Seattle WA Golf Weekend

Golf Digest, 5/06, 6/10

Golf Magazine, 7/05 & 7/08

T&L Golf, Sept/Oct 2004

DrinkingMadeEasy.com, 2012

My Town: Ryan Moore

The relaxed feel of Washington's Emerald City suits one of its young PGA Tour professionals perfectly 

By Jonathan Wall, GolfDigest.com

June 21, 2010

If there's one thing Ryan Moore loves more than anything when it comes to the Seattle/Tacoma area, it is the Emerald City's laid-back atmosphere. Maybe that is because it mirrors his personality. The Puyallup native is considered one of the most easygoing players on the PGA Tour.

"The area gets a bad rap for being a place where it rains all year long," Moore says. "We get half the rain [people say], and the weather is usually mild, so you can spend most of your time playing golf and enjoying the outdoors."

Moore lives by those words when he's home, where he is likely to be fishing when not playing the world-class public courses in the area.

COURSES
Many people don't know how affordable it is to play in the area. You can get on some great municipal tracks for $40-$60. The first I'd recommend is Classic GC, in Spanaway, which is where I play and practice when I'm home. My family owns it, and we take great pride in the layout. The course is very undulating with a lot of elevated, contoured greens that require distance control with your approach shots.

Kitsap Peninsula Golf is another must-play when it comes to public courses. They have three courses that will test your game.

The Olympic course at Gold Mountain GC is my favorite. It hosted the 2006 U.S. Public Links. The fairways are wide, but the course makes up for it with wooded areas that can get you in trouble.

Washington National GC is another to check out. It's the home course of the University of Washington golf teams. Giant waste bunkers and tall grass make this a course where shot placement is imperative, especially when the wind is blowing.

LODGING
A couple of options in Seattle are the W Hotel and Inn at The Market. The W is pretty classy and lauded for its service. The Inn is a boutique hotel in Pike Place Market. It has an impressive view of Puget Sound.

DON'T MISS
Point Defiance Park in Tacoma's perfect if you want to hike or run great trails. You can also rent kayaks and take in the scenery of Mount Rainier and the Puget Sound.

Pike Place Market is another must-see. The market is known for the fresh seafood that comes in daily. You can spend an afternoon looking at the produce and other local goods. It's also home of the original Starbucks coffee house. The Triple Door in Seattle is also a great place to go if you enjoy listening to local music. You'll hear everything from acoustic to jazz.

DINING
I'm a huge fan of Teriyaki chicken. My favorite place to go for it when I'm home is Modoo Teriyaki, which is in Puyallup. The hot-and-spicy chicken is one of the best dishes on the menu. Aaron Baddeley still talks about his trip there...Another place in Puyallup worth trying is Chili Thai Restaurant, which has an incredible soup called Tom Kha that's a mixture of coconut milk, lime leaves and lemon grass.

PUBS
My brother Jeremy and I enjoy going to Parkway Tavern in Tacoma when we want a good microbrew. The one I'd recommend is Mac and Jack's African Amber Ale. They also have darts and shuffleboard to play while you hang out and watch a game.

Golf Digest May 06
Northwest Passage
Spectacular beauty binds this collection of Seattle-area courses, with snow-capped mountain ranges (the Cascades and the Olympics), forests and Puget Sound vying to distract you. Start with east-side courses Washington National Golf Club and The Golf Club at Newcastle, framed by pine and fir. Then head up the coast, including a stop at one of golf's great bargains, Kayak Point Golf Course, cut breathtakingly through a forest. And, finally, loop back down for rounds in Port Orchard (Trophy Lake Golf & Casting) and the Olympic Peninsula (Port Ludlow Golf Club).

From 7/05 and 7/08 articles in Golf Magazine:

7/05
Between 90's grunge rock and Starbucks, everybody thinks they already know Seattle even if they've never been there: the wet Pacific Northwestern weather, the mircrobrews, the thriving art scene, and a big city with a small town feel. Now add golf to the list of reasons to visit the Emerald City. The area's cluster of great value courses (under $60) is across Elliott Bay on the "Peninsula".

Where To Play:

Bremerton at the Olympic Course at Gold Mountain ($35-$55, 360-473-5432, www.goldmt.com )

Host of the '06 Pub Links Championship. John Harbottle III's 7073 yard design has a split personality. The front 9 is a pleasant stroll through the forest, but the back is a brutal Stairmaster workout in view of the mountains.

McCormick Woods ($45-$55, 800-323-0130, www.mccormickwoodsgolf.com )

Local knowledge is a bonus on this 7040 yard Jack Frei course in nearby Port Orchard to help with risk/reward decisions. The back is thickly forested Bigfoot territory. After golf, hit Mary Mac's in the clubhouse. Seafood is the specialty of the house and you won't find much better--or much else--in the area.

Trophy Lake G&C ($45-$59, 360-874-8337, www.trophylakegolfclub.com )

Budget friendly and 5 minutes south of McCormick Woods, this 7,206 John Fought design stretches through groves of Douglas fir and around wetlands. Weigh your options off the tee here, as Fought presents multiple line and club options. After golf, Trophy stocks its lake with kamloops and steelhead trout, and rents all the gear you need for either trolling by boat or fly fishing from the shore.

Golf Club at Newcastle ($150, 425-793-4653, www.newcastlegolf.com )

Back to the Seattle mainland, 20 minutes southeast of the city is the priciest course in the state with a $150 greens fees. You do get your money's worth, including an oak paneled locker room with heated seats for those frigid mornings. Newcastle features two 18s: Coal Creek the better of the two, and the much easier China Creek, 6,632 yards of beautiful vistas of the Seattle skyline but less memorable holes. Architect Bob Cupp teamed up with local boy Fred Couples to design Coal Creek, a 7,024-yarder with sweeping views of dowtown Seattle that plays like a links course despite its elevation. Uneven lies and gusting wind make it feel much longer, and while fairways are generous, the thick fescue is punishing.

Washington National GC ($79-$84, 253-333-5000, www.washingtonnationalgolfclub.com )

If you like target golf, you'll love it here, home of the University of Washington golf team. John Fought (Pumpkin Ridge) stretched 7,304 of resort-style golf through the suburbs of nearby Tacoma. Wild tee shots are forgiven, but the charity stops there with large waste bunkers and other hazards threatening second shots and approaches.

Druids Glen GC ($36-$48, 253-638-1200, www.druidsglengolf.com )

9 miles east in Covington, Ireland meets the Pacific Northwest at Druids Glen. You'll leave remembering the par-3s. 3 of the 4 are all-carry over water.

West Seattle GC ($23-$31, 206-935-5187, www.seattlegolf.com )

Solid, inexpensive golf can be had here, just south of downtown. Built by H. Chandler Egan in 1939, it's one of the best inner city munis in the country. Egan gained fame for reshaping Pebble Beach in 1928 into today's masterpiece. City skyline views dominate the course, which stands to reason that a weekend round here will surpass the 5-hour mark. Weekday rounds zip around much quicker, and it'll only cost you around $23. Plus there's a Starbucks just down the street.

Best Microbrew Nearby: Seattle brew styles include hefeweizen, pale ale, amber ale, porter, and stout. Try the Brewer's Rack at The Pyramid Alehouse (1st Ave S acoss from Safeco Field) to sample 5 beers of your choosing for $6 ($3 at happy hour).

Where To Eat:

Dahlia Lounge- Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan put this romantic restaurant on the map in Sleepless In Seattle. If you're sneaking rounds on a family vacation to Seattle, your wife will forgive you after dinner here. 206-682-4142.

Ivar's Acre Of Clams- A good seafood place to stuff yourself without emtpying your wallet. 206-624-6852.

Maximilien- Tucked away in Pike Place Market but worth the search. Every table has a bay vista, if you ever look up from your plate. 206-682-7270.

McCormick & Schmick's- From wild sturgeon to jumbo prawns, M&S has everything that used to swim. 206-623-5500

Metropolitan Grill- Every big city has a great steakhouse, and Seattle's is the Met. Every cut of corn-fed Nebraska beef is dry aged and grilled over mesquite charcoal. 206-624-3287.

Where To Stay:

Alexis Hotel- A hip boutique hotel close to Pike Place Market ($289 & up, 1007 1st Ave, 800-426-7033, www.alexishotel.com)

Pensione Nichols- 10 rooms, 4 bathrooms, with 2 suites with view of Elliott Bay. Good for buddy trips. ($110, suites $195, 1923 1st Ave, 206-441-7125)

Westin Seattle- The hotel's twin towers are a landmark. Try to get a bay view room. $209 & up, 1900 5th Ave, 800-228-3000, www.westin.com)

Zane Lamprey's Drinking Made Easy Guide To Seattle, 2012

Seattle is the largest city in the Pacific Northwest and is commonly known as The Emerald City for its lush green landscape. Due to its size, Seattle has a number of different districts, each offering up its own distinct style and culture. In this episode, Zane and Steve will speak with the “Godfather of Micro-Brewing Industry”, Charles Finkel, as well as explore Seattle’s many different bars to get a taste of their different styles…literally.

WHERE WE WENT

• Pike Brewing Company: Pike Brewery Company is the brewery of one of the forefathers of the craft beer revolution, Charles Finkel. The brewery produces a number of original brews that stay true to craft brewing tradition. They also offer a beer museum and a pub which not only carries Pike brand brews but also a large selection of local beers. While you sip your beer you can also watch the brewers navigate the Pike Brewery. 1415 1st Ave Seattle, Washington 98101 (206) 622-6044
• Sun Liquor Distillery: Sun Liquor was the first bar in Seattle to distill and sell its own liquor with the distillery located on the bar premises. They offer great drinks specially prepared with their own liquor made freshly just a few feet away. 512 East Pike Street, Seattle, WA (206) 720-1600 ‎
• Zig Zag: Zig Zag offers up an exceptional cocktail list with original creations and traditional favorites. With friendly bartenders, who make you feel right at home, and it’s eclectic vibe, Zig Zag truly is a fun and traditional cocktail bar. 1501 Western Avenue Seattle, WA 98101 (206) 625-1146
• Rob Roy: With an ever changing cocktail list filled with seasonal drinks, you can find the perfect cocktail to hit the spot at the Rob Roy. Their bartenders are friendly, professional and will help you decide between a classic cocktail or a new age innovative libation. 2332 2nd Avenue Seattle, WA 98121 (206) 956-8423
• Liberty: Liberty is focused on providing some of the freshest cocktails around with their scratch cocktails and expansive liquor menu. A scratch cocktail is made with fresh juice when you order it, not from juice pressed earlier in the day or simply poured from a can. There’s no comparison between a scratch drink and any other. At any time Liberty may have over 50 Bourbons and Ryes, 20+ Scotch, Irish and Canadian Whiskies, and a premium selection of Gins, Vodkas and Tequilas and Mezcals in addition to quality liquors. 517 15th Avenue East Seattle, WA 98102-4512 (206) 323-9898
• Sky City Cafe: Located at the top of the famous Seattle Space Needle, everything at the sky city cafe is fresh, the food, the conversation, even the view! Yes, the entire restaurant moves 360 degrees allowing you to take in each course of the city as you take in each delicious course of your meal. 400 Broad Street Seattle, WA (206) 905-2100

WHAT WE DRANK

What We Featured

• Pike Belgium Ale Monk’s Uncle
• PIKE XXXXX EXTRA STOUT
• Woodenville Whiskey
• Manny’s Pale Ale
• Sun Liquor’s Hedge Trimmer Gin

 


One Destination on Three Bankrolls: Seattle
Golf Magazine, July 01, 2008
UNDER $600 (PER PERSON)

Three rounds at...
Druids Glen Golf Club 7,146 yards, par 72Green fees: $42-$74 253-638-1200, www.druidsglengolf.com
Gold Mountain Golf Club (Cascade Course) 6,707 yards, par 71 Green fees: $32-$54 360-415-5432, www.goldmt.com
West Seattle Golf Course 6,725 yards, par 72Green fees: $30-$48 206-935-5187, www.seattlegolf.com
WHERE YOU'LL STAYTHREE NIGHTS
University Inn $139 per night800-733-3855, www.universityinnseattle.com

UNDER $800 (PER PERSON)

Three rounds at...
Trophy Lake Golf Club 7,206 yards, par 72 Green fees: $59-$84 360-874-8337, www.trophylakegolf.com
Gold Mountain Golf Club (Olympic Course) 7,104 yards, par 72Green fees: $42-$76 360-415-5432, www.goldmt.com
Washington National Golf Club 7,304 yards, par 72 Green fees: $79-$98 253-333-5000, www.washingtonnationalgolfclub.com
WHERE YOU'LL STAYTHREE NIGHTS
Hotel Murano Tacoma $174 per night 888-862-3255, www.hotelmuranotacoma.com

UNDER $1,500 (PER PERSON)

Three rounds at...
Chambers Bay Golf Course 7,585 yards, par 72 Green fees: $130-$171877-295-4657, www.chambersbaygolf.com
The Golf Club at Newcastle (Coal Creek Course) 7,024 yards, par 72 Green fees: $160 425-793-5566, www.newcastlegolf.com
The Golf Club at Newcastle (China Creek Course) 6,632 yards, par 71 Green fees: $110425-793-5566, www.newcastlegolf.com
WHERE YOU'LL STAYTHREE NIGHTS
Fairmont Olympic Hotel Seattle $349 per night 206-621-1700, www.Fairmont.com/seattle

From Sept/Oct '04 T&L Golf article
Orientation

The hometown of Starbucks and Microsoft climbs a steep hill overlooking Puget Sound with views of the Olympic Mountains beyond. Boats and ferries leaving from the waterfront connect to the San Juan and other nearby islands, as well as to Victoria, BC. Seattle's traffic is among the worst in the nation, so golfers should plan their excursions to or from downtown at off-hours or give themselves a cushion so as not to miss their tee times. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is located 25 minutes south of the city (without traffic) and is serviced by all major carriers.

Golf

Gold Mountain GC, Olympic

7263 W Belfair Valley Rd, Bremerton WA; 360-415-5432, www.goldmt.com. Yardage: 7,073. Par: 72. Slope: 131. Architect: John Harbottle III, 1996. Greens Fees: $25–$50. T+L GOLF Rating: **** 1/2

The Olympic course has a reputation for draining well, a key for a crisply managed Pacific NW muni with a private feel. (The course gets its name from the Olympic Mountain Range, whose forests it is carved from.) John Harbottle's fine work here features wide rye-grass fairways and fescue rough. Sculpted angles of play and narrow mowing patterns on the fairways are endemic, as are tee shots hit into upslopes that often work to kill distance. The 6th hole offers a lovely snapshot of Harbottle's artistry, with pot bunkers along the left side of this 546-yard par five that reflect mirror images of mounds on the right. The 18th offers a strange and daring finish: It's a 325-yard par 4 that encourages the player to attack the green over a battlefield of pot bunkers, trees and water—or take the weenie route with an iron to the curving fairway.

Washington National GC

14330 SE Husky Way, Auburn WA; 253-333-5000, www.washingtonnationalgolfclub.com. Yardage: 7,304. Par: 72. Slope: 143. Architect: John Fought, 2000. Greens Fees: $52–$94. T+L GOLF Rating: ****

40 minutes south of Seattle, John Fought designed an exciting syllabus for Washington National, a facility with a University of Washington theme that serves as the home course for the school's golf teams. In the hope of attracting a U.S. Open to the venue, Fought also incorporated features from some of the world's best golf layouts: diagonal shot qualities and mounded greens similar to Augusta National; bunker styles that recall Riviera and Winged Foot; natural dunesy waste areas like those at Pine Valley; and humongous putting surfaces that emulate Oakmont. Like many Open venues, Washington National also includes four exceptionally long par 4s—including #18, which plays 475 yards over wasteland and a fronting bunker to a green as large as some campus quads.

Also Play: McCormick Woods GC (Port Orchard WA; $18–$55, 360-895-0130) could qualify for 1st-tier status if homes hadn't begun crowding this fine Jack Frei design to such a degree that you might want to include an insurance agent and a lawyer as part of your 4some. Celebrating the ages-old connection between golf and fishing, Trophy Lake Golf & Casting Club (Port Orchard WA; $29–$74, 360-874-8337) is a perky, modern John Fought design that is nestled neatly across rolling hills. The risk-reward venue has expansive greens and more than 72 deep-faced bunkers to hinder one from reaching said greens.

Accommodations

W Seattle

1112 4th Ave, Seattle; 877-946-8357, www.whotels.com. Rooms: $229–$409.

The hip W is centrally located near Pike Place Market, the Seattle Art Museum, the Space Needle and several top restaurants. Its sleek rooms include CD players and access to the hotel's extensive CD collection.

Dining

Flying Fish

(Seafood) 2234 First Avenue, Seattle; 206-728-8595. $$$

Staffed by a bunch of renegade golfers in the trendy Belltown neighborhood, Flying Fish serves up a stunning variety of underwater species, all caught wild rather than farm raised.

Other Attractions

Architect Frank Gehry's guitar-shaped Experience Music Project (www.emplive.com); the Space Needle; Elliott Bay Book Co (800-962-5311, downtown); Pike Place Market for fresh foods.

See also:  West Seattle GC or Chambers Bay GC.