Corona Premier Property

An Olympic Peninsula original evolves gracefully

Rain shadow and sandy soil work their magic at The Cedars at Dungeness

Chad Wagner, general manager and director of golf at The Cedars at Dungeness (located six miles northwest of Sequim on the Olympic Peninsula), says this winter might be the wettest he can remember at the course. That said, according to Wagner, the 55-year-old Jack Reimer design has held up and Dungeness is considered one of western Washington’s driest courses. (Mark Miller was hired in 2007 to work on a masterplan, create a new irrigation lake, and remodel a few holes, but the financial collapse quashed those plans.)

“Our drainage is just incredible,” Wagner adds. “We pride ourselves on allowing carts on the course year-round and considering the major construction project we have going on, I couldn’t be happier with our current conditions.”

That “major construction project” includes the installation of an entirely new irrigation system. The work began back in September, and although there have been a few hiccups along the way, the final product will be fantastic. So don’t fret if you see a little work on the course this summer. It will be worth it.

In addition to new irrigation, the remodel of the pond on the 8th hole was finished, new tees were built at the 9th and 11th, the cart path at the 10th was reoriented to the west side of the green with a new retaining wall being built near the new 9th tee, and a new pumphouse (matching the property’s other structures) was completed.

Let’s take a tour with Wagner’s colleague and the head pro, Garrett Smithson, and see the course through his eyes.

A Bucket with Head Pro • Garrett Smithson

Toughest Tee Shot — 9th hole

The elevated tee shot at the demanding par-4 9th is the toughest, yet probably also most scenic, with a picture-framed view of the Olympic Mountains. It has the feel of the tee shot at Augusta National’s 18th, with a tight window between trees for the first 90 yards, and OB down the whole right side. You really need to hit a perfect tee shot.

Best Birdie Opportunity — 6th hole

The 6th is a short and pretty straight par 5. With no wind, it can be reached in two by most players. If the wind is coming from the west (trade wind), though, it can be a bit more challenging.

Best Par 3 — 17th hole

Number 17 is a great par 3, sandwiched in the middle of an awesome stretch of finishing holes. A downhill shot with water left of the green and bunkers right. And even if you find the green with your tee shot, you still have to navigate the very challenging putting surface.

Favorite Hole — 3rd hole

Number 3 with the iconic Crabby bunker would have to be the favorite of most members and guests. It’s just a one-of-a-kind hole.

Emergency Nine — front or back?

The back is the tougher of the two and has a ton of character. You get more elevation change, more hazards, and more scenery.

Go-To Lunch Item at Stymie’s

The Cedars Burger with tots is a go-to. Add bacon, mushrooms, sautéed onions, or other trimmings, and chase it down with one of our ever-changing beer selections.

The Cedars at Dungeness1965 Woodcock Rd. • Sequim, WA 98382  (360) 683-7777 • 7cedarsresort.com