Facebook
X
Pinterest
Copy Link
It’s starting to feel like spring is almost here, or at least I’m telling myself that as the sun shows up a little more often. Warmer weather, longer days… it’s that time of year where getting outside sounds like a pretty good idea.
And for me, that usually means one thing: golf.
Now, I wouldn’t call myself a seasoned golfer by any means. I think the first time I ever played was around 2020, during the whole COVID era when everyone suddenly needed an outdoor hobby. Since then, I’ve played a handful of courses around the area, not all of them, but enough to have a few favorites (and plenty of lost golf balls along the way).
Keeping It Local: Madrona Woods
If you’re in Gig Harbor, you’ve probably heard of Madrona Woods Golf Course. It’s a shorter, narrower course, but honestly that’s part of the appeal.
It’s close, it’s convenient, and it’s the kind of place where you can decide last minute to go play and actually make it happen. You don’t need to plan your whole day around it, which is nice.
Also, if your driver tends to… wander (like mine), the narrow fairways will keep you humble.
Best Bang for Your Buck: Gold Mountain
My favorite course for the price is easily Gold Mountain Golf Club.
They’ve got two full 18-hole courses, and both are in really good shape. What I like most is the variety, you’ll get some holes that make you feel like you actually know what you’re doing, and others that remind you very quickly that you don’t.
It’s a great mix that keeps things fun, especially if you’re like me and just trying to keep the ball somewhere in the general direction of the hole.
Practice + Play: Meadow Park
Another solid option is Meadow Park Golf Course.
They’ve got an 18-hole course plus a shorter 9-hole course that’s mostly par 3s and 4s, which is perfect if you want a quicker round or just want to work on your short game (which, let’s be honest, most of us probably need).
The 18-hole course has some fun elevation changes and a little bit of water, water that I personally seem to find more often than I’d like.
But one of the best parts about Meadow Park is the practice facility. The putting green is massive—honestly, it might be the biggest I’ve ever seen. And they’ve got a covered driving range with heaters, which means you can practice year-round… assuming you’re motivated enough to do that.
If Price Isn’t a Factor: Chambers Bay
If we’re talking favorites overall, it’s hard to beat Chambers Bay Golf Course.
The setting alone makes it worth it right on the Puget Sound with some incredible views. It’s the kind of course where even if you’re not playing well, at least you’ve got something nice to look at while you’re doing it.
It’s not the easiest course, but it’s fair. As long as you stay out of the major trouble spots, you can still have a good round.
One thing to know is there are no golf carts, so you’ll be walking the course. Personally, I prefer walking anyway… although somewhere around hole 15, I start questioning that decision.
Time to Get Back Out There
With spring and summer coming up, now’s the time to shake off the rust and get back into it.
For me, that probably means a few range sessions to remember how to make consistent contact with the ball… or at least reduce the number of times I completely miss it.
Either way, there are some great local courses around here, whether you’re just getting into golf or have been playing for years.
And honestly, if you’re getting out to play this spring or summer and happen to need a fourth, feel free to reach out. I’m always up for a round—even if it means donating a few golf balls to the water hazards along the way.
