It’s summer in Washington, the sun is out and golfing season is at its peak. The courses are dry, and the balls are flying in the thin summer air. In the Bellingham area, golfers are may take in the vast mountain views, holes along the water and numerous locations to hack away as they please. Here are five public courses that are worth a visit to get the birdies we’re all searching for.
Lake Padden Golf Course
- Picture: Credit
- Address: 4882 Samish Way, Bellingham, WA
- Hours: 7:00 a.m.-8:30 p.m. (Monday-Sunday)
- Rates: Weekend 18 holes- $43.24/Twilight (after 2 p.m.)- $31.28
- Lake Padden Golf Course is just a short drive from Western’s campus. Tucked away from the lake and park, this course is the place to get away for some quiet, personal golf. With a traditional layout, it is a course that is good for all skill levels. Apart from a particularly difficult par 3 on the fourth hole, if you stay out of the trees you’ll be okay. Easier said than done.
North Bellingham Golf Course
- Address: 205 W Smith Road, Bellingham, WA
- Rates: Weekend 18 holes- $56/Twilight (after 1 p.m.)- $46/Super Twilight (after 3 p.m.)- $36
- North Bellingham is a links-style course off Guide Meridian, past Bellis Fair Mall. Links-style courses offer little to no water hazards and minimal tree coverage. A perfect course for those who do not wish to lose any golf balls. Keeping track of the wind is important for links golf, and the greens at North Bellingham are very quick so a light touch on the putter can come in handy. A little on the expensive side, the twilight rates offer reduced prices at a unique course for the area.
Sudden Valley Golf Course
- Picture: Credit
- Address: 4 Clubhouse Circle, Bellingham, WA
- Hours: 6:45 a.m.-8:30 p.m. (Monday-Sunday)
- Rates: Weekend 18 holes- $55/Early Twilight (after 2 p.m.)- $35/Late Twilight (after 5 p.m.)- $25
- Sudden Valley Golf Course is a scenic course along Lake Whatcom. The golf course is at the bottom of the aptly named Sudden Valley neighborhood, and boasts some of the best views any course offers in the area. If you are not careful on the fifth hole, you may as well just hit into Lake Whatcom, which is right off the green and surely has a few balls hidden away. The front nine leads to an uphill second nine with more narrow fairways, so accuracy is key. Catching the course on a dry day is crucial, as the location along Lake Whatcom can be devoid of sunlight for periods of time and lead to damp conditions.
Shuksan Golf Club
- Picture: Credit
- Address: 1500 E Axton Road, Bellingham, WA
- Rates: Weekend 18 holes- $49/Twilight 1 (after 1 p.m.)- $36/Twilight 2 (after 3 p.m.)- $24
- Shuksan Golf Club is a vast course north of Bellingham on the way towards Lynden. It’s a wide- open course that offers scenic views, and a very quiet location away from major roads and distractions. The first hole tee box overlooks the entire course, and the elevated platform gives the effect you’re diving head first into a round of golf. The course offers ranging hole variations, from wide fairways with no hazards to narrow and dangerous. A creek runs right through the middle of the course and though it may seem small, the design of Shuksan makes it a factor in many of the holes.
Avalon Golf Links
- Picture: Credit
- Address: 19345 Kelleher Road, Burlington, WA
- Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Monday-Thursday) 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (Friday-Sunday)
- Rates: Weekend 18 holes- $54/Twilight (after 2 p.m.)- $46/Twilight (after 5 p.m.)- $32
- Avalon Golf Links is located about fifteen exits south of Bellingham. Overlooking the Skagit Valley, the course provides not only the traditional experience, but an additional nine-hole course to make it a unique 27 holes. The north, south and west courses each offer different playing styles and hazards to avoid. On the expensive side, make sure to give this course a shot on your birthday if you’re looking for a good deal. Avalon has also played host to numerous tournaments, including the 1994 and 2001 US Open Qualifiers. Play all 27 holes if you’re feeling up to it, but make sure to compensate for your stress levels.
