West Seattle Golf Course: skyline views, a creekside front nine, and a hilly finish

West Seattle Golf Course in Seattle blends a gentle opening stretch with a more rugged, view-filled back nine that makes you think on every shot. Expect an honest municipal pace and a round that rewards control off the tee, smart club selection, and patience when the wind picks up.

West Seattle Golf Course Fast Facts

Course Overview

Early on, West Seattle Golf Course settles you in along the Longfellow Creek corridor, where fairways are more level and the routing plays as a par-37 outward nine. Greens sit naturally on benches and shelves, and the par 3s range from short flicks to full mid-irons. Wind is usually lighter here, though the creek setting still asks for placement over power.

Turn for home and the character changes. The back nine climbs and falls across the property as a par-35, bringing uneven stances, more club on uphill approaches, and the afternoon breeze that funnels over the ridge. Sightlines open toward the skyline and Elliott Bay, but the slopes and wind tighten your windows, so favored angles matter more than raw yardage.

Hole-by-Hole Highlights

• Several outward-nine par 5s run roughly 520–550 yards from the tips, making positional second shots the smart play rather than forcing a low-percentage reach.

• Front-side par 3s stretch into the 170–200-yard range, so commit to your yardage and aim for the wide side of the green.

• Shorter par 4s on the opening side reward a controlled tee shot to your preferred distance rather than driver at all costs.

• The back nine is the hilliest part of the course, so add a club on uphill approaches and expect more sidehill lies.

• Afternoon rounds often see more breeze on the inward half, so flight wedges down and pick conservative targets.

• One of the longer back-nine par 4s plays in the high-300s to low-400s from the tips; a solid tee ball to the fat side sets up a stress-free par.

• A late par 5 around the mid-500s offers birdie chances if you stay patient with your layup and leave a full wedge.

• Par 3s on the homeward side include short options close to 120–160 yards, great chances to attack if you control spin and trajectory.

Amenities & Practice

Full golf shop and onsite food service. Riding carts are available for an additional fee, and walking is welcome.

Food & Beverage

Fox Den Grill is onsite for pre and post round bites.

Rates / Booking / Local Tips

Reserve online through the club’s tee sheet and review the posted dynamic pricing calendar before you go. As of March 2025, the rates page lists resident and non-resident pricing with earlybird, afternoon, and twilight options at West Seattle Golf Course. If you plan to walk, the outward nine is the easier stroll, and a cart can help on the hilly inward half. Expect firmer winds later in the day, especially on the back nine.

How to Score Here

• Keep it in play along the Longfellow Creek side, favoring position over distance to open up green fronts at West Seattle Golf Course.

• On the back nine, plan for sidehill stances and uphill approaches by clubbing up and favoring the high side of fairways.

• Treat the longer par 4s as three shot holes if the wind is up, leaning on wedge distance control to save pars.

• Use the shorter par 3s and reachable par 5s as scoring holes by choosing conservative targets and committing to the number.

Final Word

With two distinct nines, big-city views, and honest municipal vibes, West Seattle Golf Course delivers a round that stays interesting from first tee to last putt.

This course is one of many featured in the Washington Golf Directory. Your guide to Washington State public golf courses, local driving ranges, and weekend-worthy golf getaways. Whether you’re playing nine before work or planning a road trip across the state, we’re here to help you explore more golf, one course at a time.