10 Favorite Courses in the Pacific Northwest
Aug 7th 2017
The Pacific Northwest region of the U.S. is beautiful, with moderate temperatures, making it a fantastic setting for great golf courses and golf course resorts that cater to the whole family.
If you love golf enough to play it weekly, or even daily, with your own perfect set of clubs and your golf cart you may want to incorporate golf into your vacation destinations.
Consider these ten favorite courses in the Pacific Northwest for your next vacation:
1.Bandon Dunes Golf Resort (Oregon)
This massive golf resort offers not just one, but four fantastic golf courses (Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes, Bandon Trails, and Old MacDonald). Any one of these golf courses is a joy to play on. During a stay at the resort, you can enjoy each of them, along with other great amenities such as on-site lodging at one of five locations. Bandon Dunes Golf Resort also has great restaurants and pubs. A stay here makes a great getaway for any golf enthusiast.
2.Sun River Resort (Oregon)
This resort has hosted big events such as the 50th PGA Professional Championship and the United Way Golf Classic. The resort features four unique courses, including Crosswater, Meadows, Woodlands, and Caldera Links. The last of these is a 9-hole and family-friendly course that is designed for all skill levels. This feature is one reason this resort made Golf Digest’s list of Top 10 Destinations for Family Golf. Amenities and activities are also available.
3.Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club (Oregon)
This championship golf club is located northwest of Portland, and it opened in 1992. Since that time, it has a rich history by hosting several championships. In fact, in 1996, Tiger Woods won his third consecutive U.S. Amateur Championship at Pumpkin Ridge. This Golf Club features two courses. Ghost Creek is a public course, while Witch Hollow is a private course. Members of Witch Hollow enjoy great golf layouts, luxurious amenities, and yearly events.
4.Pronghorn Resort (Oregon)
Located in the Cascade Mountains, Pronghorn Resort offers incredible views. Within this natural beauty, golfers can enjoy two great golf courses. The Tom Fazio Championship Course and the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course both rank high among golfers. There is also the Pronghorn Academy, where golfers get instruction to improve their game. The resort offers many other amenities the whole family can enjoy, including lodging, dining, and a spa.
5.Gamble Sands Golf and Inn (Washington)
Ranking as Washington State’s #1 Golf Course, Gamble Sands Golf and Inn offers lodging and dining options to make it a great golfing destination. It is just 2.5 hours west of Spokane Washington. The property looks out over beautiful Columbia River vistas, making it a great spot for a game of golf. The course offers sand-based fairways and contoured greens, designed by David McLay Kidd. This course also involves a casual element of fun, where you can take in the views.
6.Chambers Bay Golf Course (Washington)
If you want to play where some of the greats have stood, then visit this USGA Championship golf course. It is a classic golf course with a focus on playing a good game. Each of the unique 18 holes will provide a fun challenge for even avid golfers. The Chambers Bay Academy is right on site to help you improve your game. There is also a restaurant on site to enjoy a meal after a big win. Chambers Bay hosts events such as games of golf accompanied by wine tastings.
7.Gold Mountain Golf Club (Washington)
Gold Mountain is the site of Jordan Spieth’s 2011 U.S. Junior Amateur win. The golf club features two courses, the Olympic and the Cascade. Gold Mountain is also an accredited FootGolf Course for the American FootGolf League. This fun sport combines features of soccer and golf on a traditional golf course, but with 21-inch diameter cups. Gold Mountain also offers events, leagues, and junior programs, so the whole family can enjoy time there.
8.Salish Cliffs at Little Creek Casino Resort (Washington)
The Salish Cliffs Golf Club and Golf Course is connected to a larger resort. The course has great views of the Kamilche Valley. Remarkably, holes 9 and 18 are separated by a wetland preserve. You can enjoy your time at Salish Cliffs with a driving range, practice areas, clubhouse, and restaurant. The Little Creek Casino Resort also features many amenities and entertainment. You can enjoy special events such as the Wine and Jazz Festival.
9.Coeur d’Alene Resort (Idaho)
This amazing resort offers so much more than just golf. They have lodging, restaurants, lake cruises, and many activities. If you visit for the golf, you will be thrilled with the unique options they offer. Coeur d’Alene is home to a great golf course. Something that makes them extra special is their World-Famous Floating Green . This is a movable island where the 14 th hole is located. This means each shot at that 14th hole is a little different than the last.
10.Sun Valley Resort (Idaho)
You can elevate your game at the Sun Valley Resort. There are two great golf courses, including the Trail Creek Championship Course and the White Clouds Course, which is a 9-hole, alpine-style golf course. Both offer views of the surrounding natural beauty. There are also many other fun activities to engage in that the whole family will enjoy, including hiking, biking, skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. The resort also features ballet and ice skating shows.
Wrapping Up
The Pacific Northwest offers renown golf courses, clubs, and resorts. Many of these can become great vacation destinations for you and your family. In the meantime, if reading about these ten favorite courses in the Pacific Northwest makes you eager to golf, you can load up your golf cart and hit your local green to practice your swing.