North Shore Golf Course: classic Tacoma public track with plenty of tee options

North Shore Golf Course in Tacoma is a straightforward, player-friendly spot where you can get around in a reasonable window and keep the ball in front of you. Expect an approachable par 71 layout, practical amenities, and a pace target of four to four and a half hours when the full eighteen is open.

North Shore Golf Course Fast Facts

Course Overview

Early in the round at North Shore Golf Course you settle into a traditional rhythm, two par 5s and two par 3s on the front nine, then one par 5 and two par 3s on the back. Black tees top out at 6,305 yds, with Blue, Orange, and Yellow stepping down cleanly, so groups can mix tees without slowing play. Men’s rating and slope from the back are 70.8/129, and the women’s sets are published for Blue, Orange, and Yellow.

Decision-making is simple and rewarding. Choose a tee based on the rating and slope, favor center-green targets on the par 3s, and play for full-wedge numbers into the par 5s rather than pressing for every yard. When the full course is open, the par 4s on the inward side ask for controlled tee balls to set up straightforward approaches.

Hole-by-Hole Highlights

• Tee selection matters. With four sets from 4,505 to 6,305 yds, match the rating and slope to your ability to keep the group moving.

• Front-side scoring. The par 5s at 3 and 9 are your best birdie looks if you position the second shot for a full wedge.

• Par-3 management. The front-side short holes arrive at 4 and 6, the back-side at 13 and 15. Take the number to the middle and ignore back pins.

• Back-nine rhythm. Only one par 5 appears after the turn, at 14, so protect pars on 10 through 13 to keep the card intact.

• Stroke-hole awareness. Use the handicap line on the card to plan where to play safe off the tee and where to be more aggressive.

• Lay up smart. When in between clubs on the longer par 4s, favor the wider landing area even if it leaves a longer approach.

• Up-and-down strategy. Miss on the side that gives you green to work with, not the tucked side near trouble.

• Turn timing. The scorecard notes “Order at the Turn,” so plan your snack stop between nines rather than mid-hole.

• Renovation note. As posted, practice areas and parts of the course may be closed or on limited hours during improvements, so check the day’s setup at check-in.

• Pace target. The club asks for four to four and a half hours for eighteen when all holes are open, which is very achievable if everyone chooses appropriate tees.

Amenities & Practice

Driving range with covered stalls operates year-round, with grass stations available in season. Putting and chipping greens are on site. Rental clubs are offered for nine or eighteen. Riding carts and push carts are available, with a two-rider policy for power carts.

Food & Beverage

On The Greens Restaurant is the on-site dining option. During course renovations the restaurant is closed, with limited food and beverage available in the Golf Shop.

Rates / Booking / Local Tips

Book online through the club site or by phone, where dynamic pricing is used for green fees. Posted items include cart per rider at 13 for nine and 20 for eighteen, range buckets at 11, 14, and 18, and rental clubs at 35 for eighteen or 20 for nine, all as of August 2025. Senior morning windows and junior times are listed. North Shore Golf Course also publishes daily hours for golf and the range, and the FAQ sets the expected pace, so build your tee selection and pre-round warm-up around that timing.

How to Score Here

• Pick the right tee using the rating and slope to ensure you can reach in regulation.

• Treat 3 and 9 as birdie chances, then shift to patient golf through the early back-nine par 4s.

• On 13 and 15, play to the fat side of the green rather than chasing back pins.

• Keep second shots on par 5s in the fairway to leave a full number instead of a touchy half-wedge.

• Use the turn to regroup, then finish strong on 16 through 18 with committed tee balls at North Shore Golf Course.

Final Word

For an easy-to-plan public round with clear tee choices and a sensible pace standard, North Shore Golf Course delivers exactly what most golfers need.

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.