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Shuksan Golf Club – Elevation, Creek-Crossings, and Cascade Views in One Public Package
Set on rolling foothills just north of Bellingham, Shuksan Golf Club serves up 18 memorable holes defined by dramatic elevation changes, sweeping looks at Mt. Baker, and the ever-present twists of Ten Mile Creek. Opened in 1994 and marketed as “The Public’s Country Club,” Shuksan blends tournament-level shot values with muni-level accessibility—weekday green fees top out at $62, weekends $67, and seniors save $5 year-round.
Fast Facts
Location |
1500 E Axton Rd, Bellingham, WA 98226 |
Architect |
Rating sheets list Ted Robinson-influenced design* (official site cites 18 “distinct holes”) |
Par / Length |
Par 72 • Blue (back) 6,749 yds • Champ 6,234 yds • Gold 5,471 yds • Red 5,307 yds |
Rating / Slope |
72.9 / 137 (Blue) • 69.0 / 131 (Champ) |
Practice |
13-acre range + short-game complex + PGA instruction |
Dining |
Modern fusion bistro & patio over 18th green |
* No architect is listed on the club site, but GolfWA notes Ted Robinson-style features—steep tees and forced-carry water.
Shuksan Golf Course at a Glance
Front Nine – Creek-Side Strategy (Out 3,041 yds)
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Par 4, 392 yds – Creek left, OB right—split fairway tempts a bold driver.
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Par 3, 161 yds – Elevated tee to a peninsula green ringed by bunkers.
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Par 4, 395 yds – Blind landing over a rise; green falls off on three sides.
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Par 5, 541 yds – Signature hole: big downhill tee shot then Ten Mile Creek guards lay-up and approach.
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Par 4, 374 yds – Short and narrow; long iron or hybrid keeps driver in the bag.
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Par 3, 178 yds – Plays into prevailing wind; anything short feeds into creek.
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Par 4, 371 yds – Dogleg left around native wetland; pick the conservative line.
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Par 5, 510 yds – Reachable with two bold swings but water pinches green front.
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Par 4, 408 yds – Steep uphill approach closes the half; club up to reach tiered putting surface.
Back Nine – Elevation Thriller (In 3,108 yds)
10. Par 4, 332 yds – Climb begins; side-hill fairway kicks misses toward trees.
11. Par 4, 408 yds – Highest tee on property; panoramic Baker view, narrow landing.
12. Par 5, 509 yds – Plays longer than card—second shot rises 60 feet to plateau.
13. Par 3, 164 yds – All carry over a gully; swirling ridge winds test nerves.
14. Par 4, 341 yds – Blind tee; creek crosses 90 yds short of green—lay-up smart.
15. Par 4, 393 yds – Tightest drive on course; jail both sides.
16. Par 4, 464 yds – Stroke-index 1: long, uphill, and usually into wind.
17. Par 3, 211 yds – Elevated tee again—water left, bunker right, no bailout.
18. Par 5, 581 yds – Double-dogleg finisher back toward clubhouse patio; Ten Mile Creek guards the final wedge.
Total 6,149–6,749 yds depending on tee; par 72.
Course Personality
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Elevation Roller-Coaster – Several tees drop 50–80 feet; others climb the ridge—expect uphill yardages to play at least a club longer.
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Creek in Play – Ten Mile Creek or its tributaries cut across 11 holes; forced carries start as early as No. 2.
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Mountain Vistas – On clear days, Mt. Baker and the Twin Sisters peak over the fir line, adding postcard backdrops to approach shots.
Shuksan Golf Club Rates, Cards & Tournaments
Weekday walking 18 costs $62; Friday–Sunday $67. Seniors (60+) shave $5 off either rate, and juniors walk for $20–30. Power carts run $22 per rider for 18 holes.
Frequent players opt for the annual Club Card (two free rounds plus discounted green fees) or unlimited season passes. Large-group outings—up to 250 players—tap Shuksan’s dedicated tournament staff for on-course contests and custom menus.
Shuksan Bistro – More Than a 19th-Hole Snack
After you tap in on 18, head upstairs to the Shuksan Bistro, a locally loved spot that’s earned praise for scratch-made Pacific-Northwest fare and rotating craft-beer taps. Regulars rave about the smoked-salmon chowder, Korean chicken rice bowl, and the bistro’s weekly Chef’s-Table specials—worth a visit even on non-golf days. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the finishing green, and in summer the patio offers sunset views toward Mt. Baker—arguably one of Bellingham’s best casual-dining vistas. Whether you’re celebrating a tournament win or just refueling after a range session, the Bistro elevates Shuksan from “solid public track” to a full-day destination.
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.
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