Washington State

David McLay Kidd, 2014. Top 50 public course in the US. Sandhills links in eastern Washington built on a former apple-orchard ridge above the Columbia River. Walking-friendly, wide fairways, and the kind of strategic options that reward thinking. The headliner of the destination.

Rod Whitman + Dave Axland, 2023. The newer 18-hole sister course at Gamble Sands — different routing through the same dunes, slightly more rugged feel. Pairs naturally with the original Sands course for an unforgettable 36-hole resort day.

Robert Trent Jones II, 2007. Host of the 2015 US Open. Walking-only links course on Puget Sound — dramatic coastal views, fescue everywhere, the iconic lone fir tree on the 15th. About 45 minutes south of Seattle near Tacoma.

Gene Bates, 2011. Top 100 public course owned and operated by the Squaxin Island Tribe in Shelton, WA. Mature evergreens line dramatic elevation changes — a different feel from the eastern WA links and Chambers Bay''s coast.

Mike Asmundson + John Fought, 2007. Host of the 2010 US Amateur — and one of the best golf values on the West Coast. DuPont, WA, between Seattle and Tacoma. Tournament-quality conditions at budget pricing — punches well above its tier.

David McLay Kidd, 2018. 14-hole par-3 short course on the same property as the Sands and Scarecrow. Genuine fun afternoon round between or after the championship rounds — and budget-priced compared to the marquee 18s.

Bremerton, WA. Two 18-hole courses (Olympic + Cascade) at very approachable pricing — strong all-around value pick for the Seattle area. The Olympic Course is the more notable of the two, a former US Amateur Public Links host.