Even though this is not a real top notch course, in the summer it can be a real treat. If I was rating this course as strictly a value proposition, I would give this course 4.5 stars. With new ownership the course seems to have improved. The folks at the pro shop and the café have always been friendly.
This seems to be a "good ole boys" type of course. This is purely anecdotal but there seems to be a lot of locals that use this as their "3rd Place". Kind of a "Cheers" type environment where everybody knows your name. At least for those locals that frequent this place. But not overtly cliquish, they welcome outsiders.
In summer of 2013 we had a real heat wave in the Puget Sound. One weekend it was over 90 degrees up and down the Sound. My wife won't play when it is that hot. So I looked around and found that it was 75 degrees there and we went and had a great time.
Being located on an isthmus, really helps to cool off the area when it is really hot.
The course itself is a little rough, they don't seem to spend a lot of time on course maintenance. But this is not to say it is a goat track because it is not. When I have played there, which has only been in the summer, the course has been in good condition. No soft muddy spots, the kind that plague so many courses in our area.
The fairways are not of the manicured variety but they work. The rough is not onerous and there are a number of water hazards to negotiate. The greens are ok, I would say just a little small in size, not a lot of contouring. They have been in pretty decent shape, your putts generally will hold the line.
Pace of play is generally reasonable. On a summer weekend it is usually around, 4:15 to 4:30. But I have played it at that time in under 4.
The design is old (and therefore relatively short), but though there are a number of flat holes, there is also some elevation change. On the tee on I believe the 12th hole you can see Padilla Bay to the North and Similk Bay to the South. On a Sunny day it is quite spectacular.
The most "gimmicky" hole is the Par 5 16th, it is a tough dog leg left, with an elevated green. It is quite a climb that late in the round. However you are rewarded for hoofing it up the hill because the next hole, is a long downhill par 4.
That next hole, the 17th is the best hole on the course. Tee it up and let it rip. If you catch one it will add maybe 30 yards or more to your normal distance. Just a fun hole. This hole is in my top 50 in the state.
After your round I would suggest that you make the pilgrimage to Anthony's in Anacortes, probably 10 minutes north. Get there at happy hour, sit on the patio, a great view of the boats in the harbor.
If you have a camper or a motor home and want to make it a weekend or even longer, I would recommend Fidalgo Bay Resort, it is on the water, less than 5 minutes from the course. It is a great place to stay. A bit spendy, but really nice.
I live in Kirkland and we get out to Swinomish Golf Course once a year. Put this one on your list of summer time places to play. read more