If you're searching for golf courses in Vancouver, Washington, you've probably noticed the landscape has changed dramatically in recent years. The good news? While we've lost a few courses to development and economics, the ones that remain have stepped up their game considerably, offering everything from championship layouts that tested Tiger Woods to budget-friendly par-3s perfect for working on your short game.
The current state of Vancouver golf
Vancouver's golf scene has undergone significant consolidation since 2014, dropping from over 12 courses to just seven active facilities today. The recent closure of Vanco Golf Range after 50 years marked the end of an era, joining The Cedars on Salmon Creek, Hartwood Golf Course, and Lakeview Par 3 in permanent closure.
This might sound like bad news, but there's a silver lining. The remaining courses have invested heavily in improvements, technology, and amenities to attract players. Think GPS-equipped carts, heated driving ranges, and drainage systems that actually work during our notorious Pacific Northwest winters.
Perhaps the most intriguing development is the pending sale of Tri-Mountain Golf Course to the Cowlitz Indian Tribe for $3.6 million. This could bring significant investment and potentially new amenities to what many already consider the area's best public golf value.
Royal Oaks Country Club leads the private club scene
A championship test with serious pedigree
Royal Oaks Country Club stands as Vancouver's undisputed golf crown jewel, earning the #7 ranking among all Washington State courses from Golf Digest. Founded in 1945 by 50 local businessmen who each ponied up $1,000, the club has evolved into a 7,034-yard championship test that demands precision and strategy.
The course boasts a formidable 74.4 rating and 138 slope, numbers that should make mid-handicappers think twice about playing from the tips. Tree-lined fairways punish wayward drives, while the notoriously fast greens have humbled many talented players over the years. Speaking of talented players, Tiger Woods won the 1994 PNGA Amateur here, adding to the course's considerable tournament pedigree.
Membership comes at a premium price
Getting into Royal Oaks requires both patience and deep pockets. Proprietary memberships run $45,000 in initiation fees plus $1,250 monthly dues. For younger players aged 21-34, intermediate memberships offer a more accessible entry point at $20,000 initiation and $500 monthly.
The club currently maintains a waiting list, which tells you something about its desirability. Beyond the golf course, members enjoy:
- Outdoor pool complex with lazy river
- State-of-the-art fitness center
- Fine dining restaurant
- Extensive banquet facilities
- Annual Royal Oaks Invitational Tournament
Club Green Meadows offers multi-sport value
While Royal Oaks focuses purely on golf excellence, Club Green Meadows takes a different approach as the Northwest's largest multi-sport recreational facility. The 6,500-yard course features narrow, tree-lined fairways with challenging doglegs and small, elevated greens that reward accurate approach shots.
More than just golf
What sets Club Green Meadows apart is its comprehensive amenity package. For $5,000 initiation and $375 monthly dues, members gain access to:
- Seven indoor tennis courts
- Three basketball courts
- Eight-lane bowling alley
- Indoor and outdoor pools
- Complete fitness center
The club recently announced a 10% membership fee increase effective January 2025, reflecting rising operational costs and ongoing facility improvements. Even with the increase, the multi-sport model spreads costs across diverse amenities, making it more accessible than traditional golf-only private clubs.
Public courses deliver championship golf without membership fees
Tri-Mountain Golf Course provides exceptional value
Tri-Mountain Golf Course in nearby Ridgefield emerges as the area's best public golf value. Designed by Bill Robinson and opened in 1994, this 6,589-yard layout offers spectacular views of Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, and Mount Hood while incorporating 11 lakes and 64 sand bunkers into its design.
The course plays to a 71.8 rating with a 125 slope, providing appropriate challenge without overwhelming average players. Daily fees run $40-50 with a Ridgeline Card, but the real value comes from season passes:
- Mt. Adams Pass: $1,750 (Monday-Friday)
- St. Helens Pass: $2,400 (seven days)
- Twilight rates after 2 PM
- Online booking saves time
Currently managed by Troon Golf, the facility includes unique features like an aqua-range where golfers hit balls into water and a miniature golf course with real turf. The pending sale to the Cowlitz Indian Tribe could bring additional investment and improvements.
Camas Meadows leads in technology
For golfers who appreciate modern amenities, Camas Meadows Golf Club delivers the area's most technologically advanced public golf experience. Designed by Andy Raugust, who previously worked with Jack Nicklaus Golf Services, the 6,611-yard course winds through towering evergreens and natural wetlands near Lacamas Lake.
Green fees average $75, reflecting the course's premium positioning. Every cart comes equipped with ProLink GPS systems featuring touchscreen interfaces that provide:
- Exact yardages to hazards
- Pin positions
- Food ordering capability
- Pace of play tracking
The facility boasts Southwest Washington's only publicly accessible lighted and heated driving range, open from 7 AM to 9 PM year-round. Water hazards come into play on nearly every hole, while over 50 crushed white sand bunkers add visual appeal and strategic challenge. The on-site Hickory Restaurant + Bar and wedding venue capabilities extend the facility's appeal beyond golf.
Executive and par-3 courses serve every skill level
Fairway Village excels at drainage
Known as the "Hidden Gem" of Southwest Washington, Fairway Village Golf Course offers a well-designed nine-hole executive layout perfect for quick rounds or skill development. Gene "Bunny" Mason's 2,500-yard, par-34 design features five par-4s, three par-3s, and one par-5.
What truly sets Fairway Village apart is its construction on a sand base, providing exceptional drainage that allows year-round play when other courses turn into swamps. The course rating of 67.1 and slope of 106 indicates appropriate challenge while remaining accessible for all skill levels.
Located within a 55+ residential community but open to public play, the course particularly shines during wet winter months. Practice facilities include putting and chipping greens with a sand trap and driving cages for pre-round warm-up.
Pine Crest keeps it simple and affordable
Sometimes you just want to work on your short game without breaking the bank. Pine Crest Golf Course, family-owned since 1967, provides Vancouver's most affordable golf option at approximately $16 per round.
This walking-only, nine-hole par-3 facility features 1,199 yards of golf with holes ranging from 77 to 170 yards. Don't let the modest length fool you; undulating greens create surprisingly challenging putting surfaces that can humble overconfident players.
The course enforces specific age restrictions:
- Children under 8 not permitted
- Ages 8-9 require safety briefing
- Walking only policy
- Overlooks scenic Salmon Creek
Lewis River offers traditional Pacific Northwest golf
Just north in Woodland, Lewis River Golf Course provides a picturesque 18-hole layout along its namesake river. Originally designed by Ralph Stading and opened as nine holes in 1967 before expanding in 1969, the course faced devastation when 1996 floods destroyed six holes. The rebuilt layout now stretches 6,473 yards with multiple tee options accommodating all skill levels.
A test for every golfer
Course ratings range from 66.1 to 71.8 with slopes from 119 to 132, depending on which tees you choose. The signature hole is the monstrous 649-yard par-5 twelfth, one of Washington's longest holes that requires three solid shots to reach in regulation.
Water comes into play on 10 holes while sand bunkers guard 15 greens, creating strategic interest throughout the round. The North Fork Grill provides dining with patio seating overlooking the river, open Tuesday through Sunday for post-round refreshments.
Indoor golf fills the weather gap
Vancouver's notorious winter rains don't have to end your golf season thanks to modern indoor facilities. Courses Golf & Grill and X-Golf Vancouver offer state-of-the-art simulator experiences featuring:
- Golfzon technology systems
- 250+ world-famous virtual courses
- Private room rentals
- Full bar and restaurant service
- Group instruction programs
These facilities provide year-round practice opportunities and social golf experiences that complement traditional outdoor play.
When to play for best conditions and value
Summer brings crowds but guarantees sunshine
Peak season runs from June through August, with July and August averaging only one day of rain each month. This guaranteed good weather comes with trade-offs including premium pricing and crowded conditions. Book at least seven days ahead for weekend rounds during these months.
Shoulder seasons offer the sweet spot
September through November delivers perhaps the best golf experience in Vancouver. You'll find:
- Excellent course conditions
- Vibrant fall colors
- 30-40% lower prices
- Significantly less crowded
- Cooler playing temperatures
Spring (April-May) provides similar benefits, though course conditions may vary depending on winter damage and spring maintenance schedules.
Winter golf rewards the hardy
December through February brings the lowest prices of the year, with courses eager to attract players during the wet season. Fairway Village's superior drainage makes it the go-to winter option, though all courses remain open weather permitting. Pack rain gear and waterproof shoes, and you might have the course virtually to yourself.
Making the right choice for your game
Budget-conscious options
For golfers watching their wallets, these courses deliver the best value:
- Pine Crest ($16 rounds)
- Fairway Village (year-round playability)
- Tri-Mountain (season pass deals)
- Lewis River (weekday specials)
Challenge seekers
Low handicappers looking for a test should prioritize:
- Royal Oaks (138 slope)
- Camas Meadows (water everywhere)
- Tri-Mountain (tournament quality)
- Club Green Meadows (tight fairways)
Beginners and improvers
New golfers benefit most from:
- Pine Crest (par-3 focus)
- Fairway Village (forgiving layout)
- Lewis River (multiple tees)
- Indoor simulators (weather-independent)
The future of Vancouver golf
The pending Tri-Mountain sale to the Cowlitz Indian Tribe represents just one change in an evolving market. Technology integration continues accelerating, with GPS systems and mobile apps becoming standard rather than premium features. Indoor golf facilities keep expanding, attracting younger players comfortable with virtual experiences.
Despite recent consolidation, Vancouver's golf scene offers genuine variety for every type of player. Whether you're chasing a single-digit handicap at Royal Oaks or just trying to break 50 at Pine Crest, there's a course that fits your game and budget. The key is matching your expectations with the right facility, then taking advantage of season passes or membership options if you plan to play regularly.
Book your tee time early, especially for weekend rounds at popular courses. Join email lists for special promotions, and don't overlook the shoulder seasons when courses offer their best combination of conditions, prices, and availability. Most importantly, remember that even on a rainy Pacific Northwest day, you're still playing golf in one of America's most beautiful regions, with mountain views and evergreen forests providing a spectacular backdrop for every round.
