Golf

Gold Mountain Golf Complex. Most people make the trek to Bremerton to play the Olympic Course, a beautiful and challenging par 72 that is widely considered the best public course in Washington. The older, less-sculpted Cascade Course is also popular; it's better suited to those new to the game. There are four putting greens, a driving range, and a striking clubhouse with views of the Belfair Valley. Prime-time greens fees are $29 to $45 for the Cascade and $40 to $70 for the Olympic. Carts are $16.50 prior to twilight and $10 after. You can drive all the way to Bremerton via Interstate 5, or you can take the car ferry to Bremerton from Pier 52. The trip will take roughly 1½ hours no matter which way you do it, but the ferry ride (60 minutes) might be a more pleasant way to spend a large part of the journey. Note, however, that the earliest departure time for the ferry is 6 am, so this option won't work for very early tee times. 7263 W. Belfair Valley Rd., Bremerton, Washington, 98312. 360/415--5433; www.goldmt.com.

The Golf Club at Newcastle. Probably the best option on the Eastside, this golf complex, which includes a pair of courses and an 18-hole putting green, has views, views, and more views. From the hilly greens you'll see Seattle, the Olympic Mountains, and Lake Washington. The 7,000-yard, par-72 Coal Creek course is the more challenging of the two, though the China Creek course has its challenges and more sections of undisturbed natural areas. This is the Seattle area's most expensive golf club—greens fees for Coal Creek range from $140 to $195 depending on the season; fees for China Creek range from $100 to $140. Newcastle is about 35 minutes from Downtown—if you don't hit traffic. 15500 Six Penny La., Newcastle, Seattle, Washington, 98059. 425/793–5566; www.newcastlegolf.com.

Harbour Pointe Golf Club. This challenging 18-hole championship layout—with 6,800 yards of hilly terrain and wonderful Puget Sound views—is one of Washington's best, about 35 minutes north of Seattle. Greens fees range from $35 for twilight play to $74 for prime time on weekends. Carts cost $15 per person. There's also a driving range where you can get 68 balls for $11. Reserve your tee time online, up to a week in advance. Inquire about early-bird, twilight, off-season, and junior discounts. 11817 Harbour Pointe Blvd., Mukilteo, Washington, 98275. 425/355–6060; www.harbourpointegolf.com.

Interbay Family Golf Center. About a 10-minute drive from Downtown, Interbay is the city's most convenient course. It has a wildly popular driving range ($10 for 70 balls, $12 for 108, $15 for 160), a 9-hole executive course ($17 on weekends, $15 on weekdays), and a miniature golf course ($8). The range and miniature golf course are open daily 7 am–10 pm March–October and 7 am–9 pm November–February; the executive course is open dawn to dusk year-round. 2501 15th Ave. W, Magnolia, Seattle, Washington, 98119. 206/285–2200; www.premiergc.com/interbay.

Jefferson Park. This golf complex has views of the city skyline and Mt. Rainier. The par-27, 9-hole course has a lighted driving range with heated stalls that's open from dusk until midnight. And the 18-hole, par-72 main course is one of the city's best. Greens fees are $35 on weekends and $30 on weekdays for the 18-hole course; you can play the 9-hole course for $8.50 daily. Carts are $28 and $18, and $6 buys you a bucket of 34 balls at the driving range. You can book tee times online up to 10 days in advance or by phone up to 7 days in advance. 4101 Beacon Ave. S., Beacon Hill, Seattle, Washington, 98108. 206/762–4513; www.seattlegolf.com.

West Seattle Golf Course. This 18-hole course has a reputation for being tough but fair—and for some excellent views of Downtown. Greens fees are $35 on weekdays, $40 on weekends. It's $14 per person for a cart. The front 9 will challenge you, while the back 9 will reward you with views of Elliott Bay and the skyline. 4600 35th Ave. SW, West Seattle, Seattle, Washington, 98126. 206/935–5187; www.seattlegolf.com.

Willows Run. It's all here: two 18-hole, links-style courses; a 9-hole, par-27 course; and a lighted, 18-hole putting course that's open until 10 pm. The courses play reasonably dry even in typically moist Seattle-area weather. Greens fees for 9 holes are $11 Monday through Thursday, $13 Friday through Sunday and on holidays; fees for 18 holes are $42 or $56 for the Coyote Creek course and $46 or $60 for the Eagle's Talon course. Carts cost $14 per rider. There are also two pro shops and a driving range (75 balls cost $8; 35 balls cost $4). 10402 Willows Rd. NE, Redmond, Washington, 98052. 425/883–1200; www.willowsrun.com.