Scarecrow at Gamble Sands
There’s a level of beauty in the Northwestern U.S. that must be experienced to truly understand.
While the snowy winters might not be conducive to the world of golf travel, the flip side of that equation is that the late Spring, Summer, and early Fall windows here can be spectacular with more mild temperatures than you will find in the Southern part of the country amidst lush playing conditions.
We’ve assembled the following list of destinations for your consideration as we know these spots deliver unbelievable golf trips.
Gamble Sands (Brewster, Washington)
This is a huge year for the team at Gamble Sands, and we are so excited the time has finally arrived for this resort to open their second 18-hole golf course, Scarecrow, that will officially open on August 1, 2025. It’s a big step forward for this unique resort that will now open its third David McLay Kidd-design to join the original Gamble Sands Course, as well as the incredibly fun QuickSands course which features 14 holes from 60 to 160 yards and feature some of the craziest undulated greens you will find anywhere. In addition to the new Scarecrow course, The Inn at Gamble Sands is getting an expansion as well, allowing them to handle larger golf groups than ever before.
Bandon Dunes (Bandon, Oregon)
It’s simply impossible to mention golf resorts in this part of the country without talking about Bandon Dunes. I’ve heard many a golfer argue that this is the best resort in the country, and their position has plenty of merit as I have yet to hear of a group who visited this stunning property and did not rave about the golf experience. The resort now features five 18-hole golf course routings with Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes, Sheep Ranch, Old MacDonald, and Bandon Trails as well as two short courses with Bandon Preserve and the resort’s latest addition, Shorty’s. A visit to Bandon Dunes isn’t inexpensive, but for the quality of golf you will receive for the price you pay, it’s got incredible value. Demand is through the roof at Bandon Dunes as they currently are running a lottery system to book golf packages in 2026, so if you’ve got this little slice of golf heaven on your to-do list you better get with your group and start planning today.
Sheep Ranch at Bandon Dunes
The Coeur d’Alene Golf & Spa Resort (Coeur d’Alene, Idaho)
We simply love this resort. With 18 holes of golf with one of the best collection of par-3s you’ll find anywhere in the country — which includes the famous floating island green 14th hole — the Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course is an absolute delight to play as the team here leaves no stone unturned with superb service levels that include a complimentary massage at the range before you warm up for your round. The resort overlooks the beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene, and even though we recommend spending as much time as possible on the golf course as you can, we recognize that you cannot miss enjoying the setting here and enjoy some of the activities available here such as hiking, biking, boat tours, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
Chambers Bay (University Place, Washington)
As the only course listed here without a lodging element available on property, Chambers Bay is a Robert Trent Jones, Jr. masterpiece that is simply too good to not include. The course burst onto the golf scene as the home of the 2015 U.S. Open Championship when Jordan Spieth outlasted Dustin Johnson to hoist the trophy. Built on a former sand and gravel mine site next to the Puget Sound, Chambers Bay provides a wonderful sense of setting as the links-style layout was able to utilize the massive dunes from the mine to create a wonderful design. While the course may not have lodging onsite, vacationing golfers can take advantage of The Championship Experience package where you can play Chambers Bay, Gold Mountain, and The Home Course that have all hosted USGA Championships in the past.
Chambers Bay
Sunriver Resort (Sunriver, Oregon)
Located in the greater Bend, Oregon region, Sunriver Resort is the definition of what a Pacific Northwest golf vacation is all about. The property here is gorgeous, and it is a great spot for a golf trip for both families and buddies groups alike. There’s a myriad of options for your stay including villas, condos, and homes, and from a golf perspective there’s a lot to love here as the resort features 63 holes of golf that is highlighted by the Crosswater course which is an absolute must to have on your itinerary. This is another property where there is so much to see and do off the course as well, so be sure to work with one of their specialists when booking so you can maximize every minute you spend here on property.
Woodlands Course at Sunriver Resort