Washington State is home to some of the most scenic and challenging golf courses in the country. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a casual weekend golfer, the Evergreen State offers a perfect mix of coastal views, mountain backdrops, and top-tier course design. In this guide, I’ve rounded up the 10 best golf courses in Washington State that every golfer should experience in 2025.
1. Chambers Bay – University Place
Chambers Bay isn’t just Washington’s most iconic course—it’s one of the best public courses in the U.S. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., this links-style course hosted the 2015 U.S. Open and continues to impress with its rolling fairways, dramatic bunkers, and breathtaking views of Puget Sound.
What golfers love:
True links-style experience rarely found in the U.S.
Wide fairways and firm greens
A challenging yet fair test of skill
- Website: Visit Chambers Bay
2. Gamble Sands – Brewster
Gamble Sands is widely considered a masterpiece of minimalist design. Created by David McLay Kidd (the same architect behind Bandon Dunes), this course sits above the Columbia River and offers stunning views and wide open fairways that are forgiving yet strategic.
What to expect in 2025:
Expansive desert-style setting
A second 18-hole course, Quicksands, continues to gain praise
Excellent stay-and-play packages at The Inn
- Website: Explore Gamble Sands
3. Salish Cliffs Golf Club – Shelton
Owned by the Squaxin Island Tribe and part of the Little Creek Casino Resort, Salish Cliffs offers a pristine, forested course layout that feels like a retreat into nature. Designed by Gene Bates, it’s both luxurious and player-friendly.
Highlights:
Dramatic elevation changes
Eco-conscious design (first salmon-safe certified course)
Great resort amenities including spa and gaming
- Website: Salish Cliffs Golf Club
4. Wine Valley Golf Club – Walla Walla
Wine Valley offers a completely different vibe from the coastal and western courses. It’s drier, more open, and fast-running—almost like a course you’d find in Oregon or Northern California. It’s a favorite among competitive amateurs and regional tournaments.
Why it’s worth the drive:
Wide, open layout with beautiful rolling hills
Located in Walla Walla’s wine country – perfect for a weekend golf & wine getaway
Consistently ranks in the Top 3 public courses in Washington
- Website: Wine Valley Golf Club
5. The Home Course – DuPont
Often considered the “sister” course to Chambers Bay, The Home Course was co-developed by the PNGA and WSGA. It’s an affordable option with tour-level quality and even served as a companion course during the 2010 U.S. Amateur.
Why golfers return year after year:
Excellent practice facilities
Gently rolling fairways with views of Mount Rainier
Perfect for players who want a top-tier course without the Chambers Bay price tag
- Website: The Home Course
6. Palouse Ridge Golf Club – Pullman
Located on the Washington State University campus, Palouse Ridge is a beautifully crafted championship course with panoramic views of rolling farmland. Designed by John Harbottle III, it’s both visually stunning and technically rewarding.
Golfers appreciate:
Collegiate-level challenge
Fast, true greens
Affordable green fees for a high-end experience
- Pro tip: It’s one of the best-kept secrets in Eastern Washington, perfect for serious players and WSU alumni.
- Website: Palouse Ridge Golf Club
7. Aldarra Golf Club – Sammamish
Designed by the legendary Tom Fazio, Aldarra is a private club, but it’s one of Washington’s best if you ever get the invite. It sits on former farmland owned by the Boeing family and delivers a secluded, natural layout that flows with the land.
Standout features:
Ranked consistently among the Top 100 in the U.S.
Exceptional course conditions
Minimal housing or distractions—pure golf
- Website: Aldarra Golf Club
8. Gold Mountain Golf Club (Olympic Course) – Bremerton
Gold Mountain offers two courses, but the Olympic Course is the crown jewel. This championship-level track has hosted numerous USGA events, including U.S. Amateur Public Links qualifiers.
What to expect:
Towering firs and pristine fairways
Challenging tee shots with elevation changes
Great value for the quality of golf
- Website: Gold Mountain Golf Club
9. Suncadia Resort (Rope Rider & Prospector) – Cle Elum
Just 80 miles from Seattle, Suncadia Resort offers two incredible courses—Rope Rider, designed for all skill levels, and Prospector, a more classic mountain-style layout. Set among the Cascades, this is a favorite for weekend getaways.
Why golfers love Suncadia:
Beautiful forest and mountain backdrops
Family-friendly resort amenities
Stay-and-play packages available
- Website: Suncadia Golf
10. Indian Summer Golf & Country Club – Olympia
Indian Summer is a semi-private course that combines top-tier facilities with a peaceful setting. Known for immaculate conditions and a strong layout, it’s often overlooked by tourists—which makes it ideal for a local golf escape.
Best features:
Excellent greens year-round
Full-service clubhouse and practice area
A local’s favorite in the South Sound region
- Website: Indian Summer Golf
Final Thoughts
Golf in Washington isn’t just about the game—it’s about the experience. From the rugged coastlines of Chambers Bay to the serene wine valleys of Walla Walla, these five courses showcase the best of what the state has to offer. Whether you’re visiting from out of state or planning your next in-state golf trip, these destinations deserve a spot on your 2025 must-play list.
FAQs – Best Golf Courses in Washington State (2025)
Q: What is the #1 public golf course in Washington?
A: Chambers Bay consistently ranks #1 among public courses in Washington due to its U.S. Open history and world-class design.
Q: Which Washington course has the best views?
A: Gamble Sands offers panoramic views of the Columbia River and surrounding high desert terrain.
Q: Can beginners play at these courses?
A: Yes. Courses like The Home Course and Salish Cliffs are designed to be welcoming to golfers of all levels.
Q: What’s the best time to play golf in Washington?
A: Late spring through early fall (May–October) is ideal, with warm temperatures and fewer rain interruptions.
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I am Sabiq Rasel is an Entrepreneur and broadcaster. I believe that every sip of coffee holds the potential for a moment of inspiration, creativity, and every cup tells a story.
