Golf in Seattle

Golf

Gold Mountain Golf Complex (7263 W. Belfair Valley Rd., Bremerton. 206/415-5432. www.goldmt.com). Gold Mountain has two 18-hole courses, but most people make the trek to Bremerton to play the Olympic Course, a beautiful and challenging par 72 and one of Washington State's best courses. The easier Cascade Course is also popular and is lined with Douglas firs. There are four putting greens, a driving range, and a clubhouse. Prime-time green fees are $27-$35 for the Cascade and $38-$49 for the Olympic. Carts are $32. You can drive all the way to Bremerton via I-5 or you can take the car ferry to Bremerton from Pier 52. The trip will take roughly an hour and a half no matter which way you do it, but the ferry ride (60 minutes) might be a more pleasant way to spend a large part of the journey. Note, however, that the earliest departure time for the ferry is 6 AM, so this option won't work for very early tee times.

Golf Club at Newcastle (15500 Six Penny La., Newcastle. 425/793-5566. www.newcastlegolf.com). Probably the best option on the Eastside, this complex, which includes a pair of courses and an 18-hole putting green, has views, views, and more views. From the hilly greens you'll see Seattle, the Olympic Mountains, and Lake Washington. The Coal Creek course (holes; par) is the more challenging of the two, though the China Creek course has its challenges and more sections of undisturbed natural areas. This is the Seattle area's most expensive golf club -- greens fees for Coal Creek range from $125 to $160 depending on the season; fees for China Creek range from $80 to $110. Newcastle is about 35 minutes from Downtown -- if you don't hit traffic.

Harbour Pointe Golf Club (11817 Harbour Pointe Blvd., Mukilteo. 425/355-6060. www.harbourpointegolf.com). Harbour Pointe is about 35 minutes north of Seattle in the town of Mukilteo. Its challenging 18-hole championship layout -- with 6,800 yards of hilly terrain and wonderful Puget Sound views -- is one of Washington's best. Greens fees range from $20 for twilight play to $49 for prime time on weekends. Carts cost $15 per person. There's also a driving range where you can get 65 balls for $5. Reserve your tee time online, up to 21 days in advance. Inquire about early-bird, twilight, off-season, and junior discounts.

Interbay Family Golf Center (2501 15th Ave. W, Magnolia. 206/285-2200. www.seattlegolf.com). Interbay has a driving range ($7 for 68 balls, $9 for 102, $12 for 153), a 9-hole executive course ($15 on weekends, $13 on weekdays), and a miniature golf course ($7). The range and miniature golf course are open daily 7 AM-11 PM March-October and 7 AM-9 PM November-February; the executive course is open dawn to dusk year-round.

Jefferson Park (4101 Beacon Ave. S, Beacon Hill. 206/762-4513. www.seattlegolf.com). The 18-hole course has views of the city skyline and Mt. Rainier. The par-27, 9-hole course has a lighted driving range with heated stalls that's open from dusk until midnight. Greens fees are $33 on weekends and $28 on weekdays for the 18-hole course; you can play the 9-hole course for $8 daily. Carts are $25 and $17, and $2 buys you a bucket of 30 balls at the driving range. You can book tee times online up to 10 days in advance or by phone up to 7 days in advance.

West Seattle Golf Course (4470 35th Ave. SW, West Seattle. 206/935-5187. www.seattlegolf.com). This 18-hole course has a reputation for being tough but fair. Greens fees are $28 on weekdays, $33 on weekends. It's $25 for a cart. From the back 9 you'll get views of Elliott Bay and the skyline.

Willows Run Golf Course (10402 Willows Rd. NE, Redmond. 425/883-1200. www.willowsrun.com). Willows has it all: an 18-hole, links-style course; a 9-hole, par-27 course; and a lighted, 18-hole putting course that's open until 11 PM. Thanks to an improved drainage system, Willows plays reasonably dry even in typically moist Seattle-area weather. Greens fees for 9 holes are $11 Monday through Thursday, $13 Friday through Sunday; those for 18 holes are $42 or $55. Carts cost $14 per rider. There are also two pro shops and a driving range (75 balls cost $7, 35 balls cost $4).

Work on Your Short Game

If you don't want to set up a whole day of golfing, head to Hotel 1000 (1000 1st Ave., Downtown. 206/357-9485. www.hotel1000seattle.com) to use their state-of-the-art virtual driving range. Choose from 50 of the world's best courses; private instruction is available. Rates are $30-$60 per hour per person.