The top 5: Golfing opportunities in the Hood Canal Region

Golf! The allure of scoring low as you putter around in the last days of summer. The Hood Canal and surrounding areas offer some great options for playing golf – in whatever persuasion you prefer, be it ball or disc.

On Course

#1: Alderbrook Golf Course

If you are not only looking for great golfing, but also yearn for breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains and the Hood Canal and delight in delicious cuisine at the club house at the end of your put, then Alderbrook Golf & Yacht Club is your best option. Located above Union, Alderbrook is consistently rated as one of the top 25 courses in the Northwest for its spectacular scenery and play-ability. The well-maintained par 72 course follows the natural contour of the land. Reservations can be made seven days in advance for individual groups.

#2: Salish Cliffs Golf Club

Salish Cliffs Golf Club also offers a unique high-end golfing experience with grounds designed by award winning architect Gene Bates that incorporate Native American motifs. Located in Shelton and owned by the Squaxin Island Tribe, Salish Cliffs Golf Club is a salmon-safe 18-hole championship golf course. The par 72 layout offers world-class golf and stunning Pacific Northwest views. Salish Cliffs’ rates include the greens fee, golf cart, range balls before play and tax. The restaurant at the clubhouse of Salish Cliffs follows in the tradition of neighboring Little Creek Casino Resort by offering great food at reasonable prices.

#3: Lake Limerick Golf Club

Lake Limerick Golf ClubLake Limerick Golf Club is nestled amongst the trees near Shelton. Gentle hills make this a challenging Par 72 and a fun round of golf. Facilities include a Pro Shop, Café and cart rentals. Visit their website for detailed maps of the range.

#4. Lake Cushman Golf Course.

Perched above Hoodsport in the forests of the Olympic Mountains is the Lake Cushman Golf Course. The meticulous grounds boast a public 9-hole course with dual tees which plays an exciting 18 holes. 36 It has a wide-open driving range, putting green, and practice bunker. There are beverages, snacks, and hot dogs to enjoy on the deck overlooking the putting green. The course is a nice walk, or you can choose to rent one of the club’s Yamaha golf carts.

#5: Lake Land Village Golf & Country Club

Lake Limerick Golf ClubNext to a rainbow trout stocked lake is Lake Land Village Golf & Country Club situated in Allyn with views of the Olympics and Mount Rainier. This course tests players with numerous ponds and gaping bunkers. At over 9,000 yards, this 27- hole golf course also offers driving ranges, practice chipping and bunker areas, as well as putting greens. The clubhouse serves lunch and dinner options on select days.

Try your Hand at Disc Golf

If you aren’t fussy about dress codes, booking tee times, and golf carts, there are local options for disc golf. The growing popularity of this frisbee throwing golf adaptation has been met enthusiastically by the volunteers of the Mason County Disc Association in the communities of Shelton and Hoodsport who both boast challenging courses.

Established in 2011, Shelton Springs Disc Golf (off of the Huff n’ Puff Trail) is highly acclaimed with almost 8000 feet of fairway. The 18-hole course has dual tees and plays in and out of power lines. The course is predominated by one of the Northwest’s biggest features – trees! Pines pepper the course making every play a test.

Hoodsport Trail Park hosts the more modest Hoodsport Hills disc golf course. Began in 2015 this course is still under construction, however, there are 9-holes available on this hilly wooded course. If you are an amateur player prone to losing your disc a spotter is recommended.