The Inside Swing

Best Public Golf Courses in Seattle, Washington

You don't need a membership to play great golf in Seattle. From resort courses to municipal gems, here are the best public and semi-private courses in the area — ranked by design quality, conditioning, and value.

1

University Place, Washington · Robert Trent Jones Jr. (2007) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,585 yards

Host of the 2015 U.S. Open, Chambers Bay is a links-style municipal course built on a former gravel quarry along Puget Sound. The fescue-covered layout features dramatic elevation changes, panoramic water views, and firm-and-fast conditions rare in the Pacific Northwest.

2015 U.S. Open host venueLinks-style on former gravel quarryPuget Sound panoramic views
Green Fee: $75–$225 Rating: 4.7/5
2

Newcastle, Washington · Robert Cupp & Fred Couples (1999) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,024 yards

Co-designed by Seattle native Fred Couples, China Creek sits on a forested ridge between Lake Washington and the Cascades. On clear days, golfers enjoy views of Mount Rainier, the Seattle skyline, and the Olympic Mountains from multiple holes.

Fred Couples co-designMount Rainier and Seattle skyline viewsRidge-top setting between two mountain ranges
Green Fee: $80–$165 Rating: 4.5/5
3

Auburn, Washington · John Fought (2000) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,304 yards

A John Fought design built on rolling terrain in Auburn, Washington National features wide fairways, bold bunkering, and panoramic views of Mount Rainier. The championship layout consistently ranks among the top public courses in the Pacific Northwest.

Panoramic Mount Rainier viewsJohn Fought championship designTop-ranked Pacific Northwest public course
Green Fee: $50–$110 Rating: 4.4/5
4

Port Orchard, Washington · John Fought (2005) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,206 yards

A John Fought design on the Kitsap Peninsula, Trophy Lake combines championship golf with a fly-fishing lake and outdoor recreation. The layout rolls through native Pacific Northwest terrain with wetlands, mature evergreens, and Olympic Mountain views.

Unique golf-and-fishing club conceptOlympic Mountain viewsJohn Fought design on Kitsap Peninsula
Green Fee: $40–$75 Rating: 4.2/5
5

DuPont, Washington · Mike Asmundson (2007) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,208 yards

Built as the home of Washington junior golf, The Home Course in DuPont offers championship-caliber golf at accessible pricing. The layout winds through native prairie grasses with Puget Sound and Mount Rainier views, hosting numerous USGA and Washington State Golf Association events.

Home of Washington junior golfUSGA qualifying venueOutstanding value with Mount Rainier views
Green Fee: $35–$65 Rating: 4.3/5
6

DuPont, Washington · Mike Asmundson (2007) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,208 yards

Home of the Washington State Golf Association, The Home Course in DuPont delivers championship-caliber public golf south of Seattle. The links-influenced layout through Puget Sound lowland features firm fescue fairways, strategic bunkering, and views of Mount Rainier on clear days at outstanding value.

Home of Washington State Golf AssociationLinks-influenced fescue fairwaysMount Rainier views at outstanding value
Green Fee: $35–$65 Rating: 4.3/5
7

Auburn, Washington · John Fought (2000) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,304 yards

A John Fought design south of Seattle in Auburn, Washington National features a dramatic routing through the Green River Valley with views of Mount Rainier and the Cascades. The 7,304-yard championship layout has hosted U.S. Open qualifiers and provides one of the strongest public golf tests in the Seattle metro area.

U.S. Open qualifier host venueMount Rainier and Cascade viewsJohn Fought 7,304-yard championship layout
Green Fee: $40–$80 Rating: 4.2/5
8

Shelton, Washington · Gene Bates (2011) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,269 yards

Part of the Little Creek Casino Resort on the Squaxin Island Tribe reservation, Salish Cliffs winds through dense Pacific Northwest forest with towering evergreens, native ferns, and moss-covered rock outcroppings. The Gene Bates design has earned numerous best-in-state accolades.

Award-winning tribal casino resort courseDense Pacific Northwest forest settingGene Bates design with moss-covered outcroppings
Green Fee: $60–$120 Rating: 4.5/5

Best Time to Play

June through September is prime golf season in Seattle, with warm temperatures, minimal rain, and daylight lasting until nearly 9:30 PM. May and October can be excellent if you catch dry stretches. Winter golf is possible but expect frequent rain and temperatures in the 40s.

Booking Tips

For the best rates, book tee times midweek or during shoulder seasons. Many courses offer twilight rates for afternoon rounds. Resort courses often bundle with hotel stays for significant savings.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is centrally located between Seattle and Tacoma. Chambers Bay is 40 minutes south near Tacoma. Sahalee and the Eastside courses are 20-30 minutes east. Pair your golf trip with the city's legendary coffee, seafood, and craft beer scenes.

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