Top 5 Golf Courses Within an Hour of Gig Harbor

By Kyle Pease - January 15, 2020

Let me disclose that I am an avid golfer so I did not take this task lightly when assembling my Top 5 Golf Courses around my area of Gig Harbor, Washington. Of course, I may be a little bias because there are a few courses that made my list that I play quite often, nonetheless, this was a tough list to make because we have so many great courses right in our back yard. Let me know what you think! I am sure this list will cause some serious controversy...

MY Top 5 Golf Courses Near Gig Harbor, WA:

1. Chamber's Bay Golf Course: I feel like this one goes without saying because it is fucking epic! I know they got a bad rap for the consistency of their greens during the 2015 US Open but, guess what- they are in the process, or at the time you are reading this, have already completed the restructuring of their greens. It is a true links style course with absolutely insane views of the Puget Sound to take in at almost every hole. I live 20 minutes away from this course and I feel like I am playing somewhere out of this world every time I play (it's hard to explain). Don't expect to shoot a good score the first time you play this course because it does take some getting used to, which is probably why they offer a caddy (for a price tag of $75) to guide you around the course and tell you where you want to be. But, if you are like most amateur golfers, a caddy won't help much because your ball might not go where you want it to anyways LOL. Also, you better be in decent shape because this course is no joke as the only option is to walk. I believe it is just over 6 miles of walking (if you shoot it straight) for 18 holes. Anyways, if you are from Washington or traveling to Washington, this course should be a MUSTplay!
2. Salish Cliffs: Ok, this course might be on the border of an hour long drive from Gig Harbor but I don't care because I love it that much! What is even cooler is that you can play golf all day and then stay at Little Creek Casino (located right on the property). I mean, this is truly gods gift to men! Here is the description taken directly from their website: "The par-72 championship course will test your golf skills while exciting your senses as you traverse over 300 acres of lush bentgrass tees, fairways, and greens. Featuring stunning elevation changes of nearly 600 feet and surrounded by natural beauty and no homes, the course is challenging yet fun for all golfers. GPS-enabled golf carts, Titleist rental clubs, a fully-stocked award-winning golf shop, and a wonderful dining experience await your next, or first, visit to Salish Cliffs Golf Club at Little Creek Casino Resort." Do I need to say much more?
3. Gold Mountain Golf Course: A half hour drive north of Gig Harbor, 36 holes of championship golf awaits. They offer the Cascade Course and the Olympic Course. I would say this is the most popular course on this side of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. The Olympic Course is definitely the nicer of the two, but why not play both in the same day? They offer 36 hole packages that start at $100. When you call they will always assure you that Jordan Spieth got his start here by winning the Amateur championship in whatever year it was, which is their claim to fame. All jokes aside, I probably play here more than any other course because the rates are great and the golf is even better.
4. Canterwood Golf and Country Club: Disclaimer: My wife and I got married here so obviously it would make my Top 5! I golfed this course the day before my wedding and shot like 100 (after a beer or two...). It has been voted the top 10 courses to play in Washington State multiple times on Golf Digest. The only downfall is that you will have to know a member to get on this course because it is Private. Just contact me and I can work my magic. This is a must play not only because of the beautiful course layout but also the mega-mansions that outline each hole.
5. Trophy Lake Golf: This course embodies the spirit of the northwest with its natural "foresty" feel. Kind of out in the middle of nowhere, just west of Port Orchard, but still less than a half hour from Gig Harbor. This course holds a place in my heart because Port Orchard is where I am from. Anyways, enough with the emotional stuff, this course is the real deal. Take it from their words: "Designed by award-winning architect John Fought, the 18-hole, championship golf course carves its way through dense, Northwest forest, offering patrons a welcomed sense of isolation and serenity befitting its location on the Kitsap Peninsula. The layout features sloping fairways, expansive greens, beautiful views of the Olympics and Mt. Rainier, and more than 80 deep-faced, white-sand bunkers strategically placed throughout the course's 7,206 yards." Ok, I'm sold!