Discovering the Gems of Golf in the Pacific Northwest
All Square 4min read •
31 Mar
The Pacific Northwest is a golfer’s paradise, offering a stunning mix of dramatic coastlines, lush forests, and towering mountains that provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable round of golf. With a unique blend of challenging layouts and breathtaking scenery, the region boasts some of the most celebrated golf courses in the United States. From Oregon’s rugged coast to Washington’s verdant valleys and Idaho’s picturesque lakes, the Pacific Northwest has something to offer every golfer.
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort – Bandon, Oregon
Arguably the crown jewel of Pacific Northwest golf, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort is a must-visit for any serious golfer. Located on the southern Oregon coast, the resort features six distinct courses, each designed to highlight the region’s natural beauty. The original Bandon Dunes course, designed by David McLay Kidd, features rolling dunes, firm fairways, and stunning ocean views reminiscent of classic Scottish links. Pacific Dunes, a Tom Doak masterpiece, is often ranked among the top courses in the world, offering dramatic seaside cliffs and undulating greens that test even the best players. With courses like Bandon Trails, Old Macdonald, Sheep Ranch, and the par-3 Bandon Preserve, the resort provides a complete golfing experience that is both challenging and awe-inspiring.
Chambers Bay – University Place, Washington
Located just outside Tacoma, Chambers Bay gained international recognition when it hosted the 2015 U.S. Open. This Robert Trent Jones Jr. design is a true links-style course that challenges golfers with its rolling terrain, deep bunkers, and stunning views of Puget Sound. The course’s fescue fairways and towering dunes make it feel like a slice of Scotland on the West Coast. Chambers Bay is a walking-only course, adding to the traditional links experience and ensuring golfers can fully appreciate its rugged beauty. With ever-changing coastal winds and firm, fast conditions, each round at Chambers Bay presents a new and exciting challenge.
Gamble Sands – Brewster, Washington
A more recent addition to the Pacific Northwest’s golf scene, Gamble Sands has quickly risen to prominence. Designed by David McLay Kidd, this course is set high above the Columbia River, offering panoramic views and a wide-open, playable layout. The course’s design emphasizes fun and strategic play, with generous fairways and large, undulating greens that reward creativity. Unlike many modern courses, Gamble Sands avoids punishing rough and instead focuses on shot-making and angles, making it an enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels. The natural beauty of central Washington, combined with the course’s impeccable conditioning, has made Gamble Sands a must-play destination.
Salish Cliffs Golf Club – Shelton, Washington
Nestled within the Kamilche Valley and owned by the Squaxin Island Tribe, Salish Cliffs Golf Club is one of the hidden gems of the Pacific Northwest. This Gene Bates design winds through dense forest, offering an intimate and secluded golf experience. The course’s elevation changes and natural wetlands create a layout that is as scenic as it is challenging. Salish Cliffs is also committed to environmental sustainability, boasting a Certified Salmon-Safe designation that highlights its efforts to protect local waterways and wildlife. The course is known for its pristine conditions, strategic bunkering, and well-designed greens that demand precision on every approach shot.
No discussion of Pacific Northwest golf would be complete without mentioning the iconic floating green at Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course. Set on the shores of Lake Coeur d’Alene, this course is famous for its 14th hole, which features a movable island green that changes position daily. Designed by Scott Miller, the course offers a scenic and well-manicured layout that blends perfectly with its lakeside surroundings. The experience begins with a boat ride to the first tee, setting the stage for a round filled with pristine fairways, perfectly maintained greens, and panoramic lake views. The course’s luxurious amenities and five-star service make it a bucket-list destination for golfers looking for both beauty and playability.
Pronghorn Club – Bend, Oregon
For those seeking high desert golf at its finest, Pronghorn Club in Bend, Oregon, delivers a world-class experience. With two exceptional courses designed by Jack Nicklaus and Tom Fazio, Pronghorn offers a unique blend of natural landscapes and thoughtful design. The Nicklaus Course is known for its strategic bunkering and firm, fast fairways, while the Fazio Course is highlighted by its stunning lava rock formations and dramatic scenery. Set against the backdrop of the Cascade Mountains, Pronghorn Club provides a golf experience that is both challenging and visually stunning, making it a must-play for visitors to central Oregon.
Pacific Northwest Golf: A Destination Like No Other
What sets the Pacific Northwest apart from other golf destinations is its diverse landscapes and unique course designs that embrace the region’s natural beauty. Whether playing along the rugged Oregon coast, overlooking the Puget Sound, or teeing off near a pristine alpine lake, golfers in the Pacific Northwest are treated to an experience that is as visually captivating as it is challenging. With its world-class courses, ever-changing weather conditions, and commitment to preserving the integrity of the game, the Pacific Northwest remains one of the top golfing destinations in North America.
