Sheep Ranch at Bandon Dunes
As the summer quickly approaches, one of our favorite corridors of golf starts to see the temperatures rise and some of the greatest courses in the country reach their peak conditions in the Pacific Northwest.
As an area that is known for its pristine natural beauty, the golf course experiences are as varied as they are exceptional.
If you’ve been thinking about a golf trip here, we’ve put together a list of six of the best courses and golf resorts in the region for traveling golfers that we think you are going to love.
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort – Bandon, Oregon
It’s impossible to talk about golf in this area of the country without highlighting Bandon Dunes. Bandon Dunes is often considered one of the premier golf travel destinations in the United States, and with good reason as they present a collection of exceptional golf courses set along the southern Oregon coastline that gives you the feel of being “across the pond” all from the comfort of the U.S. The resort features multiple world-class championship courses including Pacific Dunes, Bandon Dunes, Old Macdonald, Bandon Trails, and Sheep Ranch, all with their own distinct look and feel and all considered to be a must-play.
What makes Bandon exceptional for traveling golfers is its philosophical commitment to minimalist architecture. Firm fescue fairways, massive dunes, prevailing ocean winds, and plenty of ground-game options reward creativity as links golf has always intended. There are no carts, no homes lining fairways, and no distractions. It is pure golf, and the demand has never been greater to play here so be sure to start planning now if you are considering a trip here in 2027 or beyond.
Pacific Dunes at Bandon Dunes Golf Resort
Gamble Sands – Brewster, Washington
Perched above the Columbia River in central Washington, Gamble Sands delivers wide fairways, dramatic scale, and firm playing conditions reminiscent of inland links golf from overseas.
It’s not hard to understand why as all the courses here were designed by the incomparable David McLay Kidd, a Scotsman who firs made his mark on golf in the states at the previously mentioned original course at Bandon Dunes.
At Gamble Sands, DMK focused on the visual presentation of the property which is expansive and features broad corridors, expansive skies, and sweeping river views. The resort has now added Scarecrow to the experience here, and this exceptional design was just named the Best New Course of the Year in 2025 by Golf Digest.
It joins the original Gamble Sands course (which also won this award when it debuted in 2013), and the exceptionally fun QuickSands short course to round out an epic golf experience.
For traveling golfers, Gamble Sands offers a unique opportunity to enjoy visually striking holes that focus on playability without intimidation.
It has quickly risen up the rankings of the best destinations for golfers in the U.S., and it would be a worthy destination for any trip thinking of heading to the Pacific Northwest.
Scarecrow at Gamble Sands
Sunriver Resort – Sunriver, Oregon
Sunriver is a model for golf resort versatility. Located in central Oregon’s high desert near Bend, the resort offers multiple golf courses including the marquee course here, Crosswater.
This heathland style design, of which we don’t find often in the U.S., embodies all that is right in course design in an epic region like the greater Bend, Oregon area and highlights the richness of the land with holes that run along the Deschutes and Little Deschutes Rivers alongside perfectly manicured bent grass greens and fairways.
While Crosswater may receive more of the accolades, the Meadows and Woodlands courses are equally enjoyable and should be included in any stay and play here. The aptly named Woodlands Course features tall pines lining almost every tee shot here, and the Meadows Course provides a more balanced experience. Play all three and include a round at the Caldera Links short course and you’ve got a golf itinerary that would make any golfer jealous.
While we know golf will be your main focus here, Sunriver Resort also provides an incredible variety of off-course activities to enjoy with some exceptional hiking, biking, and trails to enjoy.
Sunriver Resort
Chambers Bay – University Place, Washington
As the host of the 2015 U.S. Open, Chambers Bay has a unique unveiling to the public as there was no denying that this jaw-dropping layout was destined for greatness but some unfortunate turf conditions on the greens dominated the conversation and the epicness of the experience from tee to green was missed by many.
Since that time, these conditioning issues are nothing but a memory and a major green renovation project in the early 2020s has reinvigorated this property which is now set to host the 2027 U.S. Junior Amateur, 2028 U.S. Amateur Four-Ball, and the 2033 U.S. Amateur Championships. How about that for a bounce back!
Built on a former sand and gravel quarry overlooking Puget Sound, the course is visually striking and strategically demanding. Chambers Bay provides a walking-only experience defined by elevation changes, massive dunes, and dramatic green complexes. For traveling golfers, it offers the chance to test themselves on a major championship venue while enjoying one of the most unique layouts in the country.
Chambers Bay
Juniper Preserve (Pronghorn Resort) – Bend, Oregon
Juniper Preserve, which was formerly known as Pronghorn Resort, provides golfers an opportunity to enjoy two distinctly different championship courses at one luxury resort.
The Jack Nicklaus Signature Course threads through ancient lava rock formations and juniper forests, creating a dramatic visual contrast throughout your round while the Tom Fazio Course emphasizes strategic bunkering and playability, all wrapped up in beautiful packaging as Fazio is so well known for around the world.
The resort offers high-end lodging, spa amenities, and mountain views alongside serious golf. For golf groups seeking comfort without sacrificing architectural quality, it is one of the most complete resort experiences in the region and a favorite for couples golf trips.
Juniper Preserve
Salish Cliffs Golf Club – Shelton, Washington
Often overlooked in broader national conversations, Salish Cliffs is one of the Pacific Northwest’s strongest public courses.
Routed through dense forestland with 600 feet of elevation changes, the course provides a 360-degree views of the Kamilche Valley and combines pristine conditioning with ample bunking, pine tree lined fairways, and plenty of challenge all at a rate that didn’t exceed $150 in 2025 (2026 peak season rates are not listed at this time).
The course demands thoughtful club selection and positional play, making it a strong complement to a trip centered around Chambers Bay or other Puget Sound destinations.
Also, Salish Cliffs is a part of the Little Creek Casino Resort so you can enjoy some time testing your talents on the course and at the tables here!
Salish Cliffs Golf Club