Washington

Washington state is home to 298 golf courses, anchored by one of the most acclaimed public layouts in the United States. The state’s golf identity splits along the Cascades: western Washington offers year-round play in a mild, often rainy climate with spectacular mountain and water backdrops; eastern Washington’s drier, sunnier climate supports a strong summer season with excellent municipal courses in the Spokane area.

Chambers Bay in University Place — a Robert Trent Jones Jr. links course on a former gravel quarry above Puget Sound — is Washington’s defining public golf statement. Its hosting of the 2015 US Open put the state on the global golf map. Beyond that marquee track, the Seattle metro has a deep bench of quality public courses within an hour’s drive, while Spokane offers some of the Pacific Northwest’s most scenic and affordable rounds in a dramatic gorge setting.

Washington Golf by Region

Seattle / Puget Sound

Greater Seattle has more public golf than its rainy reputation suggests. The Home Course in DuPont — a links-influenced layout through Puget Sound lowland — consistently earns recognition as one of the region’s best-value public rounds ($35–$65). Gold Mountain Golf Club’s Olympic Course in Bremerton (accessible by ferry from Seattle) is a hilly, tree-lined layout rated among Washington’s top public courses. Newcastle Golf Club sits above the east side of Lake Washington with views of Mount Rainier and downtown Seattle from multiple holes. Many Seattle-area courses are playable year-round, though wet winters mean soft conditions and cart path restrictions.

Tacoma / Chambers Bay Area

The south Puget Sound area is anchored by Chambers Bay (University Place), a Robert Trent Jones Jr. design built on a reclaimed gravel quarry and operated as a Pierce County public course. Host of the 2015 US Open Championship (where Jordan Spieth won his first major), it’s a fescue-based links course with sweeping views across the Sound to the Olympic Mountains. Green fees run $75–$175 depending on season and day, making it accessible for a bucket-list round without resort pricing.

Spokane / Eastern Washington

Spokane has one of the Pacific Northwest’s most distinctive golf settings. Indian Canyon Golf Course — a 1930 H. Chandler Egan design carved into a deep gorge overlooking the city — is frequently cited as one of America’s great public-access bargains, with dramatic terrain and a design that rewards local knowledge. The Creek at Qualchan Golf Course offers a complementary experience on hillier terrain with water throughout. Eastern Washington’s drier summer climate (80–90°F, low humidity) makes June through September ideal for golf.

Top Courses in Washington

• Chambers Bay (University Place) — Robert Trent Jones Jr. fescue links on a former gravel quarry above Puget Sound; host of the 2015 US Open. Pierce County public course; green fees ~$75–$175.
• The Home Course (DuPont) — Links-influenced public course through Puget Sound lowland; consistently ranked among Washington’s top public values. Green fees ~$35–$65.
• Gold Mountain Golf Club — Olympic Course (Bremerton) — Top-ranked public course west of Seattle on the Kitsap Peninsula, accessible by ferry. Tree-lined, hilly, and well-conditioned; green fees ~$45–$75.
• Indian Canyon Golf Course (Spokane) — H. Chandler Egan design from 1930 on a gorge overlooking downtown Spokane; one of America’s great public-course bargains. Green fees ~$20–$40.
• Semiahmoo Golf & Country Club (Blaine) — Arnold Palmer-designed private course near the Canadian border, regularly rated Washington’s top private layout with views across Semiahmoo Bay.
• Newcastle Golf Club (Newcastle) — Public course east of Seattle with stunning views of Lake Washington and Mount Rainier. Technically challenging with significant elevation changes; green fees ~$50–$85.
• Salish Cliffs Golf Club (Shelton) — Tribal resort course near Olympia designed by Gene Bates; consistently ranked among Washington’s top resort layouts. Green fees ~$65–$110.
• The Creek at Qualchan Golf Course (Spokane) — Bill Robinson design with water features and hilly terrain; complements Indian Canyon for a strong Spokane golf day. Green fees ~$25–$40.

When to Play Golf in Washington

Western Washington (Seattle area) is technically playable year-round, but the prime season runs May through September when rainfall eases and daylight is long. Summer days (July–August) offer 80°F temperatures, blue skies, and 9+ hours of daylight — the Pacific Northwest’s best weather. Spring (April–May) brings lush green conditions but expect soft, wet fairways. Fall is underrated: September and October deliver crisp air, stunning foliage, and far fewer golfers than summer. Eastern Washington (Spokane) has a more traditional season — April through October — with warmer, drier summers ideal for golf. Winter golf in the east is possible in mild years but not reliable.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many golf courses are in Washington state?

Washington has 298 golf courses in our database, spanning the rainy west side of the Cascades to the sunny eastern plateau. The state is notable for the quality of its public course infrastructure, with Chambers Bay standing as one of the finest public-access layouts in the country.

What is the best golf course in Washington?

Chambers Bay in University Place is Washington’s most celebrated public course and has been ranked among America’s top 10 public courses. For the overall state ranking, private layouts like Sahalee Country Club (Sammamish) — host of the 1998 PGA Championship — and Semiahmoo are often placed ahead, but for everyday golfer access, Chambers Bay is the pinnacle.

When is the best time to golf in Washington?

June through September in both western and eastern Washington. July and August are peak season in Seattle; eastern Washington (Spokane) is best in June and September when temperatures are warm but not extreme. Avoid planning on western Washington courses in November through March without expecting some rain delays.

How much does golf cost in Washington?

Range is wide: Spokane municipal courses run $20–$40; Seattle-area public tracks charge $35–$85; Chambers Bay runs $75–$175; and private resort courses top $150+. Many courses offer twilight and weekday discounts.

Can you golf near Seattle in the rain?

Yes — most Seattle-area golfers simply embrace the weather. A light rain jacket suffices for Seattle’s signature mist, and courses rarely close due to rain alone (waterlogged fairways are the more common issue in winter). Summer and early fall bring reliably dry weather that locals and visitors alike enjoy without restriction.

All Golf Courses in Washington

Browse all 298 Washington golf courses in our database below, including green fees, location, and course details.