Unlike many tree-lined parkland courses, Chambers Bay is virtually treeless, with the exception of a single Douglas fir behind the 15th green—a visual landmark that adds to the minimalist beauty of the course.
The absence of trees allows the wind to play a significant role, influencing strategy and requiring precise shot control.
The layout spans 7,165 yards from the navy tees, but with five different sets of tees, it accommodates a variety of skill levels.
While it is a stern test for low handicappers, its open fairways and multiple shot options make it an enjoyable challenge for casual golfers as well.
The Walking-Only Experience
Chambers Bay stays true to its links-style heritage by enforcing a walking-only policy, creating a more immersive golfing experience.
This policy ensures that golfers engage with the course as it was intended—on foot, feeling the subtle contours of the land and adjusting their game accordingly.
- Caddies Are Available (But Not Required): While golfers are not required to take a caddie, hiring one can significantly enhance the experience. Chambers Bay caddies provide valuable insights on club selection, reading putts, and managing the course’s unique challenges.
- Motorized Cart Policy: The course only permits motorized carts for players with medical conditions or disabilities. In these cases, a caddie must be hired to drive the cart.
- Pace of Play Consideration: Walking the course can take longer than a typical round at a cart-friendly course, but the flow of play is steady, and the scenic views make the walk well worth it.
For those who enjoy the physical aspect of golf, Chambers Bay offers one of the most rewarding walking experiences in the country.
Challenges and Course Conditions
Golfers at Chambers Bay must contend with a variety of factors that make every round a unique test of skill and strategy.
1. The Transition to Poa Annua Greens
When the course originally opened, it featured fescue greens, but their inconsistent growth led to criticism—most notably during the 2015 U.S. Open, when players struggled with unpredictable putting surfaces.
To improve overall playability, Chambers Bay replaced the fescue with Poa annua greens, which provide a more consistent roll, better durability, and improved putting conditions year-round.
2. Wind and Elevation Changes
The open landscape and proximity to Puget Sound make wind a major factor at Chambers Bay.
Gusty conditions can dramatically alter shot selection, requiring players to adjust trajectory and club choice constantly.
Additionally, the course features significant elevation changes, with several holes requiring careful club selection to account for uphill and downhill lies.
For example, the 9th hole features a steep, uphill approach, demanding precise distance control to reach the green in regulation.
3. Strategic Shot-Making Over Power
Unlike many modern courses that reward long hitters, Chambers Bay places a premium on strategy and creativity.
The firm, fast fairways allow for low, running shots, and the vast green complexes offer multiple entry points, making placement and angles more important than raw distance.
- Bump-and-run shots are often the best approach around the greens, as the firm conditions allow the ball to roll out naturally.
- Avoiding the deep waste bunkers is crucial—many of them require long, difficult escapes that can derail a round.
Players who can adapt to these challenges and think strategically will have the most success navigating the course.
Major Events Hosted
Chambers Bay has cemented its reputation as a championship-caliber course by hosting several prestigious tournaments, most notably:
1. 2010 U.S. Amateur
Hosting the U.S. Amateur Championship put Chambers Bay on the map as a major venue.
The tournament showcased the course’s unique layout and tested top amateur players, demonstrating that it could handle elite-level competition.
2. 2015 U.S. Open
Chambers Bay made history as the first course in the Pacific Northwest to host the U.S. Open.
The tournament was memorable for its difficult conditions, dramatic shot-making, and eventual victory by Jordan Spieth.
Despite initial criticism of the fescue greens, the course’s overall design received praise for offering a true test of championship golf.
The U.S. Open spotlight also helped solidify Chambers Bay as a bucket-list destination for avid golfers, drawing players from across the country who want to test themselves on the same grounds as the pros.
Why Golfers Should Play Chambers Bay
For those looking to experience authentic links golf in the U.S., Chambers Bay is a must-play.
Its breathtaking scenery, strategic design, and historic pedigree make it one of the best public courses in the country.
Golfers who appreciate walking a course, embracing the challenge of the elements, and utilizing creativity in their shot-making will find Chambers Bay incredibly rewarding.
While it presents challenges, the multiple tee options and improved greens ensure that it remains playable and enjoyable for a wide range of skill levels.
Whether you’re a serious golfer chasing championship-caliber conditions or a casual player looking to soak in spectacular Pacific Northwest views, Chambers Bay delivers an unforgettable round of golf.
Gamble Sands (Brewster, WA)
Nestled in the rolling hills of central Washington, Gamble Sands offers a pure, fun-first golf experience unlike any other in the state.
Designed to maximize enjoyment for all skill levels, this David McLay Kidd masterpiece features generous fairways, massive greens, and firm, fast playing conditions that reward creativity.
With breathtaking Columbia River views and an expanding golf destination that includes accommodations and a second 18-hole course on the way, Gamble Sands is quickly becoming a must-visit for golfers looking for a relaxed, unforgettable round.
A Course Built for Fun and Playability
Unlike many championship courses designed to challenge the world’s best players, Gamble Sands was built with a different philosophy: golf should be fun.
Architect David McLay Kidd, known for his work on courses like Bandon Dunes, took a player-friendly approach when designing Gamble Sands.
His goal was to create a course where golfers of all abilities could enjoy a round without the frustration of losing countless balls in dense rough or battling overly penal hazards.
The result is a course that encourages bold shot-making and creativity, making it a joy to play for golfers of all skill levels.
- Wide fairways: The landing areas are incredibly generous, making it one of the most forgiving tee-shot experiences in golf. Even slightly offline drives often roll back into position, ensuring players stay engaged in their rounds.
- Expansive greens: With putting surfaces that stretch as large as 16,000 square feet, golfers have multiple entry points for approach shots, allowing for a variety of playing styles.
- Minimal rough: Unlike many courses that punish every missed fairway, Gamble Sands keeps rough to a minimum, giving golfers the freedom to recover and play aggressive, exciting shots.
- Ground game encouraged: The firm, fast conditions and open green entrances allow players to utilize bump-and-run shots, much like traditional Scottish links golf. Low-trajectory approaches can be just as effective as high, spinning shots, adding to the variety of strategies golfers can use.
This playability-first mindset makes Gamble Sands a perfect course for casual rounds with friends, while still offering enough strategic depth to challenge experienced players.
Terrain and Playing Conditions
Gamble Sands owes much of its firm, fast conditions to its location and natural landscape.
- Sandy soil foundation: Built on pure sand, the course drains exceptionally well, ensuring dry, firm fairways year-round. This makes it possible to play a running, ground-based game—one of the signatures of true links golf.
- Fescue grass throughout: The course is entirely covered in fine fescue, further enhancing the links-style experience. Unlike traditional parkland courses with thick rough and spongy fairways, fescue keeps the ball moving, adding an element of unpredictability that rewards strategic planning.
- Open landscape with panoramic views: Situated on a high desert plateau overlooking the Columbia River, Gamble Sands enjoys spectacular views while also being shielded from heavy rain that can affect courses on the western side of the state.
Weather conditions are generally favorable, with warm, dry summers and mild springs and autumns, making it playable nearly year-round.
Wind can be a factor, but unlike tighter, tree-lined courses, Gamble Sands gives players room to adjust their shot-making to accommodate gusts.
Expanding into a Golf Destination
Gamble Sands isn’t just a single 18-hole course—it’s quickly growing into a full-fledged golf resort, making it an even more attractive destination for traveling golfers.
- On-site accommodations: The Inn at Gamble Sands provides comfortable lodging with scenic views, allowing golfers to stay on-site and enjoy multi-day visits without the hassle of traveling between rounds.
- A second 18-hole course on the way: A new David McLay Kidd-designed course is under construction and is expected to open in 2025, further solidifying Gamble Sands as a premier golf retreat.
- Casual and social atmosphere: Unlike many traditional golf resorts that emphasize exclusivity, Gamble Sands is designed to be welcoming and relaxed, making it an ideal spot for golf getaways, buddy trips, and even family outings.
Between the laid-back vibe, stunning scenery, and player-friendly course design, Gamble Sands is one of the best golf destinations in Washington for those seeking a round that is both strategic and, most importantly, fun.
Whether you're a scratch golfer looking to refine your links-style game or a weekend player who just wants to enjoy a memorable day on the course, Gamble Sands delivers a one-of-a-kind experience.
Aldarra Golf Club (Sammamish, WA)
Tucked away in the rolling hills east of Seattle, Aldarra Golf Club is one of Washington’s most exclusive and meticulously designed private golf clubs.
Unlike many high-end courses that double as residential communities, Aldarra is a golf-only club, preserving a pure golfing atmosphere without distractions.
Designed by Tom Fazio, the course blends seamlessly into the natural surroundings, providing scenic beauty, strategic challenges, and an intimate, member-focused experience.
Exclusivity and Member Experience
Aldarra Golf Club is known for its private and intimate atmosphere, catering to golfers who seek a pure, uninterrupted golf experience.
Unlike many country clubs that incorporate social events, pools, and tennis facilities, Aldarra is strictly focused on golf, maintaining fast rounds, high course quality, and a tight-knit membership base.
- Private, golf-only club: With no surrounding real estate or public access, the club is dedicated solely to preserving the integrity of the game.
- Limited membership: By restricting the number of members, Aldarra ensures ample tee-time availability and minimal congestion, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable pace of play.
- Highly rated course conditions: The fairways and greens are kept in exceptional shape year-round, offering some of the best playing conditions in the Pacific Northwest.
- Caddies and walking-friendly layout: While carts are available, many members prefer to walk, taking full advantage of the peaceful, natural setting.
For those lucky enough to secure membership, Aldarra offers a private retreat where golf takes center stage, free from the crowds and distractions of public courses.
Tom Fazio’s Design Legacy
Tom Fazio, one of the most respected modern golf course architects, designed Aldarra with a deep respect for the natural landscape.
The course sits on the former Boeing family farm, and instead of forcing artificial elements into the design, Fazio worked with the existing rolling hills, dense forests, and elevation changes to create a course that feels both organic and strategic.
One of Aldarra’s defining characteristics is its challenging closing stretch, known as “The Gauntlet.”
These final four holes demand precise shot-making and thoughtful strategy, often determining the outcome of a match.
- Hole 15: A tough par 4 with an elevated green and deep bunkers, requiring a well-placed approach shot.
- Hole 16: A risk-reward par 5 with a narrow landing area and a sloped green, where aggressive play can lead to birdie but mistakes can be costly.
- Hole 17: A beautiful par 3 over water, where distance control is essential to avoid the hazard.
- Hole 18: A long par 4 with a demanding uphill approach, serving as a true test of skill to finish the round.
This finishing sequence elevates the competitive nature of the course, making it an exciting challenge for even the most experienced players.
Scenic and Strategic Appeal
Aldarra’s setting is one of the most picturesque in the region, offering sweeping mountain views, dense tree lines, and undisturbed natural beauty.
Unlike many Pacific Northwest courses that are either tree-heavy or wide-open, Aldarra strikes a balance, giving golfers a mix of open fairways and tight, wooded corridors.
- Rolling terrain and elevation changes: The undulating layout requires smart club selection and an understanding of how slopes impact ball flight.
- Strategic bunker placement: Well-positioned bunkers challenge both tee shots and approach shots, rewarding accurate placement over raw distance.
- Firm, fast greens: The greens are true but challenging, requiring a solid short game and the ability to read subtle breaks.
The course is playable yet demanding, meaning low-handicap players will find a stern challenge while mid-handicap golfers can still enjoy a rewarding round with proper strategy.
Why Aldarra Stands Out
Aldarra Golf Club is not just a great Washington course—it’s one of the finest private golf experiences in the country.
Its commitment to exclusivity, elite course design, and top-tier conditions makes it a true sanctuary for serious golfers.
While securing a tee time requires membership or an invitation, those who get the opportunity to play will experience one of Tom Fazio’s best-designed courses in a setting that feels both serene and exhilarating.
For golfers who value privacy, pristine course conditions, and strategic shot-making, Aldarra delivers a pure and unforgettable golf experience.
Sahalee Country Club (Sammamish, WA)
Set among towering Douglas firs and red cedars, Sahalee Country Club is one of Washington’s most prestigious and challenging private golf courses.
With a tight, tree-lined layout and a history of hosting major professional tournaments, Sahalee is known for demanding accuracy and rewarding precision.
Its meticulously maintained fairways, strategic bunkering, and fast greens make it a true championship-caliber course that tests even the most skilled players.
Championship-Caliber Course Design
Sahalee’s design is both classic and strategic, offering a tight, shot-maker’s course rather than a layout that favors power hitters.
The club features three interchangeable 9-hole courses—South, North, and East, allowing for multiple routing options.
However, the championship setup traditionally consists of the South and North nines, which together create an 18-hole masterpiece that has challenged the world’s best golfers.
The course was originally designed by Ted Robinson in 1969 and later refined by Rees Jones to enhance its championship appeal.
The result is a heavily wooded, precision-focused layout where ball placement off the tee is paramount.
Unlike open-style courses that allow for aggressive drives, Sahalee forces golfers to think their way through every hole, often requiring strategic layups and carefully shaped shots to stay in position.
A Tight and Demanding Course
Sahalee is not for the faint of heart. The course is known for extremely narrow fairways that are framed by towering trees, making accurate driving essential.
A single missed tee shot can quickly turn into a difficult recovery, often requiring a punch-out instead of an attacking approach.
- Tree-Lined Fairways: The towering Douglas firs and red cedars create natural corridors, often making a 30-yard-wide fairway feel even smaller.
- Penal Rough and Recovery Shots: Unlike some courses where wayward shots are easily recoverable, Sahalee’s thick rough and dense tree lines make errant drives costly. In many cases, golfers are forced to take their medicine and chip back into the fairway rather than attempt a hero shot.
- Strategic Bunkering: Fairway and greenside bunkers are strategically placed to catch even slight mis-hits. Many fairway bunkers sit at common landing areas, forcing smart club selection off the tee.
- Water Hazards: While not overly abundant, water comes into play on several holes, particularly on approach shots where precision is needed to hold the green.
Players who thrive on precision and strategic shot-making will appreciate Sahalee’s layout, but those who rely on power over accuracy may struggle to score well.
Tournament Pedigree
Sahalee’s reputation as a championship venue was cemented with its hosting of major professional tournaments, which have further enhanced its prestige.
1998 PGA Championship
The 1998 PGA Championship was a defining moment for Sahalee, showcasing the course’s difficulty and championship readiness to a global audience.
Vijay Singh emerged victorious, solidifying his status as one of the game’s best players.
2016 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship
Almost two decades later, Sahalee welcomed another major event, this time for the LPGA Tour.
The 2016 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship saw Brooke Henderson defeat Lydia Ko in a playoff, proving once again that Sahalee’s tough layout rewards strategic and composed golf.
Other Notable Events
In addition to these major championships, Sahalee has hosted several prestigious amateur and professional events, including:
- 2002 World Golf Championships-NEC Invitational, won by Tiger Woods.
- 2010 U.S. Senior Open, showcasing the course’s enduring difficulty for elite players.
Sahalee’s tournament history has helped establish its reputation as one of the premier championship courses in the Pacific Northwest, ensuring it remains a sought-after venue for elite-level golf.
Why Golfers Should Play Sahalee
Sahalee isn’t just a top-ranked private club—it’s a true test of precision and mental toughness.
While the course rewards skilled ball-striking, it can punish even minor mistakes, making it one of the most mentally demanding tracks in Washington.
For those who value tight fairways, strategic challenges, and the prestige of playing on a course with major championship history, Sahalee delivers an unmatched experience.
While access is limited to members and guests, those who get the opportunity to play will quickly understand why it remains one of Washington’s most revered golf courses.
Wine Valley Golf Club (Walla Walla, WA)
Located in the heart of Washington’s wine country, Wine Valley Golf Club offers a true links-style experience with its expansive fairways, rolling terrain, and firm, fast playing conditions.
Designed by Dan Hixson, this modern links course embraces wide-open landscapes and strategic shot-making, making it one of the most enjoyable and visually stunning courses in the Pacific Northwest.
With its consistently excellent conditioning, favorable weather, and national recognition, Wine Valley is a must-play for golfers who love links golf and strategic shot placement.
A True Links-Style Experience in Eastern Washington
Unlike many Pacific Northwest courses that feature tree-lined fairways and elevation-heavy layouts, Wine Valley delivers a vast, open feel reminiscent of traditional Scottish and Irish links courses.
Its wide fairways and large greens encourage creativity, giving golfers multiple ways to play each hole.
Dan Hixson designed the course to emphasize strategy over brute force, meaning it’s not just about hitting the ball far—it’s about where you place your shots.
- Expansive fairways: The generous landing areas provide plenty of room off the tee, but positioning is key for setting up the best angles into the greens.
- Undulating greens: Large putting surfaces with significant movement make approach shots and putting a true test of skill. Golfers must read the slopes carefully to avoid tricky two-putts.
- Strategic shot-making: The ground game is a major factor, allowing players to run balls up to greens rather than relying solely on aerial approach shots. This makes the course playable for all skill levels, while still challenging better golfers to think through their shots.
One of Wine Valley’s most appealing qualities is its playability and variety—you won’t face the same type of hole twice, and every round presents new strategic decisions.
Playing Conditions & Climate
Set in Walla Walla’s dry, rolling terrain, Wine Valley offers firm, fast conditions nearly year-round—a major advantage over the rain-heavy western Washington courses that often play soft and slow.
- Minimal Rainfall: Unlike Seattle-area courses, Wine Valley benefits from an arid climate, meaning fewer weather-related closures and more consistent course conditions.
- Fast, firm fairways: The dry environment allows the course to play hard and fast, meaning tee shots get plenty of roll, and approach shots must be carefully controlled to avoid running off the greens.
- Reliable Wind Conditions: The open design means wind plays a significant role, influencing shot selection and club choice. Golfers who can control ball flight and use the ground game effectively will have the most success.
These conditions help preserve the course’s links-like feel while also making it one of the best-conditioned courses in Washington.
Recognition and Rankings
Since its opening in 2009, Wine Valley Golf Club has received national recognition for its design, playability, and overall golf experience.
- Regularly ranked among Washington’s top courses: Wine Valley consistently appears in golf publications as one of the state’s premier golf destinations.
- Competes with top Pacific Northwest courses: While many golfers think of western Washington’s iconic courses first, Wine Valley has gained attention as one of the region’s best, even compared to famed courses like Chambers Bay and Gamble Sands.
- Highly rated by players: Golfers praise the course for its exceptional conditions, strategic design, and fun, challenging layout that makes every round enjoyable.
For those looking to play a links-style course in Washington that rivals some of the best in the country, Wine Valley Golf Club is an outstanding choice.
Its fast, firm play, scenic setting, and thoughtful design make it a must-visit for any serious golfer.
Conclusion
Washington State offers an incredible variety of top-tier golf experiences, from the rugged links of Chambers Bay to the strategic shot-making challenges of Sahalee Country Club.
Whether you prefer the playability of Gamble Sands, the exclusivity of Aldarra, or the firm, fast conditions of Wine Valley, each of these courses delivers something special.
No matter your skill level or playing style, these five courses represent the best of Washington golf and are well worth a visit.
