FEATURE STORY

Seattle golf courses: Cheap greens fees, no waits, plenty of unexpected joy

By S. Adam Cardais,
Staff Writer

The birthplace of Starbucks and grunge is also an underrated golf destination. Seattle golf is full of low-cost golf courses that offer vistas of the beautiful Pacific Northwest landscape, including signature views of Mount Rainier.

High supply, low demand. That's the most fitting description of Seattle as a golf destination, which is excellent news for duffers traveling to the Emerald City.

"Despite the Northwest beauty in its midst - towering pines, glistening lakes, you name it - Seattle isn't much of a golf town," Chris Baldwin reported in recent TravelGolf.com feature.

Golf is smooth sailing in cruise hub Seattle New Seattle golf running on all circuits Vancouver golf a Pacific Northwest adventure Washington state course directory Read about more great golf destinations

"Oh, it has the golf courses. It just doesn't have the golfers to fill them. This means cheap green fees, few waits and plenty of unexpected joy. Sometimes being in a town where golf isn't hip is just the trip."

Indeed, golfers can get on some of the finest tracks in Seattle and its environs, including Druids Glen Golf Club in Kent, for around $50 on weekends. Some of Seattle's best municipal golf courses are even cheaper, putting excellent West Coast golf well within the average duffer's reach.

Here's a quick guide to a few of Seattle's must-play golf courses.

Jefferson Park Golf Course: The oldest golf course in Seattle (opened in 1912), Jefferson Park was designed by legendary Scotsman Thomas Bendelow. Golfers are treated to stunning views of downtown Seattle and Mount Rainier while navigating the tight fairways on this 6,182-yard course. Green fees run around $30.

The Golf Club at Newcastle: The club's signature Coal Creek course is a Bob Cupp-Fred Couples design measuring just over 7,000 yards and featuring 300 feet of elevation change.

Much of the course offers panoramic views of the city, Lake Washington or the Olympic Mountains. Watch out for the opener, a 621-yard bruiser of a hole.

Druids Glen Golf Club 29925 207th Ave. SE Kent, WA Phone: (253) 638-1200 The Golf Club at Newcastle 15500 Six Penny Lane Newcastle, WA Phone: (425) 793-5566 Jackson Park Golf Club 1000 N.E. 135th St. Seattle, WA Phone: (206) 363-4747 Jefferson Park Golf Club 4101 S. Beacon Ave. Seattle, WA Phone: (206) 762-4513 Washington National Golf Club 14330 SE Husky Way Auburn, WA Phone: (253) 333-5000 Click here for a Seattle golf package.

Sibling track China Creek was named a "Top 50 Course in the U.S." by Golf for Women. The 6,632 yards of undulating fairways, strategic bunkers and superbly conditioned, true-rolling greens also sport more trees than does its big brother, most notably on No. 14.

The club has an 18-hole bentgrass putting course called the Rusty Putter, a pro shop and The Calcutta Grill, which serves daily lunch and dinner and Sunday brunch.

Jackson Park Golf Club: This muni opened in 1930 and claims to be the driest round of golf in Seattle. Playing to 6,186 yards from the back tees, Jackson Park features tight, tree-lined fairways and doglegs that can challenge even seasoned golfers. Expect to pay $15-$30 a round.

Druids Glen Golf Club: Set against the backdrop of Mount Rainier, Druids Glen is widely considered one of the most difficult rounds of golf in Washington. Its 7,146 yards take golfers through rolling terrain filled with massive evergreens and numerous ponds.

Watch out for the forced-carry par 3s, but don't be put off if you're not a scratch golfer: Four sets of tees make Druids Glen accessible to a range of skill levels. Green fees run around $40 on weekdays and $50 on Saturday and Sunday.

Washington National Golf Club: Home to the University of Washington's men's and women's golf teams, Washington National was designed by John Fought. The course can play as long as 7,300 yards or just over 5,100 yards, depending on which set of tees you choose.

The facility includes a practice center with a teeing ground, a practice bunker and an 11,000 square-foot putting green. There is also a full pro shop.

June 12, 2007

Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.