Seattle isn’t just a tech hub with fast-selling real estate and coffee—it’s also a golfer’s paradise. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or new to the sport, the best golf courses in Seattle cater to all skill levels.
With over 38 golf courses spread within 15 miles of Seattle, including 24 public and 14 private courses, it’s easy to find a place to play a round.
This guide explores the best golf courses in Seattle, popular mini-golf spots, and why this city is becoming an increasingly attractive golfing destination.
What Are the Best Golf Courses in Seattle?
Living in Seattle is ideal for golf lovers, with top private clubs and public courses like Chambers Bay and Seattle Golf Club.
Here's an in-depth look at the best golf courses in Seattle.
1. Chambers Bay Golf Course
Chambers Bay is a must if you want stunning views and world-class play. Located just outside Tacoma, less than an hour from downtown Seattle, this public course hosted the 2015 U.S. Open. The challenging layout, coastal winds, and sweeping views of Puget Sound make every round exciting.
Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., the 250-acre course features a full-service restaurant and bar and five sets of tees ranging from 5100 to 7,585 yards.
Why it’s one of the best golf courses in Seattle:
- World-class layout with five sets of tees
- Known for its coastal winds, which influence play
- Features an onsite restaurant with sweeping views of the course
2. Bellevue Golf Course
Bellevue Golf Course is only 10 miles from downtown Seattle, so you can easily squeeze in a round after work or on the weekend.
Designed by Stiles and John Van Kleek in 1968, this 9-hole course features tree-lined fairways and gentle hills that demand precision.
Playing at 6,000 yards from the tips, it’s long enough to challenge big swingers. But it's still friendly for new players, with a slope rating of 117. Watch out for the bunkers and water hazards, especially on the tricky par-3s.
Why it’s one of the best golf courses in Seattle:
- It is a perfect mix of difficulty and fun for all skill levels.
3. The Golf Club at Newcastle
Situated just 18 miles from downtown Seattle, The Golf Club at Newcastle offers two 18-hole championship courses: Coal Creek and China Creek. Both courses were designed by golf course architect Robert E. Cupp and opened in 1999.
Newcastle’s hilly terrain means plenty of elevation changes, rewarding golfers with sweeping views of Seattle’s skyline, the Olympic Mountains, and Lake Washington.
Coal Creek is the tougher of the two, with a slope rating of 142 from the tips, while China Creek is more forgiving but still offers a solid challenge. Yardages range from 6,011 to over 7,000 yards, depending on your chosen tees.
Why it’s one of the best golf courses in Seattle:
- China Creek provides a beginner-friendly option without sacrificing the challenging fun of golf
- The elevated course allows for unmatched panoramic views
4. The Golf Club at Redmond Ridge
Redmond Ridge is the answer if you're looking for a golf escape without travelling too far. The Golf Club at Redmond Ridge is about 20 miles from downtown Seattle.
Designed by Gary Panks and opened in 2003, this 18-hole course offers natural beauty, with fairways surrounded by dense forest and wetlands.
Redmond Ridge isn't as hilly as Newcastle, but it’s got its tricks. Its length is approximately 6,400 yards, and its slope rating is 127.
Why it’s one of the best golf courses in Seattle:
- Scenic layout with minimal elevation changes
- Family-friendly with an emphasis on casual play
- An ideal course for nature lovers with surrounding wetlands and forests
5. Jackson Park Golf Course
If you want to squeeze in a quick round without leaving Seattle, Jackson Park Golf Course is your go-to. It's just 8 miles from downtown and closer than the Golf Club at Redmond Ridge. It’s a classic 18-hole public municipal course that’s been around since 1922.
William H. Tucker designed Jackson Golf Course just over 6,000 yards from the back tees. It’s shorter than most courses, but don’t let that fool you. The slope rating is 118, so it’s manageable for all skill levels. After your round, grab a snack at the clubhouse or stroll nearby Seward Park.
Why it’s one of the best golf courses in Seattle:
- Beginner-friendly but offers enough challenges for advanced players.
- Affordable rates for residents and visitors.
It is near downtown Seattle, making it perfect for quick rounds.
Private Golf Clubs in Seattle
If you seek exclusivity, the private golf clubs in Seattle are among the finest in the Pacific Northwest. Here are some of the top private clubs to consider:
1. Alderbrook Golf Course
When you need a break from the city hustle, the Alderbrook Golf Course on Bainbridge Island is your escape. Just 35 miles from downtown Seattle, it’s a ferry ride away, but it feels like a different world.
This classic course, designed by Ray Goss and Glen Proctor in 1965 during the hickory era, is where you’ll find rolling hills, thick woods, and a few sneaky water hazards.
Stretching from 4,548 to 6,305 yards, the par-72 course offers a nice balance of challenging play and enjoyment, with a slope rating hovering around 130. But it's not just about the game—the views of Hood Canal and the Olympic Mountains will have you snapping photos between shots.
The golf club offers clubs and ball sleeves starting from around $25 apiece.
2. Seattle Golf Club
For a more exclusive experience, the Seattle Golf Club offers a private retreat. Situated in a quiet neighborhood just 20 minutes from downtown, this course allows one to explore nearby parks like Volunteer Park and Washington Park Arboretum. Established in 1900 and designed by A.W. Tillinghast, Seattle Golf Club is one of the oldest golf courses in Seattle.
The Seattle Golf Course is 6,836 yards long. Bunkers are strategically placed, and there are a few water hazards. As for the difficulty level, the Seattle Golf Course is considered challenging, with a slope rating of 137 and a USGA rating of 73.5. Seattle Golf Club is a private club, so membership is required to play.
3. The Plateau Club
Tucked away in Sammamish, about 20 miles east of Seattle, The Plateau Club is where elegance meets a tough-as-nails course.
Designed by Perry Dye and opened in 1997, this 7,035-yard par-72 course is a beast if you want a challenging course. It's an 18-hole course with a slope rating of 144. So, expect rolling hills, water hazards, and more bunkers than you can shake a 9-iron at.
4. Tacoma Country and Golf Club
Established in 1894, Tacoma Country and Golf Club is among the oldest golf clubs in the Pacific Northwest. Located 35 miles south of Seattle, this historic 18-hole course features stunning views of the American Lake and the surrounding forest.
With a design influenced by Jim Barnes and Alexander Baillie, this par-72 course stretches over 6,900 yards, with a slope rating of 130, making it as challenging as it is scenic.
5. Overlake Golf and Country Club
Located just 10 miles from downtown Seattle, Overlake Golf and Country Club is an exclusive course designed by Vernon Macan in 1927 in the upscale Medina area. The 18-hole par-71 course is 6,700 yards from the back tees and has a slope rating of 127.
Beyond golf, the club offers tennis courts, a pool, and a dining experience. The surrounding Medina area is one of the best neighborhoods to live in Seattle, with luxury homes, a thriving new construction market, and proximity to the waterfront.
Best Public Golf Courses in Seattle, WA
Seattle is also home to a range of golf courses open to the public. Whether you’re in it for the views, the history, or a quick game with a client or friend, these Seattle public golf courses have it all.
1. Jefferson Park Golf Course
Located on top of Beacon Hill, just 10 minutes from downtown, Jefferson Park Golf Course is a 52.4-acre Seattle classic.
Opened in 1915 and designed by Scottish architect Tom Bendelow, this 18-hole course combines history with modern charm. Stretching over 5,900 yards, it offers a mix of parkland-style fairways, well-placed bunkers, and scenic views of downtown Seattle and Mount Rainier.
It's great for all skill levels, with a slope rating of around 122. And if you’re short on time, a 9-hole executive course lets you get a quick game in.
2. West Seattle Golf Course
If you like a little bit of everything—scenic views, challenging holes, and classic Pacific Northwest vibes—West Seattle Golf Course should be on your radar.
Only 15 minutes from downtown Seattle, this 18-hole course, designed by H. Chandler Egan in 1940, offers a challenging 6,600-yard layout with a slope rating of 126.
The terrain is relatively flat, with no rolling hills. The back nine is mainly hilly and tricky, with its elevation changes and doglegs that test your accuracy.
The real showstopper, though, is the view. From certain holes, you can partially see the Seattle skyline and Elliot Bay, although Puget Sound is primarily out of view.
3. Crossroads Par 3 Golf Course
If you’re in the mood for a quick round, Crossroads Par 3 Golf Course in Bellevue is perfect. Just 12 miles from downtown Seattle, this 9-hole, par-3 course is ideal for beginners or those looking to sharpen their short game.
Designed for a fun, laid-back experience, each hole ranges from 63 to 107 yards. Don’t let the short yardage fool you, though.
4. Maplewood Golf Course
Maplewood Golf Course is another public golf course around Seattle. It is located in Renton, just 12 miles southeast of downtown Seattle. The renowned architect AI Smith built this 18-hole, par-71 course in 1952. Spanning 6,112 yards from the blue tees, it features a slope rating of 129.
The course winds through lush hills and tall trees, with water hazards on several holes, particularly the tricky par-3 6th. Greens are well-maintained, but don't underestimate the bunkers—they're strategically placed to catch wayward shots.
5. Riverbend Golf Complex
Just 20 miles south of downtown Seattle, Riverbend Golf Complex in Kent is a golfer’s paradise for all skill levels. The complex was recently redesigned after the demolition of the 9-hole par-3 course. The 18-hole 72-par championship course with a lighted driving range has it all.
Owned by the City of Kent and designed by John Steidel in 1989, the main course of the public facility stretches over 6,700 yards and has a slope rating of 118.
The course is relatively flat, making it walkable, but don’t expect an easy ride. Strategic water hazards, including the Green River that flows through several holes and up to 50 bunkers, will keep you on your toes.
Kent’s family-friendly environment, great public schools, and convenient commuting options make the course and area a solid choice for those shopping for new homes in Seattle.
Mini Golf in Seattle
Seattle also has various mini-golf options that mix fun and a bit of quirky Northwest vibes. Here is where to play mini golf in Seattle and surrounding areas:
Flatstick Pub
Flatstick Pub is a place for mini golf and craft beer. Located in South Lake Union, about two miles from the Seattle Center, this 9-hole indoor course is for those who love to get social. However, it's strictly for people 21 or older. So, leave the kids at home.
Try their Duffleboard game, a mix of mini golf and shuffleboard, all on a table.
Interbay Miniature Golf Center
Sitting just four miles from downtown, Interbay Golf Center offers an 18-hole mini golf course and a full driving range. It’s perfect for families or serious golfers looking to warm up before hitting the big course.
The mini-golf course has water hazards and tricky obstacles and can keep you on your toes. Plus, the view of the Olympic Mountains makes it a must-visit.
Living in Seattle is For You Golf Lovers
If you’re passionate about golf, you will find a perfect blend of lifestyle, gameplay and leisure at the best golf courses in Seattle. With scenic public courses like Chambers Bay and private clubs such as The Plateau Club and Seattle Golf Club, there’s a course for every skill level and preference. Seattle’s mild climate allows for year-round golfing, giving residents more opportunities to play.
Beyond the fairways, the city offers vibrant neighborhoods, outdoor activities, and a booming real estate market, including new home construction. It’s a strong choice for buyers seeking recreation and quality of life. Proximity to these courses can be a major lifestyle advantage for homebuyers moving to Seattle.
FAQs
Is Seattle a good golf city?
Absolutely. There are 20 golf courses in Seattle, from casual pitch-and-putts to championship-level greens. Places like the West Seattle Golf Course, seven miles from downtown, also offer scenic water views.
Can you golf year-round in Seattle?
Yes, you can. Playing golf in Seattle is possible thanks to its mild winters, which keep courses open year-round. However, precipitation occurs throughout the year, and you can expect rain from November to March. Courses like Jefferson Park Golf Course, just four miles from downtown, stay playable, though conditions can be a bit soggy during the wetter months.
Can You Drive a Golf Cart in Seattle?
Yes. Most Seattle courses allow golf carts. At Interbay Golf Center, you’ll find golf carts for rent to make your day smoother.
How close are new homes in Seattle to golf courses?
New construction homes are often located near top golf courses in suburban areas like Redmond Ridge and Sammamish, offering easy access to top facilities. Homebuyers looking for upscale communities can explore developments near The Plateau Club or Newcastle Golf Club, which combine luxury living with scenic golf experiences.
