Top 5 Golf Courses in the Olympia Area

With the weather finally beginning to cooperate, it’s a great time to hit the links and get a round or two in. Lucky for you, there are numerous golf courses in the Olympia area that are perfect for players of any skill level.

Agent Kyle Kanda, our resident golfing connoisseur, grew up around golf courses his entire life and has been playing local courses since he was a kid.

“My roots run deep with my Grandfather Dick Kanda at the Olympia Country and Golf Club,” Kyle says. “Ever since I could walk, I had a club in my hand. My golf career began here, and I was blessed with the opportunity to continue to play at a collegiate level.”

So, what local courses does Kyle recommend?

Olympia Country and Golf Club3636 Country Club Rd NW, Olympia, WA 98502Private

By far the premier golf course in the Thurston County area, Olympia Country and Golf Club is a Northwest golfer’s dream. Nestled neatly on the waterfront, the views from the clubhouse and course are breathtaking. Everything from the tee boxes to the fairways and greens is kept in immaculate condition, making even the toughest round of golf enjoyable.

Then there is everything around the course.

"You get that real Northwest vibe in this course,” Kyle says. “The trees, the mountains, and the Sound are all right there at your fingertips.”

Even the amenities are amazing. The course has a private dock for members, a pool for the family to take a dip in while you hit the greens, a gym, and a pickleball court.

“It’s just a great community of members,” Kyle says.

And just in case you’re wondering…Kyle currently holds the course record.

91 WA-108, Shelton, WA 98584Public

The 30-minute drive to Salish Cliffs from Olympia is completely worth your time. Owned and operated by the Squaxin Tribe and Little Creek Casino, this course stands out because of what isn’t there.

“There are literally no homes on the course,” Kyle says. “It doesn’t feel at all like a place half an hour from the city.”

The course is pristine, and the playability is amazing, which may be why it was ranked the #1 course in Washington State according to GolfAdvisor.com in 2020 and has routinely made the top 100 list in Golf Week Magazine.

And once you’re done, you can hit the blackjack tables at the casino.

Indian Summer Golf & Country Club5900 Troon Ln SE, Olympia, WA 98501Semi-Public

Once a fully private course, Indian Summer now allows for some limited public use. Located off of Yelm Highway, the course meanders peacefully throughout the high-end neighborhood of the same name.

“It’s a really good layout for a course like that,” Kyle says. “It has good playability and conditions.”

The clubhouse has a high-end bar and grill that is perfect for hosting large events. There are always plenty of scrambles, cup play, and other activities going on at Indian Summer.

Just monitor your slice because the course is lined with beautiful homes.

Capitol City Golf Club225 Yelm Hwy SE, Olympia, WA 98513Public

Located just down the road from Indian Summer, Capitol City is a small but mighty public course, filled with challenging dog legs and good playability.

“It’s a decent layout with good greens,” Kyle says. “It is not a bad course at all, especially for beginning golfers.”

The course is filled with an eclectic mix of short and long holes.

Eagles Pride Golf Course1529 Mounts Rd SW, DuPont, WA 98327Public

Owned and operated in part by the United States Military at JBLM, this course is as public as it gets, yet feels and plays like any number of private courses in the area.

“It is a really good layout and has a few great, challenging holes,” Kyle says.

Given their relationship with JBLM, Eagles Pride is priced quite reasonably for the condition and playability of the course. It has a great layout and unique nooks and crannies throughout. Though it’s located just off the freeway; the noise isn’t a factor and there are no homes within miles.

Eagles Pride uses its original 18-hole (winter course) configuration starting in early November, switching to the 27-hole (summer course) layout in late March. The exact dates are determined by the golf course manager and superintendent.