USA · Links
Pacific Northwest
Washington state punches far above its weight for golf. Chambers Bay hosted the US Open; Gamble Sands is a hidden links gem on eastern Washington sand dunes. Best suited to adventurous groups looking for something most Canadian golfers haven't done.
BEST TIME TO GO
June–September
EST. COST / PERSON
$2,000–$5,000 CAD
BOOK IN ADVANCE
8–16 weeks
TRAVEL TIME
5–5.5h flight from Toronto
MUST-PLAY COURSES
Chambers Bay
#19 Public Course USA (Golf Digest) — 2015 US Open Venue
Puget Sound views. Exposed, dramatic. Hosted the 2015 US Open.
Gamble Sands
#31 Public Course USA
Eastern Washington sand belt. True links golf, dry terrain, best value in the PNW.
Circling Raven
Coeur d'Alene area. Excellent rated resort course. Strong value.
WHAT A TRIP LOOKS LIKE
Fly In — Seattle Explore
Land at SEA and spend the first afternoon in Seattle — Pike Place Market, the waterfront, or a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island. A rest day before golf is worthwhile on a five-time-zone trip; it makes Day 2's first tee shot considerably sharper.
Chambers Bay
Chambers Bay is one of those rare courses where the difficulty and the beauty are equally impressive — 2015 US Open winner Jordan Spieth holed the winning putt on the 18th green you'll walk, on the same fairways alongside Puget Sound. Book caddies if available; the terrain reads better on foot with a local read.
Drive East — Gamble Sands
The Cascade crossing on Highway 2 is one of Washington's great drives. Arrive in Brewster (east of the mountains, on the Columbia) for a late afternoon round on Gamble Sands or a next-morning early tee time. The contrast between Seattle's maritime air and eastern Washington's dry heat is stark and excellent.
Gamble Sands Second Round & Circling Raven
Gamble Sands plays completely differently in morning calm versus afternoon wind — a second round is both logical and available since demand here is lower than Chambers Bay. If the group wants variety, Circling Raven in Coeur d'Alene is 90 minutes east and rated among the best resort courses in the inland Northwest.
Drive Back to Seattle
Return through the Cascades — the late afternoon light through the mountain passes is best going westbound. Dinner in Capitol Hill or Ballard before a final night in Seattle.
Depart
Morning airport and direct flight home. Air Canada's Seattle-Toronto service typically has solid morning departure slots that land in Toronto by late afternoon.
GROUPS 12+ — Pacific Northwest group logistics are more complex than most destinations — a 12-15 passenger van with a designated driver (or two) is essential, and the eastern Washington portion requires at least one overnight to avoid excessive driving. Look at vacation rental properties in Chelan or Wenatchee for the eastern segment; they accommodate 12 at a fraction of the cost of two hotel rooms.
BEST MONTHS
Ready to plan Pacific Northwest?
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