Terrain that demands precision. Views that stop you mid-swing. Golf in the PNW is an experience.
From the rugged coastline of Oregon to the towering evergreens of Washington, the Pacific Northwest offers some of the most visually striking and technically demanding courses in the country. Defined by rolling dunes, dramatic elevation changes, and some of the purest course designs in modern golf, the PNW is a destination for those who seek both challenge and beauty in their game.
Here’s a look at the best courses in the region—places where the elements shape your play, and every round is an unforgettable experience.
1. Chambers Bay – University Place, Washington
Links golf, reimagined.
Built along the Puget Sound, Chambers Bay is a modern masterpiece. Fescue-lined fairways, massive dunes, and wide-open sightlines create a course that challenges both strategy and shot-making. Its pure links layout, complete with dramatic elevation shifts, rewards creativity over brute force. The 2015 U.S. Open put it on the map—playing it yourself will keep it there.
2. Bandon Dunes – Bandon, Oregon
Where golf meets the wild.
There’s no place in the world quite like Bandon Dunes. Built into the rugged Oregon coastline, this pure links-style course offers firm fairways, unpredictable winds, and views that rival the best courses in Scotland. Each hole feels like it belongs to the land—undisturbed, raw, and undeniably beautiful. Bandon isn’t just a course. It’s a pilgrimage.
3. Gamble Sands – Brewster, Washington
The most fun course you’ve never played.
Gamble Sands is all about playability. Generous fairways, massive greens, and a firm, fast layout make it a dream for shot-makers. Carved into the high desert of Washington, it’s a course that encourages aggressive lines and bold decisions. No rough. No tricks. Just pure golf.
4. Pumpkin Ridge – North Plains, Oregon
Classic Northwest beauty.
Nestled among towering evergreens, Pumpkin Ridge blends parkland-style golf with a sense of seclusion. The course plays tight, with tree-lined fairways and well-protected greens demanding precision. Known for hosting the 1996 U.S. Amateur (where a young Tiger Woods won his third straight title), it’s a must-play for those who appreciate classic shot values.
5. Wine Valley Golf Club – Walla Walla, Washington
Where vineyards meet fairways.
Set in the rolling hills of Eastern Washington, Wine Valley offers wide-open, links-style golf with firm conditions and breathtaking views. The course plays fast, with sweeping fairways and undulating greens that demand smart approach play. Pair it with a trip through Walla Walla’s wine country, and you have a getaway built for those who love both precision and indulgence.
The PNW: A Golfer’s Playground
Golf in the Pacific Northwest is about more than just the game—it’s about the setting, the elements, and the way each course demands something different from your swing. Whether you’re chasing the wind at Bandon, shaping shots through the trees at Pumpkin Ridge, or embracing the fast, open feel of Gamble Sands, every round is an experience worth savoring.
Play the terrain. Respect the elements. Find the sweet spot.