Golfing

Magnificent views of Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains greets a golfer teeing off at Holmes Harbor Country Club. © 2008 Russell Sparkman

Whether you enjoy chasing that little white ball around for the fresh air and exercise or are a serious link lover, year-round golf is a popular sport on the islands. From a quirky 9-hole, par-3 course carved out of a veterinarian's farm to public courses with water views, the variety should suit most anyone to a tee.

Camano Island has an 18-hole public golf course, while Whidbey Island's largest city of Oak Harbor is home to three courses. They include two18-hole courses, one public and one private. After 1 p.m., though, the private club opens up its tee times to visitors. The third of the Oak Harbor trio is a 9-hole, par-3 course located near Deception Pass.

Freeland boasts an executive and links-style golf course that features numerous challenges, along with stunning water and mountain views. The clubhouse has indoor and outdoor dining, with a deck overlooking Holmes Harbor.

In Clinton, at the south end of Whidbey Island, you'll find a family friendly 9-hole golf course that's been naturally landscaped. Touted as one of the best par 3's around, it has towering fir trees and more than 400 rhododendrons. It's both challenging and charming, and also includes a driving range.

Related Links

Public Courses Lam's Links - nine holes Oak Harbor (360) 675-3412

Gallery Golf Course - Oak Harbor, Whidbey Island (360) 257-2178

Visit their website - 3065 N. Cowpens Rd., Oak Harbor WA 98277

Full-service golf course; Golf Digest's Best Places to Play 2008/2009; Open to the public; 18-hole course; Lessons and clinics; Tournaments; Grass driving range; Pro shop, resale, and special orders.

It doesn't take a lot of equipment or money to get started - an iron, a wood, a putter, and a couple of balls will do it. Gallery Golf Course has rental equipment for you to use including clubs, carts and lockers. Ping and Cleveland pro sets are available.

Island Greens - Clinton, Whidbey Island (360) 579-6042

Visit their website - 3890 E. French Rd.Clinton, WA 98236

Rated one of the Area's best Par 3's by the Seattle Times. 9 Holes of challenging Par 3 Golf and Driving Range

Holmes Harbor Golf and Beach Club - Freeland, Whidbey Island (360) 331-2363

Visit their website - 5023 Harbor Hills Drive, Freeland, WA 98249

Always Open to the Public
Holmes Harbor Golf and Beach Club is an executive-style golf course that treats the golfer to a variety of playing challenges as well as stunning panoramic views. Located on Whidbey Island, Washington, our golf course overlooks majestic Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountain range.

Camaloch Golf Course, Camano Island (360) 387-3084

Visit their website - 326 N. East Camano Drive, Camano Island, WA 98282

Camaloch's golf course is a par 72 golf course measuring 6,237 yards from the back tees. The course has a slope of 126 and rating of 70.9. The golf course is well known for having the very best greens in the area. Very smooth, very consistent and pretty quick as compared to others in the area.

CRAIG PATTERSON GOLF ACADEMY
Useless Bay Golf & Country Club is a Private Country Club situated on the South end of Whidbey Island. It is Whidbey Island's best kept secret.Golf Instruction under the CRAIG PATTERSON GOLF ACADEMY is now available to the public.Students of the Academy will receive free range balls up to one hour before, during, and after their instruction. They will also will have use of the putting and chipping green with full use of the club house facilities including the bar and dinning areas. All students will be guests and signed in under the CRAIG PATTERSON GOLF ACADEMY.
Tel: 360- 969-1127 or Email: golfcpatterson@pga.com

CRAIG PATTERSON GOLF ACADEMY
Head Teaching Professional
Useless Bay Golf & Country Club
5725 S. Country Club Drive
Langley, WA 98260
www.cpgacademy.com
Private Lessons
Group Lessons
Junior Lessons
Couples Lessons
On Course Playing Lessons
Total Game Improvement Programs
Golf Schools
Clinics
Corporate Events

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Whidbey and Camano Islands are only 25 miles north of Seattle, and 2 hours south of Vancouver. See Directions and Maps to learn more about how to get here.