Washington is home to some of the best golf courses in the United States, and GOLF’s expert panelists have identified the top courses in the state. Gamble Sands in Brewster, Washington is one of the best golf courses in the state, featuring wide fairways and fun contours designed by McLay Kidd. Chambers Bay in University Place offers magnificent water views and a British Open vibe, with challenging dry, bumpy greens that have since been transitioned to smoother surfaces. Other notable golf courses in Washington include Aldarra in Sammamish, Sahalee in Sammamish, Seattle GC in Seattle, Wine Valley CC in Walla Walla, Tumble Creek in Cle Elum, Gold Mountain – Olympic in Bremerton, Fircrest in Fircrest, and Canterwood in Gig Harbor.
Golfers looking to create their own trip in the future can use GOLF’s Course Finder tool to assist in creating the perfect itinerary. The tool allows players to browse various course rankings, including Top 100 public courses, best munis, best short courses, best par-3s, and more. Whether you’re looking for a challenging championship course or a scenic layout with wide fairways, Washington has something for every golfer. From breathtaking water views to expansive fairways lined by trees, Washington’s golf courses offer a unique experience for players of all skill levels.
The ranking process for GOLF’s Top 100 U.S. and Top 100 You Can Play lists involved expert panelists evaluating 609 courses based on their architecture, design, and overall playing experience. Panelists from 15 nations and various golf meccas around the world contributed their expertise to rank the best courses in the country. Points were assigned based on the panelists’ rankings, and courses were then ranked accordingly. The ranking process is intentionally simple and straightforward to produce results that are widely praised by the golf community.
Washington’s golf courses offer a diverse range of challenges and landscapes, from desert-like conditions at Gamble Sands to links-style layouts at Chambers Bay. Golfers can enjoy wide fairways, challenging bunkers, and scenic views at courses like Wine Valley CC and Tumble Creek. Whether you’re a scratch golfer or a high-handicap player, Washington’s top golf courses provide a memorable experience for all. With courses located near major cities like Seattle and Bremerton, players have easy access to top-quality golf facilities.
Courses like Gold Mountain – Olympic, where Jordan Spieth won the U.S. Junior Amateur in 2011, offer a mix of challenging layouts and scenic vistas. Elevation changes, wide fairways, and subtle breaks on greens test players’ skills while providing a picturesque backdrop for their rounds. Fircrest and Canterwood are also highly regarded courses in Washington, known for their challenging layouts and well-maintained facilities. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to the state, Washington’s golf courses offer a varied and enjoyable experience for golf enthusiasts.
Overall, Washington’s golf courses showcase the state’s diverse landscapes and offer players a unique and challenging golfing experience. From wide fairways to expansive greens, each course in Washington has its own character and charm. Whether you prefer traditional parkland layouts or modern links-style designs, Washington’s golf courses cater to a variety of preferences. With top-ranked courses like Gamble Sands and Chambers Bay leading the way, Washington’s golf scene continues to attract golfers from around the country. Plan your next golf trip to Washington and experience some of the best courses the state has to offer.

