Washington State offers some of the best public golf courses in the country, with stunning landscapes and diverse course designs.
From the expansive fairways of Gamble Sands to the challenging layout of Chambers Bay, these top five courses provide a unique golfing experience.
Keep reading for a detailed look at what makes each of these courses a must-play.
Gamble Sands (Brewster, WA)
Gamble Sands is a standout public golf course in Washington, known for its expansive fairways and scenic location in Eastern Washington’s apple-orchard country.
This course combines beautiful views with a design that emphasizes fun and accessibility, making it a popular choice for golfers of all skill levels.
Course Overview
Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Eastern Washington, Gamble Sands is set amid rolling hills and lush apple orchards, providing a serene backdrop for a day on the course.
The location offers a unique golfing experience, distinct from the typical forested courses of the Pacific Northwest.
The wide-open layout of Gamble Sands, combined with the expansive fairways, creates a welcoming environment for both beginner and seasoned golfers.
This course offers a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of Washington’s countryside while playing on a meticulously maintained course.
Design and Layout
Designed by the renowned golf course architect David McLay Kidd, Gamble Sands stands out for its emphasis on enjoyment and playability.
Kidd's design philosophy is evident throughout the course, where he prioritizes fun over difficulty.
The course features wide fairways that provide plenty of room for error, allowing players to focus more on enjoying the game rather than stressing over each shot.
Large greens offer ample landing areas, making the course accessible to golfers of all abilities.
This design ensures that even less experienced players can have a great time, while more skilled golfers will still find challenges that test their precision and strategy.
Unique Features
One of the most striking features of Gamble Sands is its stunning views of the Columbia River and the surrounding landscape.
The course’s elevated location offers panoramic vistas that enhance the overall playing experience, making each round memorable.
In addition to the main course, Gamble Sands has recently introduced a 14-hole par-3 course called Quicksands.
This new addition offers a different type of challenge and is perfect for those looking to enjoy a shorter, more relaxed round of golf.
The Quicksands course is designed with the same principles of fun and accessibility, making it a great option for players of all levels.
Player Experience
Golfers at Gamble Sands can expect a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
The course is designed to be enjoyable and inclusive, with its forgiving layout and ample space making it an ideal choice for group outings or family golf days.
The wide fairways and large greens ensure that players can focus on enjoying the game rather than worrying about lost balls or difficult shots.
The addition of the Quicksands course adds another layer of variety and fun, making Gamble Sands a destination that can cater to a wide range of preferences and skill levels.
Chambers Bay (University Place, WA)
Chambers Bay is one of Washington’s most iconic public golf courses, known for its links-style design and breathtaking views of Puget Sound.
Having hosted the 2015 U.S. Open, this course offers a challenging layout that requires both skill and strategy.
Course Overview
Located in University Place, just south of Tacoma, Chambers Bay offers a unique golfing experience that sets it apart from other courses in the state.
The course is perched on a scenic bluff overlooking Puget Sound, providing stunning views throughout the round. Its links-style design is reminiscent of traditional Scottish courses, featuring rolling fairways, deep bunkers, and an open layout that allows the elements to play a significant role in the game.
Chambers Bay has earned a reputation as a premier golfing destination, thanks in part to its challenging setup and its moment in the spotlight as the host of the 2015 U.S. Open.
Design and Layout
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., Chambers Bay is a course that demands both power and precision.
The layout features a variety of holes that test every aspect of a golfer's game, from long drives to accurate approach shots.
The course’s open design and firm playing conditions are typical of a links-style course, where the wind and natural terrain add to the challenge.
Golfers need to be prepared for uneven lies, unpredictable bounces, and the strategic placement of bunkers, all of which require careful shot planning and execution.
Unique Features
Chambers Bay is well known for its sweeping views of Puget Sound and the surrounding landscape, which provide a stunning backdrop to a round of golf.
The course's unique setting, combined with its links-style layout, makes it feel more like a classic Scottish course than a typical American one.
The layout’s design mimics the natural flow of the land, with holes that follow the contours of the terrain and require creative shot-making.
The open vistas and lack of trees give Chambers Bay a distinctive look and feel, setting it apart from more traditional courses in the region.
Player Experience
Playing at Chambers Bay is both a visual and physical challenge, offering a test of skill that golfers relish.
The course is known for its demanding nature, with its rugged terrain and links-style design requiring players to bring their best game.
Despite the challenges, many golfers find the course's iconic status and stunning views to be well worth the effort.
The combination of a world-class layout and breathtaking scenery makes Chambers Bay a favorite among both locals and visitors, providing a memorable golfing experience.
Gold Mountain Golf Club – Olympic Course (Bremerton, WA)
Gold Mountain Golf Club’s Olympic Course offers a classic Pacific Northwest golfing experience, surrounded by lush forests and featuring a strategic layout that challenges golfers of all skill levels.
Located in Bremerton, this course is known for its beautiful setting and well-maintained fairways.
Course Overview
The Olympic Course at Gold Mountain Golf Club is set amidst the dense forests of Bremerton, providing a peaceful and scenic environment for a round of golf.
The course is designed to showcase the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, with towering trees and rolling terrain that create a serene backdrop for players.
Known for its excellent conditioning and variety of holes, the Olympic Course has built a reputation as a must-play destination for those seeking a traditional golfing experience in Washington State.
Design and Layout
Designed by John Harbottle III, the Olympic Course features a strategic layout that takes full advantage of the natural landscape.
The course includes a mix of challenging holes, each with its own unique character and set of obstacles.
The greens are well-protected by bunkers and water hazards, requiring accurate approach shots and careful consideration of the course’s natural features.
The layout encourages thoughtful play, rewarding golfers who can navigate the course's challenges with precision and skill.
Unique Features
Gold Mountain’s Olympic Course is renowned for its serene environment and well-maintained fairways, which offer a smooth and enjoyable playing surface.
The course blends beauty and difficulty, making it suitable for a wide range of golfers.
Each hole is thoughtfully designed to provide a balance of risk and reward, ensuring that players of all skill levels can enjoy a satisfying round.
The surrounding forest adds to the course’s charm, creating a sense of immersion in nature that enhances the overall experience.
Player Experience
Golfers playing at the Olympic Course can expect a peaceful and rewarding experience, thanks to the course’s beautiful setting and thoughtful design.
The combination of challenging holes and a serene atmosphere makes it an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy a traditional golfing experience in the Pacific Northwest.
The well-maintained fairways and greens ensure that players can focus on their game without worrying about the condition of the course, allowing for a relaxed and enjoyable round.
Wine Valley Golf Club (Walla Walla, WA)
Wine Valley Golf Club offers a minimalist, links-style course set in the beautiful wine country of Walla Walla.
Known for its wide fairways and open playing conditions, this course provides a unique golfing experience that caters to players of all skill levels.
Course Overview
Located in the heart of Walla Walla's wine region, Wine Valley Golf Club offers a distinctive golfing experience with its minimalist design and expansive views.
The course’s wide fairways and firm, fast playing conditions make it a popular choice for golfers looking for a different type of challenge.
The open layout and natural landscape provide a stark contrast to the typical tree-lined courses of the Pacific Northwest, offering a refreshing change of pace.
Design and Layout
Designed by Dan Hixson, Wine Valley Golf Club focuses on accommodating golfers of all abilities while still providing a challenging round.
The course’s layout emphasizes strategic play, with expansive fairways that encourage players to think carefully about their shots.
The minimalist design allows the natural terrain to dictate the flow of the course, creating a unique and engaging experience for players.
The wide fairways and open layout provide ample opportunities for creative shot-making, rewarding golfers who can adapt to the course’s unique challenges.
Unique Features
One of the standout features of Wine Valley Golf Club is its stunning views of the Blue Mountains, which provide a beautiful backdrop for a round of golf.
The course’s tranquil setting and less crowded environment make it an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy a relaxed, unhurried round.
The open layout and firm playing conditions are reminiscent of traditional links courses, offering a distinctive playing experience that is both challenging and enjoyable.
Player Experience
Golfers at Wine Valley Golf Club can expect a flexible and enjoyable experience, thanks to the course’s accommodating design and beautiful setting.
The wide fairways and open layout make it accessible to players of all skill levels, while the challenging conditions provide plenty of opportunities for strategic play.
The course’s relaxed atmosphere and stunning views make it a great choice for those looking to enjoy a peaceful round in a picturesque setting.
Salish Cliffs Golf Club (Shelton, WA)
Salish Cliffs Golf Club is a newer addition to Washington’s golf scene, offering a challenging yet fair course set in the stunning natural surroundings of Shelton.
Owned and operated by the Squaxin Island Tribe, this course is known for its environmentally friendly design and inclusive atmosphere.
Course Overview
Situated in the lush forests of Shelton, Salish Cliffs Golf Club offers a unique golfing experience that combines challenging play with beautiful natural surroundings.
Opened in 2011, the course has quickly gained a reputation for its excellent design and commitment to sustainability.
The course is designed to integrate seamlessly with the local landscape, providing a beautiful and environmentally friendly setting for a round of golf.
Design and Layout
Salish Cliffs features a variety of tee boxes that accommodate golfers of all skill levels, making it an inclusive and accessible course.
The design incorporates the natural terrain, with each hole framed by lush forests and offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
The course is known for its challenging layout, which requires careful shot planning and precise execution.
Despite the challenges, the fair design ensures that golfers of all abilities can enjoy a rewarding round.
Unique Features
The course’s commitment to environmental sustainability is evident in its design and maintenance practices.
Salish Cliffs has been carefully integrated into the local landscape, minimizing its impact on the environment while providing a beautiful setting for golf.
The stunning natural surroundings, combined with the course’s thoughtful layout, make it a favorite among golfers who appreciate both challenge and beauty.
Each hole offers a unique perspective, with the surrounding forests providing a sense of tranquility and seclusion.
Player Experience
Golfers at Salish Cliffs can expect an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, with a range of difficulty levels available to suit all players.
The course’s challenging layout and stunning natural surroundings provide a memorable golfing experience that appeals to a wide range of golfers.
The commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship adds to the course’s appeal, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a beautiful, well-designed course that is in harmony with its natural setting.
Conclusion
Washington State offers diverse and memorable public golf courses that cater to all skill levels, from the expansive fairways of Gamble Sands to the challenging terrain of Chambers Bay.
Each course provides a unique experience, combining stunning landscapes with thoughtfully designed layouts.
Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just starting out, these top five courses are must-plays for anyone looking to enjoy the best of Washington’s golf scene.
