Name: North Bellingham Golf Course
Address: 205 W Smith Rd, Bellingham, Washington, 98226, United States
Telephone: 360-398-8300

Profile

North Bellingham Golf Course – A True-Links Challenge in Washington’s Far Northwest

Opened in July 1995 on the historic Wilder Ranch property, North Bellingham Golf Course was designed by Northwest architect Ted Locke to “naturally integrate the open-field qualities” of the site. The result is a public track that feels more Scottish than Puget Sound: broad, rolling fairways bordered by flowering meadows, firm fescue turf, and “prevailing gale winds” that can make a calm summer day play like autumn on the coast. Panoramic views of Mt. Baker frame many holes, but the real test comes from the breeze sweeping across this 6,793-yard, par-72 layout.

Scorecard & Course Ratings

Tee	Yardage	Rating / Slope
Black	6,793 yds	72.4 / 125
Blue	6,207 yds	69.8 / 120
White	5,795 yds	67.9 / 112 (M) • 73.1 / 125 (L)
Red	5,160 yds	64.7 / 105 (M) • 69.5 / 113 (L)

The routing is a classic out-and-back: the front nine (3,314 yards) heads north and east, then the back nine (3,479 yards) returns south and west, so you’ll feel the wind change direction more than once during the round.

Hole-by-Hole Highlights (Black Tees)

#	Par	Yard	What to Know
1	4	351	Slight dogleg right, 150-yard post marks center of green.
4	4	394	Elevated green falls off long; favor an extra club into wind.
5	3	182	Often plays directly into the afternoon breeze—take enough iron.
6	5	492	Only reachable in two when down-wind; creek guards lay-up zone.
8	3	204	Signature par-3 facing Mt. Baker; swirling cross-winds test trajectory.
9	5	531	True three-shotter back to the clubhouse, bunkered left and right.
12	4	368	Begins “Baker Corner,” a stretch of holes with unobstructed mountain views.
15	4	418	Index 1: lengthy uphill approach into the prevailing north wind.
17	3	206	Shallow green; missing long leaves a tough up-and-down.
18	4	455	Finishes beside practice range and patio—water left, OB right.

Green Fees & Rentals (Summer 2025)

18 holes: $58 Mon–Thu • $72 Fri–Sun/Holidays
Twilight (after 2 p.m.): $45 / $56
9-hole rate: $38 / $48
Senior Special (60+ Mon–Thu): $52 for 18
Juniors (17-under): 40 % off regular fees
Power cart: $24 (solo) • $19 per rider (two)
Pull cart: $6 for 18, $4 for 9
Rental clubs: $40 / $25 (18 / 9)

The driving-range complex covers 13 acres; buckets run $6 (30 balls) or $12 (75 balls), with multi-bucket punch cards for frequent users.

Practice & Teaching

North Bellingham’s staff of PGA professionals offers private instruction, group clinics, and junior camps. A large putting green and separate short-game area sit beside the 1st tee, letting players simulate the firm, wind-swept conditions found on the course.

9 Restaurant

– Scratch-Made Fare & Local Taps

Don’t let the modest name fool you. 9 Restaurant roasts sandwich meats in-house, hand-presses burgers, and sources bread from Bellingham’s Avenue Bread. Executive Chef Nick Moss—on board since 2012—keeps a rotating tap list of regional microbrews and pairs seasonal soups with Northwest-inspired entrées. The dining room and patio overlook the 18th green, making it an ideal wind-down spot after a blustery round. The kitchen also handles full-service catering for tournaments, weddings, and the club’s popular wine dinners.

Events & Membership Options

Public play every day—online tee-time reservations open 14 days in advance.
Club events: monthly Stableford, match-play ladders, and an annual 36-hole Club Championship. (See the “2025 Club Events” calendar on-site.)
Membership tiers include unlimited golf, weekday-only, and range-only options, each bundled with pro-shop and restaurant discounts.

What Sets North Bellingham Golf Course Apart

Authentic links mentality – Minimal trees, firm fescue, and steady wind force bump-and-run creativity more common to seaside UK courses than Northwest parklands.
Consistent conditions – Sandy soils drain quickly; greens remain fast and true even during rainy stretches.
Full-service amenities – From a 13-acre range to a chef-driven restaurant, the facility delivers more than typical daily-fee golf.

Getting There & Contact

Address: 205 W. Smith Road, Bellingham, WA 98226
Phone: (360) 398-8300
Website: northbellinghamgolf.com
Nearest I-5 Exit: #260 (Slater Road), then five minutes east.

Final Word on North Bellingham Golf Course

Blending panoramic Mt. Baker views with wind-whipped, Scottish-style strategy, North Bellingham Golf Course challenges golfers to think beyond target golf and embrace the ground game. Fair pricing, terrific year-round conditioning, and the scratch-made fare at 9 Restaurant turn a blustery day on the links into one of Northwest Washington’s most satisfying public-golf experiences.

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.