Move to Seattle: Chambers and...?

[duffer987]

Hi folks,

I took a look and haven't seen any 'move to' threads for a few years now, so creating my own.

I might be looking at a PNW relo in 2020 and once I get passed the $2300 CB pass for 20 rounds and range time, I've not seen anything public that great. It seems like Vancouver, Seattle/Tacoma is not the best golfing country... heck Bellingham looks more appealing than either of them.

 

All things being equal (such as office location, if I get a new job as opposed to transferring) Tacoma appeals - as it looks to have better bang for your buck in the $3-400k condo market, than Seattle proper, and it also seems more interesting golfing options sit South of the I5/405 interchange, than North. Along with a bunch of microbrews... although you pretty much trip over them everywhere now don't you.

 

We get the occasional travel thread, but when it comes to living here, the better weekly options in the Puget Sound are in a more Southerly direction than North or East right? Happy to be educated what's what :-)

[dave willie]

You are correct about better public course options to the south, such as The Home Course, Lake Spanaway, The Classic GC and Oakbrook. Accross the Narrows Bridge are McCormick Woods,Trophy Lake, and the two Gold Mountain courses. I used to live in Bellevue and regularly drove south to play the courses listed above.

[Phireside]

You are also correct in your Bellingham assessment. Great golf in that area.

[kaschreiber]

If public golf is your target, you're correct. If you're open to private, that's usually the east side of the water (Bellevue, Sammamish and surrounding areas), although pricing is a different question at that point.

[duffer987]

> @kaschreiber said:

> If public golf is your target, you're correct. If you're open to private, that's usually the east side of the water (Bellevue, Sammamish and surrounding areas), although pricing is a different question at that point.

 

Ya I've not really looked at the private options - as my overall sense (and it could be wrong) is that apart from a couple courses, they are largely modern tracks and maybe don't offer the old school routing and features I'd look for in something I'd play all the time.

[bradski]

you are going to get good public golf in the lower cost housing area's. On the east side many of the area's are going to have average house prices near or above a million dollars. These have an abundance of great private courses but public courses are expensive (Newcastle) or low qualify (fall city area courses). Private you have Sahalee, Aldara, and Plateau Club which are all within 10 miles of each other as an example. I believe what is lacking the most are city and county run and owned courses that are top level such as you will find in other States.

[Golfnuck]

> @duffer987 said:

> > @kaschreiber said:

> > If public golf is your target, you're correct. If you're open to private, that's usually the east side of the water (Bellevue, Sammamish and surrounding areas), although pricing is a different question at that point.

>

> Ya I've not really looked at the private options - as my overall sense (and it could be wrong) is that apart from a couple courses, they are largely modern tracks and maybe don't offer the old school routing and features I'd look for in something I'd play all the time.

 

I have heard that Sahalee Country Club is looking for members and they have some good options. Haven't played there for at least 5 years but I remember it was a great track with 27 holes.

https://www.sahalee.com/

 

If you are really looking for "old school routing and features" then Seattle Golf Club would be the one. I have not played there (our club is too lowbrow to have reciprocals with them) but my friend from Capilano has played there and he raves about it.

https://www.seattlegolfclub.com/

 

[duffer987]

> @bradski said:

> you are going to get good public golf in the lower cost housing area's. On the east side many of the area's are going to have average house prices near or above a million dollars. These have an abundance of great private courses but public courses are expensive (Newcastle) or low qualify (fall city area courses). Private you have Sahalee, Aldara, and Plateau Club which are all within 10 miles of each other as an example. I believe what is lacking the most are city and county run and owned courses that are top level such as you will find in other States.

 

Thanks for the info :-)

Fortunately for housing I'm a condo guy, so I'd be looking at $500k tops.

Unfortunately as someone who likes more urban locales vs the burbs, it does mean a bit of a hike from home to course.

I'm quite spoilt here to have a bunch of public options, including a refurbed muni that's as good a muni as I've played, that I don't need to look beyond them.

[duffer987]

> @Golfnuck said:

> > @duffer987 said:

> > > @kaschreiber said:

> > > If public golf is your target, you're correct. If you're open to private, that's usually the east side of the water (Bellevue, Sammamish and surrounding areas), although pricing is a different question at that point.

> >

> > Ya I've not really looked at the private options - as my overall sense (and it could be wrong) is that apart from a couple courses, they are largely modern tracks and maybe don't offer the old school routing and features I'd look for in something I'd play all the time.

>

> I have heard that Sahalee Country Club is looking for members and they have some good options. Haven't played there for at least 5 years but I remember it was a great track with 27 holes.

> https://www.sahalee.com/

>

> If you are really looking for "old school routing and features" then Seattle Golf Club would be the one. I have not played there (our club is too lowbrow to have reciprocals with them) but my friend from Capilano has played there and he raves about it.

> https://www.seattlegolfclub.com/

>

 

I think my best chances of getting through the gates at SGC would be for a dishwasher interview, I've neither the pockets or pedigree for that place!

[bradski]

> @duffer987 said:

> > @bradski said:

> > you are going to get good public golf in the lower cost housing area's. On the east side many of the area's are going to have average house prices near or above a million dollars. These have an abundance of great private courses but public courses are expensive (Newcastle) or low qualify (fall city area courses). Private you have Sahalee, Aldara, and Plateau Club which are all within 10 miles of each other as an example. I believe what is lacking the most are city and county run and owned courses that are top level such as you will find in other States.

>

> Thanks for the info :-)

> Fortunately for housing I'm a condo guy, so I'd be looking at $500k tops.

> Unfortunately as someone who likes more urban locales vs the burbs, it does mean a bit of a hike from home to course.

> I'm quite spoilt here to have a bunch of public options, including a refurbed muni that's as good a muni as I've played, that I don't need to look beyond them.

 

Tacoma might be a good location for you. I would look at the Home course as an option.

[CMCSGolf]

Golf anywhere near Seattle is not good. Tacoma is significantly better, but still not great. The traffic from Tacoma to Seattle can be rough, so if you can swing living in Tacoma, joining Tacoma Golf Club would be ideal. I've heard it's pretty affordable and it's probably the best course in the area (Aldarra or Seattle GC being the other contenders I think). A step down and significantly cheaper, Fircrest is a fun track, but won't have the conditioning that TGC does.

 

Honestly, if you want the big city, living in south Seattle and commuting down to Tacoma for golf isn't that bad. Beat all of the traffic on the way south early in the morning and you can be there in 30-40 minutes. I did it almost every weekend. The Home course and a few others in the area are nice, but I never found a public course in Seattle I was dying to get back to. No one goes to Seattle for the golf... plenty of other stuff to do.

[duffer987]

> @CMCSGolf said:

> Golf anywhere near Seattle is not good. Tacoma is significantly better, but still not great. The traffic from Tacoma to Seattle can be rough, so if you can swing living in Tacoma, joining Tacoma Golf Club would be ideal. I've heard it's pretty affordable and it's probably the best course in the area (Aldarra or Seattle GC being the other contenders I think). A step down and significantly cheaper, Fircrest is a fun track, but won't have the conditioning that TGC does.

>

> Honestly, if you want the big city, living in south Seattle and commuting down to Tacoma for golf isn't that bad. Beat all of the traffic on the way south early in the morning and you can be there in 30-40 minutes. I did it almost every weekend. The Home course and a few others in the area are nice, but I never found a public course in Seattle I was dying to get back to. No one goes to Seattle for the golf... plenty of other stuff to do.

 

That's it. Golf here in the Bay Area is awesome, I'd be moving to Seattle simply to still be in a good tech sector region and be able to get up to Vancouver whenever needed for family stuff, as opposed to having to hop on a plane right now. Heck back in the day in Vancouver we'd have a most an 8 month season, as once the weather properly turned, usually late Oct, early Nov, we'd not really bother playing again till March.

 

And ya it's similar here in regards to driving where after my 3 good local options, it's a bit of a drive to courses I like, but early Sat/Sun means no traffic on the way to, just back. That's why that 20 round Chambers thing appealed, I could (within reason) live anywhere, play early weekend rounds and know it could be a bit muck driving home after, just like here. If I was to join somewhere I'd then need to pair up home/course somewhat.

 

I really appreciate all the good feedback from everyone - gives me some good stuff to google!

[ryu123]

have played Chambers Bay, Gold Mountain (Olympic), Home Course, McCormick Woods, Newcastle (Coal Creek), Port Ludlow, Salish Cliffs, Trophy Lake, and White Horse.

 

McCormick Woods is a good course, with elevation changes & decent greens.

 

Newcastle was boring, other than nice 'views' over the city. (If you want vistas, just drive there & look from the parking lot.)

 

Port Ludlow & Trophy Lake: decent golf, but once was enough.

 

Salish Cliffs is fun, but I like to hoof it & am not sure walking is encouraged.

 

White Horse is a challenging course, but too penal for me.

 

Really liked the Home Course & Gold Mountain. (Both are walkable.)

 

[OP didn't ask about privates, but others have commented. Aldarra is an interesting course but its practice area is restricted by the available land. Sahalee has a fine practice area, but the holes I played in 2010 were kind of dull - the only defence was fast greens. I've been invited back to Sahalee but have no interest. Would play Aldarra any time, but haven't been asked. 'You can't always get what you want': Jagger & Richards]

[duffer987]

Thanks @ryu123 :-)

For me the private route would be due to the dearth of genuinely interesting public options, and finding something I'd like to play 30+ times a year.

Of course then I look at the privates and they are for the most part heavily treelined PNW courses, where maybe it's just straight balls required all day long and actually not that interesting... I am spoilt down here.

[CMCSGolf]

The real negative on Aldarra is that it is high enough in the mountains that is closes in the winter. But if winter golf is not a big deal, it's a great course.

I think the publics in Seattle are weak enough that a private is worth considering. I think the obvious answer is to play everything you can on the public side in 2020 and see if anything strikes your fancy. If not, I would strongly consider Fircrest. Definitely some PNW trees, but not as bad as some place like Sahalee. Easily live on the south side of Seattle and get your golf in on the weekends. It would also be cheap enough that you wouldn't feel bad hopping over to Chambers, the Home Course, Gold Mountain a few times a year.

[leejohnkieh]

consider joining tacoma if you're under 40.

[duffer987]

> @CMCSGolf said:

> The real negative on Aldarra is that it is high enough in the mountains that is closes in the winter. But if winter golf is not a big deal, it's a great course.

> I think the publics in Seattle are weak enough that a private is worth considering. I think the obvious answer is to play everything you can on the public side in 2020 and see if anything strikes your fancy. If not, I would strongly consider Fircrest. Definitely some PNW trees, but not as bad as some place like Sahalee. Easily live on the south side of Seattle and get your golf in on the weekends. It would also be cheap enough that you wouldn't feel bad hopping over to Chambers, the Home Course, Gold Mountain a few times a year.

 

Ya reckon that's the way to go. If I was getting right up to the border since I know it better, I'd just get a membership at Bellingham GCC, plus NB, Padden, Auburn, and Loomis and be sorted with a 5 course rota.

You're right I could be pleasantly surprised by some of the daily fee courses and be quite content to knock it around them :-)

[bradski]

> @CMCSGolf said:

> The real negative on Aldarra is that it is high enough in the mountains that is closes in the winter. But if winter golf is not a big deal, it's a great course.

> I think the publics in Seattle are weak enough that a private is worth considering. I think the obvious answer is to play everything you can on the public side in 2020 and see if anything strikes your fancy. If not, I would strongly consider Fircrest. Definitely some PNW trees, but not as bad as some place like Sahalee. Easily live on the south side of Seattle and get your golf in on the weekends. It would also be cheap enough that you wouldn't feel bad hopping over to Chambers, the Home Course, Gold Mountain a few times a year.

 

Aldara is maybe 400 ft above sea level ? I'm pretty sure it isn't closed more than any other club in the seattle area. the private course at Suncadia closes for the winter?

 

 

 

[JAMH03]

Why not just move to Vancouver?

 

 

[CMCSGolf]

> @bradski said:

> > @CMCSGolf said:

> > The real negative on Aldarra is that it is high enough in the mountains that is closes in the winter. But if winter golf is not a big deal, it's a great course.

> > I think the publics in Seattle are weak enough that a private is worth considering. I think the obvious answer is to play everything you can on the public side in 2020 and see if anything strikes your fancy. If not, I would strongly consider Fircrest. Definitely some PNW trees, but not as bad as some place like Sahalee. Easily live on the south side of Seattle and get your golf in on the weekends. It would also be cheap enough that you wouldn't feel bad hopping over to Chambers, the Home Course, Gold Mountain a few times a year.

>

> Aldara is maybe 400 ft above sea level ? I'm pretty sure it isn't closed more than any other club in the seattle area. the private course at Suncadia closes for the winter?

>

>

>

 

I don't know. When I played out there with a member, he said the course is closed in the winter. That really surprised me because it's not that far out of the city. I wonder if they close it because they truly have to with snow or if it's an attempt to keep the conditions better?

[JAMH03]

 

@CMCSGolf

> I don't know. When I played out there with a member, he said the course is closed in the winter. That really surprised me because it's not that far out of the city. I wonder if they close it because they truly have to with snow or if it's an attempt to keep the conditions better?

 

On a hill at elevation, in the SEA area, the weather and temps are a little different at 500 feet, with all of those contours... SEA is WET. Then frost delays... I have no idea what the membership is but there might not be very many who want to play in mucky conditions cart path only? Then snow contributes to mold... there are myriad of reasons for Aldara to consider being closed in the winter

 

 

 

 

 

 

@duffer987 travel time and life style are also going to be issues. I live relatively close to Chambers Bay but the course is not quick to get to even from all parts of Tacoma. If your job requires you to be in person. Not sure you would want to take on 1.5 hour commute to Bellevue Eastside or Downtown SEA just to live close to Chambers? I've had multiple friends "join" Chambers they were greatly excited (It has some heavy play discounts) those friends asked me to join with as well but it wasn't a good fit time wise and they all ultimately quit after 1 season.

 

The private course recommendations in this thread have all been very good.

 

I asked why not move to Van-city? A bit fallaciously but there was a bit of truth in it as well. If you're considering moving to greater SEA as an adjunct to living near Van and can't seem to find any courses that interest you why not move to where your family is, save the 3-4 hour commute, border crossing, live where you can play both Vancouver's best and add Bellingham golf to your mix all while saving yourself hundreds or thousands of hours during a pit-stop in-between. One intriguing job opp in SEA might not be worth forgoing all of that.

 

 

 

[duffer987]

> @JAMH03 said:

>

> @CMCSGolf

> > I don't know. When I played out there with a member, he said the course is closed in the winter. That really surprised me because it's not that far out of the city. I wonder if they close it because they truly have to with snow or if it's an attempt to keep the conditions better?

>

> On a hill at elevation, in the SEA area, the weather and temps are a little different at 500 feet, with all of those contours... SEA is WET. Then frost delays... I have no idea what the membership is but there might not be very many who want to play in mucky conditions cart path only? Then snow contributes to mold... there are myriad of reasons for Aldara to consider being closed in the winter

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> @duffer987 travel time and life style are also going to be issues. I live relatively close to Chambers Bay but the course is not quick to get to even from all parts of Tacoma. If your job requires you to be in person. Not sure you would want to take on 1.5 hour commute to Bellevue Eastside or Downtown SEA just to live close to Chambers? I've had multiple friends "join" Chambers they were greatly excited (It has some heavy play discounts) those friends asked me to join with as well but it wasn't a good fit time wise and they all ultimately quit after 1 season.

>

> The private course recommendations in this thread have all been very good.

>

> I asked why not move to Van-city? A bit fallaciously but there was a bit of truth in it as well. If you're considering moving to greater SEA as an adjunct to living near Van and can't seem to find any courses that interest you why not move to where your family is, save the 3-4 hour commute, border crossing, live where you can play both Vancouver's best and add Bellingham golf to your mix all while saving yourself hundreds or thousands of hours during a pit-stop in-between. One intriguing job opp in SEA might not be worth forgoing all of that.

>

>

>

 

I guess I brought this upon myself by including some exposition in a reply - but this really is simply a live in Seattle and good golfing options Q - per the back and forth with CMS in #12 though...

* Going up now and again isn't commuting to/from Vancouver to Seattle, that's just mental.

* I wouldn't live next door to CB just to live by it for 20 round passes sake and then work somewhere that gives me an unfun weekday commute, that's also mental.

 

Thanks for the winter pics though :-)

[JAMH03]

@duffer987 there's plenty of good enough golf in the area then!

As for the winter pics those weren't for you those were for CMCS and user error on my part :D

[CMCSGolf]

> @JAMH03 said:

> @duffer987 there's plenty of good enough golf in the area then!

> As for the winter pics those weren't for you those were for CMCS and user error on my part :D

 

Thanks for the pictures. You're right that a bit of elevation can make a big difference. Since it's not too far from the city, it was a bit surprising to me, but it makes sense.

[SCalGolfer]

> @duffer987 said:

> Hi folks,

> I took a look and haven't seen any 'move to' threads for a few years now, so creating my own.

> I might be looking at a PNW relo in 2020 and once I get passed the $2300 CB pass for 20 rounds and range time, I've not seen anything public that great. It seems like Vancouver, Seattle/Tacoma is not the best golfing country... heck Bellingham looks more appealing than either of them.

>

> All things being equal (such as office location, if I get a new job as opposed to transferring) Tacoma appeals - as it looks to have better bang for your buck in the $3-400k condo market, than Seattle proper, and it also seems more interesting golfing options sit South of the I5/405 interchange, than North. Along with a bunch of microbrews... although you pretty much trip over them everywhere now don't you.

>

> We get the occasional travel thread, but when it comes to living here, the better weekly options in the Puget Sound are in a more Southerly direction than North or East right? Happy to be educated what's what :-)

 

Chambers is a good choice. You have to play before 6:30 if you want to play fast. Out of all other courses along the Sound I like Gold Mountain and Fircrest the best. Gold Mountain is my solid #2. That being said Aldarra is a good option if you're a strong player and like a challenge. It's hard IMO. Sahalee is well conditioned, but claustrophobic. Home Course is okay but I much prefer Gold Mountain. It's an hour drive from south Seattle. Good luck with the move.

[PorkChopExpress]

Tacoma CC, Sahalee, Aldarra, and Gold Mountain, Jefferson Park (if ya want to follow Freddie Couples steps :) and few other courses.

Only need to play Chambers once to say you have. Other than that, it's best left a rock quarry

[duffer987]

> @desaille said:

> Tacoma CC, Sahalee, Aldarra, and Gold Mountain, Jefferson Park (if ya want to follow Freddie Couples steps :) and few other courses.

> Only need to play Chambers once to say you have. Other than that, it's best left a rock quarry

 

Ha! Thanks. Apart from the easy soundbite, what about CB is it in particular?

[kaschreiber]

> @desaille said:

> Tacoma CC, Sahalee, Aldarra, and Gold Mountain, Jefferson Park (if ya want to follow Freddie Couples steps :) and few other courses.

> Only need to play Chambers once to say you have. Other than that, it's best left a rock quarry

 

hard, hard disagree on this one.

[PorkChopExpress]

Chambers is a rock quarry

Always has been and always will be

[duffer987]

> @desaille said:

> Chambers is a rock quarry

> Always has been and always will be

 

Ah right, one of those. Got it.