Top 5 Places to play in Washington

Washington State boasts picturesque tree lined fairways and beautifully manicured golf courses. This is a very difficult top 5 to produce because there is so much quality packed into this gorgeous, Pacific Northwest, golfers paradise. We all know that Washington state has a reputation for rain, however, when the skies are calm the golf is incredible. Below are the Top 5 Golf Courses that I think you should play in Washington State!

Number 5 – Gold Mountain (Olympic)

Gold Mountain has 2 sets of 18 holes but for this list lets focus on the Olympic Course. You will quickly be able to tell that Jordan Spieth won the World Juniors there in 2011 because there are photos of him quite literally everywhere. Let’s move onto the course. It is a very challenging and interesting layout. Playing here for the 1st time will test more than just your swing. There are no spectacular views to look forward too but you are constantly surrounded by absolutely massive trees and a fair amount of elevation change. The golf course is tough but fair. I think my favourite thing about this place is the mix of holes. Some are very short and tricky while others are long and demanding. This place definitely keeps you guessing and is a lot of fun to play.

Number 4 – Semiahmoo

This place has a special place in my heart because I have personally spent a lot of time down there. The Jeff Coston Golf Academy is the reason why I am the player I am today. I had the opportunity to play this course a number of times and I must say, it’s one of my favourites. This is not a place to practice your punch shots or use your favourite lucky ball. The fairways are lined with trees both tall and thick and there are water hazards all over that do a great job of collecting pro shop merchandise. There is a good amount of elevation change and it always seems to be in remarkable condition. There are some houses along a few of the holes but for the most part if feels like you’re playing a golf course that has been carved out the forest. If you’re in the area, book a time here and if you get there early, go see Jeff for a few tips!

Number 3 – Seattle Golf Club

This is another stereotypical Pacific Northwest golf course. Perfectly manicured and about as green as it comes. Tree lined fairways, the grounds are beautiful and there is a sense of history. This course opened in 1900 and they have done an exceptional job of making it one of the finest establishments in the state. Staff are amazing and your experience here will be memorable, no matter what.

Number 2 – Chambers Bay

We all know about Chambers Bay and the U.S. Open. The USGA did their best to create a course that would leave the tour players beaten and bruised and they succeeded. I have played this course a number of times and I know very well that it is not the unfair, clown course it was set up to be during that event. It is a beautiful taste of links golf and a very demanding challenge. Playing a tournament here might feel like an 8 hour shift in the coal mines but a casual game with friends will definitely be as entertaining a round as any. There are certain things in links golf that you just don’t experience anywhere else and that is what makes it fun. Try putting from 20 yards out or intentionally aiming 30 yards left of the pin. This course will allow you to be creative and will, at times, force you into being aggressive. It is a lot of fun and if you have the opportunity to play here, take it!

Number 1 – Gamble Sands

This is a golfer friendly course. The fairways are long and wide and the ball rolls forever! It plays a little bit shorter than the number on the card because of this. The course is always in remarkable condition and the views are incredible. If you get sick of watching your ball slice offline shift your attention to the stunning mountains or the Columbia River. The staff here are world class and this remote location is the perfect golfers getaway. If you have ever played here before you will not be surprised that is occupies our top spot!

Golf in the Pacific Northwest is some of the best I have ever experienced and these are just some of the amazing courses to play while in Washington State. I would love to hear your Top 5, we are always looking for new places to play!

For now, that’ll play!