How the ratings work
- Beauty: scenery and visual drama. Coastal dunes and high‑mountain backdrops rate higher than flat farmland.
- Affordability: relative cost of a peak‑season round. Replay and shoulder‑season discounts lower the cost.
- Location: ease of travel. Courses near major towns or airport hubs score higher than remote destinations.
- Difficulty: challenge for an average golfer. Tight fairways, severe greens and abundant hazards rate higher.
Top courses
Chambers Bay – University Place, Washington
Why play it? Robert Trent Jones Jr. transformed a former sand‑and‑gravel quarry overlooking Puget Sound into one of America’s modern links. The walking‑only layout features sweeping dunes, firm fescue fairways and large, contoured greens. Tee shots must often run along the ground rather than fly high, and the back‑nine routing—especially holes 15–18—offers some of the most strategic golf in the region.
Peak‑season price: demand‑based pricing ranges roughly US$100–$350 for an 18‑hole round depending on residency and season. Local residents and off‑season visitors can pay closer to the bottom end of that range.
| Category | Score (1–5) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beauty | 5 | Dunes tumble toward Puget Sound and snow‑capped Olympic Mountains; epic views from every tee. |
| Affordability | 2 | Rates are high during summer, though off‑season prices are reasonable and walking reduces extra cart fees. |
| Location | 4 | Tacoma is a short drive from Seattle‑Tacoma International Airport. Lodging options are plentiful. |
| Difficulty | 4 | Wide fairways help you find the ground, but massive bunkers and fast greens demand precise distance control. |
Nearby restaurants:
- Texas de Brazil – Tacoma: Brazilian churrascaria with table‑side meats.
- WOVEN Seafood & Chophouse: waterfront eatery serving steaks and seafood.
- Duke’s Seafood – Tacoma: casual chowder and oysters with Puget Sound views.
Gamble Sands – Brewster, Washington
Why play it? David McLay Kidd carved this high‑desert links above the Columbia River. Wide, tightly mown fairways run firm and fast and encourage aggressive tee shots and creative ground‑game approaches. Large greens slope gently rather than severely, so strategy and distance control take precedence over spin.
Peak‑season price: hotel guests pay about US$215–$245 for an 18‑hole round in summer; day‑guest rates range US$225–$255+, with cheaper replay and shoulder‑season discounts.
| Category | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beauty | 4 | Long views of the Columbia River and snow‑dusted peaks; course sits on a high‑desert plateau. |
| Affordability | 3 | Still pricey, but dynamic pricing, replay rates and spring/fall seasons reduce costs. |
| Location | 3 | Brewster is about three hours from Spokane or Seattle; on‑site lodging at the Inn at Gamble Sands helps. |
| Difficulty | 3 | Generous fairways make it playable, but natural run‑offs and deep bunkers punish poor distance control. |
Nearby restaurants:
- Danny Boy Bar & Grill: clubhouse restaurant serving burgers and Northwest comfort food.
- Lone Point Cellars: local winery pairing small plates with estate wines.
- Camperos: hearty Mexican fare in nearby Brewster.
Apple Tree Golf Course – Yakima, Washington
Why play it? John Steidel’s resort course weaves through active orchards and elevation changes. The signature 17th hole features an apple‑shaped island green that demands precise distance control. Risk‑reward par‑4s and creeks on the 9th and 18th holes force players to decide whether to lay up or attack.
Peak‑season price: the resort runs specials; discount rates in 2025 were around US$85 Monday–Thursday and US$95 Friday–Sunday after noon (including cart).
| Category | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beauty | 3 | A mix of orchards, lakes and rolling farmland; the apple‑shaped island green is unique. |
| Affordability | 4 | Weekday rates under US$100 and twilight specials make this one of the best values. |
| Location | 3 | Yakima is a two‑hour drive from Seattle; abundant wine‑country lodging nearby. |
| Difficulty | 3 | Wide fairways and resort‑style greens are forgiving, but water hazards and risk‑reward holes keep you honest. |
Nearby restaurants:
- Apple Tree Restaurant: onsite dining with breakfast and prime rib specials.
- Cowiche Canyon Kitchen & Icehouse Bar: modern Northwest cuisine in downtown Yakima.
- WaterFire: American grill and cocktail lounge.
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort – Bandon, Oregon
Why play it? This walking‑only resort is America’s version of Scottish links golf. Five distinct courses hug the rugged Oregon coast. Pacific Dunes and Bandon Dunes combine tight coastal fairways, firm turf and steady winds, requiring low, controlled ball flights and creative ground‑game shots. Trails shifts inland to rolling forest terrain with elevation changes. Old Macdonald features massive greens that can turn small mistakes into three‑putts, and Sheep Ranch has nine greens perched right on ocean cliffs.
Peak‑season price: in 2025, resort guests and Oregon residents paid US$120–$370 per round; day guests paid US$170–$420, with the second round of the day half‑price.
| Category | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beauty | 5 | Dramatic dunes, windswept cliffs and Pacific Ocean vistas on nearly every hole. |
| Affordability | 2 | Premium rates reflect world‑class design; replay discounts help. |
| Location | 2 | Remote—Bandon is 4½ hours from Portland; guests usually stay at the resort. |
| Difficulty | 4 | Constant wind, fescue rough and massive greens require shot‑making skills and patient course management. |
Nearby restaurants:
- Pacific Grill: seafood and steaks overlooking the ocean.
- McKee’s Pub: casual Northwest tavern with hearty fare.
- Lord Bennett’s: upscale dining with sunset views in Bandon town.
Pumpkin Ridge – Ghost Creek – North Plains, Oregon
Why play it? Ghost Creek is a public course that weaves through dense stands of trees outside Portland. Ghost Creek itself adds pressure on key holes, including a risk‑reward par‑4 17th, while narrow fairways and deceptive bunkering keep players focused. Par‑5s require careful navigation of creeks and bunkers, and the 9th and 18th holes demand precise ball‑striking to avoid water hazards.
Peak‑season price: visitor green fees are about US$130 Monday–Thursday and US$145 Friday–Sunday in high season.
| Category | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beauty | 4 | Mature pines, wildflowers and glimpses of the Coast Range foothills create a park‑like setting. |
| Affordability | 3 | Fairly priced for a championship track near Portland. |
| Location | 5 | Only 30 minutes from Portland; easily accessible from the airport. |
| Difficulty | 4 | Tight landing areas and creeks punish errant shots; strong finish on 9 and 18. |
Nearby restaurants:
- Ghost Creek Grill: clubhouse dining with sandwiches and local beers.
- Helvetia Tavern: rustic burger joint nearby.
- Ranee’s on Main: homestyle fare in North Plains.
Wine Valley Golf Club – Walla Walla, Washington
Why play it? Dan Hixson’s design unfolds across rolling hills in the shadow of the Blue Mountains. Each hole affords multiple lines of play, encouraging aggressive routes for big hitters or conservative strategies for those who prefer safer angles. The course evokes the feel of inland links golf with firm turf and fescue rough.
Peak‑season price: early‑bird weekday rounds start around US$166 while standard weekend rounds reach US$210; twilight and super‑twilight rates drop to US$111–$155.
| Category | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beauty | 4 | Golden wheat fields frame views of the Blue Mountains and vineyards. |
| Affordability | 3 | Moderate pricing with significant twilight discounts. |
| Location | 4 | Walla Walla’s regional airport is nearby; downtown wine‑tasting rooms make it an appealing weekend trip. |
| Difficulty | 3 | Multiple lines of play make it manageable; fast greens and cross‑winds can make birdies elusive. |
Nearby restaurants:
- Wine Valley Grille: clubhouse burgers and salads.
- Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen: creative Mediterranean dishes downtown.
- Whitehouse‑Crawford: fine dining in a restored historic mill.
Circling Raven Golf Club – Worley, Idaho
Why play it? Set across 600 acres of meadows, wetlands and forests, Circling Raven is a serious test of golf. Wide fairways and strategic bunkering are combined with constant changes in landscape; holes feel isolated, enhancing the wilderness experience. Signature holes include the split‑fairway 4th, the short but dangerous 10th and the long par‑3 13th.
Peak‑season price: 2025 peak‑season rates were US$189 on weekdays and US$219 on weekends; spring and fall shoulder seasons cost US$139–$159.
| Category | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beauty | 5 | Expansive wetlands, rolling prairie and forested ridges with wildlife sightings. |
| Affordability | 3 | Rates are mid‑range for a resort course; replay discounts and shoulder seasons offer savings. |
| Location | 3 | About 35 minutes from Coeur d’Alene Airport; on‑site casino resort accommodations. |
| Difficulty | 4 | Long par‑3s and isolated holes challenge even low handicaps; wide fairways temper the test. |
Nearby restaurants:
- Twisted Earth Grill: burgers and salads at the course.
- Chinook Steak, Pasta & Spirits: upscale dining within the Coeur d’Alene Casino.
- Red Tail Bar & Grill: pub‑style fare with craft beers.
Jug Mountain Ranch – McCall, Idaho
Why play it? Donald Knott’s mountain‑meadow design offers two distinct nines. The front nine plays through flatter meadows, while the back nine winds through dramatic, forested terrain with cathedral‑like par 3s and uphill par 5s. The signature 12th features a pond carry and short wedge approach.
Peak‑season price: green fees are very reasonable—about US$50 on weekdays and US$65 on weekends for 18 holes.
| Category | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beauty | 4 | Pristine mountain scenery with streams, ponds and wildflowers. |
| Affordability | 5 | One of the best bargains in the PNW; weekday rates under US$60. |
| Location | 3 | McCall is two hours north of Boise; limited lodging, but the relaxed mountain town is worth the drive. |
| Difficulty | 3 | Elevation changes and forested holes keep things interesting but not punitive. |
Nearby restaurants:
- The Ranch House: comfort food with lake views at Jug Mountain.
- Rupert’s at Hotel McCall: elegant dining in downtown McCall.
- Steamers Steak & Seafood: surf‑and‑turf with lodge atmosphere.
Sun Valley Resort Courses – Sun Valley, Idaho
The resort offers three very different experiences: Trail Creek, White Clouds and Elkhorn.
Trail Creek
Why play it? This signature 18‑hole course crosses Trail Creek seven times on the front nine. Stream carries and bunkers make players hit a variety of shots while enjoying mountain views.
Peak‑season price: peak‑season (Jun 7–Sep 21) 2025 rates were US$215 for the public and US$185 for hotel guests (18 holes); value‑season rates dropped to US$120 for the public.
| Category | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beauty | 4 | Mountain vistas and creek crossings provide classic alpine parkland scenery. |
| Affordability | 3 | Peak‑season rates are pricey but value‑season rates are moderate. |
| Location | 3 | Sun Valley is remote (45 minutes from Hailey airport); world‑class resort amenities make it attractive. |
| Difficulty | 4 | Narrow river crossings and fast greens demand precision and course management. |
White Clouds
Why play it? This 9‑hole, 3,605‑yard alpine links‑style course sits high above the resort, giving 360‑degree views of Bald Mountain, the Pioneer Mountains and more. Par is 36, and the layout features dramatic elevation changes, sand‑trap shots and side‑hill lies.
Peak‑season price: peak‑season rates were US$115 for 18 holes and US$75 for 9 holes; value‑season rates dropped to US$80 and US$50.
| Category | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beauty | 5 | Sweeping panoramic views from high above the valley. |
| Affordability | 4 | Shorter layout keeps the price reasonable. |
| Location | 3 | Same remote location as Trail Creek. |
| Difficulty | 3 | Elevation changes and blind shots are tricky, but the nine‑hole format is forgiving. |
Elkhorn
Why play it? The oldest Sun Valley course opened in 1974 and was renovated in 2004. Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed the hilly front nine, while his son designed the back nine, which follows a creek with a water hazard on every hole but one. The 7,214‑yard course features over 100 sand traps and bunkers.
Peak‑season price: public rates after 2 p.m. were US$215; hotel guests paid US$185; guests of members paid US$130. Value‑season rates start at US$120.
| Category | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beauty | 4 | Rolling hills and mature trees with creekside holes. |
| Affordability | 3 | Peak‑season rates are high but value‑season rates offer savings. |
| Location | 3 | Same as other Sun Valley courses. |
| Difficulty | 4 | Narrow fairways, numerous water hazards and over 100 bunkers test every part of your game. |
Nearby restaurants: Trail Creek Cabin (historic log cabin with steaks and fondue), Konditorei (European‑style pastries) and the Duchin Lounge (classic cocktails at the Sun Valley Lodge).
Pronghorn Club (Juniper Preserve) – Bend, Oregon
The resort features two world‑class courses: the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course and the Tom Fazio Championship Course.
Jack Nicklaus Signature Course
Why play it? Set in Oregon’s high desert, this course plays firm and fast and was designed with minimalist philosophy. Narrow targets and firm turf demand precision from start to finish. Ancient lava rock ridges and outcroppings intertwine with natural landscapes, providing stunning views of Mount Bachelor and the Three Sisters. Holes like the cape‑style 13th over water and the uphill par‑5 15th framed by lava rock reward strategic play.
Peak‑season price: green fees for the Nicklaus course were around US$120 for 18 holes.
| Category | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beauty | 5 | High‑desert vistas, lava formations and Cascade‑mountain views. |
| Affordability | 3 | Rates are moderate for a resort course; stay‑and‑play packages bundle lodging. |
| Location | 3 | Located 15 minutes northeast of Bend; accessible from Redmond airport. |
| Difficulty | 4 | Narrow landing zones, firm fairways and deep bunkers challenge players. |
Tom Fazio Championship Course
Why play it? Rolling fairways and sculpted greens are punctuated by ancient lava rocks, stunning water features and dramatic juniper trees. The course features one of the world’s most unique holes—a par‑3 8th that plays over a 45‑foot canyon and an exposed lava tube. Membership is semi‑private but packages occasionally grant public access.
Peak‑season price: green fees were about US$145 for 18 holes.
| Category | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beauty | 5 | Sculpted into the high desert with water features and juniper trees. |
| Affordability | 3 | Slightly higher than the Nicklaus course; membership or packages required. |
| Location | 3 | Same as the Nicklaus course. |
| Difficulty | 5 | Dramatic hazards, a canyon par 3 and undulating greens demand accurate shot‑making. |
Nearby restaurants: Trailhead Grill (poolside burgers and salads), Cascada (seasonal dishes) and the Coyote Lounge (cocktails and small plates). Bend’s vibrant food scene is just a short drive away.
Final thoughts
The Pacific Northwest offers an astonishing variety of public‑access golf. From the wind‑swept dunes of Bandon and Chambers Bay to the high‑desert lava landscape at Pronghorn and the alpine vistas of Sun Valley, golfers of every ability can find a course that fits their style. When rating courses, remember that beauty and difficulty are subjective—what feels punishing to one player may be exhilarating to another. Wherever you tee it up, combine your round with a taste of local cuisine and the region’s craft beverages, and you’ll have a PNW golf trip to remember.