Fall is a great time to play golf in Eastern Washington

As you take the drive over Snoqualmie Pass and head toward Central and Eastern Washington you will be treated by the changing colors and perhaps a glimpse of snow along the pass. October is probably the best time for a road trip to Eastern Washington where the courses are still in pristine condition and the preferred tee times are more readily available. 

Canyon Lakes Golf Course

Canyon Lakes has won a variety of awards, including voted as Best Golf Course by the People‘s Choice Awards (six years in a row) making it the most popular course in the Tri Cities area.  Rated 4 1/2 Stars by Golf Digest, making it the highest rated course in the Tri-Cities and shares the highest ranking in Washington State.  In addition to the lofty rating, Northwest Travel Magazine selected Canyon Lakes as one of  “18 of the Best in the Pacific Northwest.” 

Canyon Lakes is famous for large, fast, undulating greens with the 12th hole touted as the largest green in the Pacific Northwest at 12,000 square feet. The ninth hole was also awarded as one of the Northwest’s Dream 18 holes. With five sets of tees measuring from 5,500 to 7,027 yards, Canyon Lakes will test the mettle of all types of golfers. 

The Tri-Cities is a great place to golf with the average annual precipitation of less than seven inches and an average summer time temperature is in the upper 80s and fall is always a great time to visit and play golf.

Highlander Golf Club

At 800 feet above the Columbia River is a breathtaking piece of property that boasts a masterpiece designed by John Steidel and built by Jim Haley (Haley created and shaped Bandon Dunes). This one is called Highlander and it lives up to the name with magnificent panoramic views. 

The most talked about hole is the par-3 ninth, a 185-yard bear that requires a tee shot across a canyon.  The green slopes dramatically making a two-putt no easy feat. And after you make the turn you can enjoy the gorgeous back nine that has sweeping views of the river.  In the spring of 2013, the back nine was the focus of many upgrades including the development of Highlander Estates with some scenic home sites. 

In 2013 a 32-home site development was added with stunning territorial views and fairway fronted building lots creating a community with a decided recreational lifestyle focus. Two brand new holes were built (17 & 18) and major changes to four others (10,14,15, &16).

Lake Chelan Golf Course

Ever since it was built in 1970, Lake Chelan Golf Course has always been a popular spot for golfers visiting the area.  Located on the lake’s north side, Lake Chelan is a solid par-72 golf course that sits on a bluff with unparalleled views of the lake that will stay in your memory. 

The course has three sets of tees and plays to 6,445 yards from the blue tees with a slope of 124.

The reviews by visitors to Lake Chelan all talk about the fantastic views and the great condition of the course.  If you are planning a trip to the Wenatchee/Chelan area you will want to put Lake Chelan Golf Course on your itinerary.

Columbia Point Golf Course

Located in Richland, Columbia Point Golf Course is an upscale and daily fee facility adjacent to the Columbia River. The course is owned by the City of Richland and measures 6,571 yards from the back tees. It celebrated its 20th year in 2017.   

Nothing too complicated greets the average golfer but the course does have water hazards and numerous bunkers that will need to be avoided.  

The most recognizable features are the mounds separating several of the rolling fairways and large undulating greens.  Try to avoid those mounds.

If your short game is MIA, you might want to put in some practice time on the range before you hit the course. Columbia Point has a nice cafe, with a covered patio with panoramic views of the front nine.

The Links at Moses Pointe

Located just four miles north of interstate 90 in Moses Lake, Wash., has been a favorite destination for golfers since opening in 1999.

Having played host to the 2005 and 2008 Washington State Amateur Championship as well as the 2011 Pacific Northwest Public Links, Moses Pointe will test the games best players. 

In addition to great golf, you’ll find one of the regions favorite restaurants – Mulligans at the Pointe! Amazing burgers and specialty sandwiches await, along with a terrific selection of beverages and a featured entree every weekend.

With great golf, 300 plus days of sunshine, and a growing residential golf community, Moses Pointe is sure to become your next home away from home, or who knows, maybe your next home? For a hole by hole visual tour of the course and more information about what awaits you at the Links at Moses Pointe, visit www.mosespointe.com.

Apple Tree Resort

Apple Tree in Yakima is one of the Northwest’s premier golf experiences and given a 4-Star rating by Golf Digest. 

The signature par-3 17th hole with its apple-shaped island green is one of the state’s most recognizable holes. The hole is a masterpiece of golf architecture that measures over 10,000 square feet with nine different tee boxes to choose from.

The 17th hole is only one of many great holes at Apple Tree Resort. The course winds through 100-year old apple orchards with some stunning water hazards and challenging elevation changes. The course and greens are always in perfect condition.

The view from the 18th tee belongs on a postcard with the vast network of ponds and the rest of the golf course sitting in the background for an amazing view. The back deck of the clubhouse makes for the perfect viewing spot.

Stay & Play packages are available on-site at the Braebukkrn Lodge Condominiums as well as the Best Western Plus Ahtanum Inn in Yakima.