Washington is a state that breathes golf: Chambers Bay, Gamble Sands or Tumble Creek are only some of the stunning courses you can stumble upon when visiting the Evergreen State. Its marine coastal climate, combined with its dense forests give this place a perfect scenery for outdoor golf. But, what about those who do not have time to go to an outdoor course, but want to play golf in their spare time?Well, if you are one of those, do not worry at all! Nowadays, there is a solution for you: indoor golf! These facilities make it easier to play this sport without the inconveniences of the weather or the pressures of a golf course. Here are some places you can try out in Washington, each of them with its own pros and cons. Take a look at them and decide which one fits best for you!
Best Golf Courses in (Province/State)
1. Clubhouse Golf Center (Lynnwood)
Lynnwood is a city located only 20 minutes from the capital of Washington, Seattle. There we can find the Clubhouse Golf Center, a facility offering a virtual golf experience through some ‘Full Swing’ simulators. More than 80 famous courses are available in its virtual version: Pebble Beach, Torrey Pines, Bandon Dunes, St. Andrews, Kiawah Island, Valderrama or Banff Springs are only some of them.Apart from the possibility of playing these great courses without the inconveniences of weather, location or fees, there is more to the mix: here you can also have some food and drinks while playing, something really appealing if you are going there with a group of friends or with your family, for example. But not everything is amusement and chill here, as there are also options for the most competitive ones: the leagues. Clubhouse organizes some great events, which you can play individually or in groups, and have an extra motivation to keep coming here and sharpen your game. And finally, the prices. If you decide to rent a simulator, the price is charged per hour, with a fee that ranges from $35 to $45 (normally, one hour is the time needed to complete an 18-hole round). In the case of the leagues, however, the price is charged per round, ranging from $25 to $30, and with a general fee of $50, only paid once. And remember: if you decide to try out this facility, make sure of making a reservation beforehand, as they do not allow walk-ins! Address: 3105 Alderwood Mall Blvd, Lynnwood, WA 98036Contact: (425) 582 9813
2. Ultimate Indoor Golf (Bellevue)
Are you eager to hit some balls, but do not want to spend 3 or 4 hours on a course! If you are around Seattle, this is your place. Located inside the LA Fitness, in the peripheral city of Bellevue, this facility offers a virtual experience featuring the Trackman simulator, used by pros such as Rory McIlroy, Jason Day or Dustin Johnson. Although being inside the fitness facility, you don’t need to be a member to come inside and try the simulator. However, if you actually are a member, you will have some interesting discounts!With around 70 courses to choose from, all of them replicas of the best courses in the world, Ultimate Indoor Golf is a perfect way of trying out this system without having to pay high prices. In fact, they offer a 50% discount for your first round, which will be free if you are not completely satisfied! As for the lessons, it is possible to get a PGA instructor by appointment or bring your own coach to the facility. Address: 550 106th Avenue NE 215, Bellevue, WA 98004Contact: (425) 242 5212
3. Tacoma Firs Golf Center (Tacoma)
Located only half an hour by car from Seattle, in the city of Tacoma, lies the Tacoma Firs Golf Center, a complete facility which offers an 80-stall driving range, a 3D indoor golf studio, and a mini-golf course. The 3D indoor golf studio is a brand-new state of the art simulator with 38 courses to choose from, including the most classic ones: Pebble Beach, Torrey Pines or St. Andrews. And not only you can enjoy the beauty of them, but customize all the aspects of your round: weather, green conditions or the force of the wind. All of it for a great price of $20 per hour or round. Apart from the indoor virtual option, you have also another option for the rainy days: the driving range counts with 40 covered and heated stalls! Address: 4504 S. Tyler Street Tacoma, WA 98409Contact: (253) 472 6899
4. Gregg Rogers’ Golf Performance (Bellevue)
Founded back in 2007, the Gregg Rogers’ Golf Performance Center uses technology for everything related to this sport: instruction, club fitting, repair, practice… Possibilities are endless here: their aboutGolf simulators, combined with the Trackman and Quintic Ball Roll technologies, allow you to practice in the best way possible and take some lessons from teachers such as the owner and PGA Member Gregg Rogers, Jamie White, Jason Deerwester, Steve Stombaugh, Mark Roberts or Alice Ho. On their website are available the prices of each of them, and the different packages available. Another great plus here are the fitness lessons, instructed by Jamie White, and aimed at those wanting some workout programs for the body and mind, in order to take a step further in their game. Finally, they also count on a fully stocked pro shop where you can buy golf apparel, shoes and clubs. All the catalog is available on their website.Address: 2021 130th Ave NE Suite D Bellevue, WA 98005Contact: (425) 556-9022
5. Pacific Northwest Golf Centers (Redmond)
As a PGA Recognized Golf Performance Center, the Pacific Northwest is the newest facility in Washington. Opened this year 2018 in the city of Redmond, this facility counts with the advantage of having a young and passionate staff who, combined with the state-of-the-art simulators – equipped with the Trackman 4 system and a Boditrak pressure mat -, offer the possibility of taking your game to the next level.The crew is formed by Jeffrey Clay as PGA instructor and Master Club Fitter, Tanner Clarke as Director of Instruction and Master Club Fitter and Builder, Mike Force as Apprentice (Instructor and club fitter), Matt Harelson as Athletic Trainer and Kurt Valley as Instructor, fitter, and Tour professional. As for the rates here, one hour of free practice in the simulator costs $20 (with a 10 hours package offer for $150), reasonable comparing it to other facilities. Lessons, however, are not that cheap: with a $60 fee for the introductory lesson, then an individual class costs up to $100. But do not panic! If you are planning on going on an ongoing basis, there are interesting packages with great discounts. Address: 8653 154th Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052Contact: 425-968-2477 / jclay@pnwgolfcenters.com
6. GOLFTEC (Bellevue, Lynnwood, South Center, Spokane & South Lake Union)
Probably you already know GOLFTEC, a huge indoor and virtual golf company that counts with multiple locations across the states (more than 140). Only in Washington, they are present in five locations, four of them in the outskirts of Seattle, and one in the eastern city of Spokane. As all of them offer practically the same services, we have put them together as one facility.GOLFTEC is known by using their own technology which analyses the player’s swing in the most detailed way: motion measurement and video analysis, with their patented TECSWING training technology. They have well-planned lessons, with certified coaches and the possibility of club fitting.
Wrap up
If you are looking for a more serious and corporative approach, GOLFTC will probably satisfy your needs. However, be also prepared to pay a bit more than in other local places!
