Golf in Seattle

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.