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Fairway Village Golf Course: hidden gem of Southwest Washington with reputation as one of the area’s best wet weather courses
Fairway Village Golf Course in Vancouver has earned the reputation as one of the best wet weather courses in the area, serving as a beautiful and well-maintained 9-hole public facility frequently referred to as a “hidden gem” of Southwest Washington. Located just 5 minutes off Highway 14 and 164th Avenue, this executive course is easily accessible from anywhere in the metro area while remaining nestled within the active 55+ Fairway Village community of 696 homes and 128 condos. Designed by Gene “Bunny” Mason, the course stays open and playable year-round thanks to exceptional drainage that keeps it in excellent condition even during the Pacific Northwest’s wettest months, making it a reliable choice for golfers seeking consistent playing conditions.
Fairway Village Golf Course Fast Facts
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location (City, State) | Vancouver, Washington |
| Address | 15509 SE Fernwood Dr, Vancouver, WA 98683 |
| Holes and par | 9 holes, Par 34 (Men) / Par 35 (Ladies) |
| Total yardage (back tees) | 2,490 yards (White/Blue tees) |
| Tee sets (names and count) | White/Blue, Red/White, Red (three tee combinations) |
| Course rating and slope (primary tees) | White/Blue Men 64.1/110 |
| Terrain | Executive course with mature pine trees lining fairways |
| Course architect | Gene “Bunny” Mason |
| Community setting | Active 55+ community with 696 homes and 128 condos |
| Seasonality | Open year-round, weather permitting |
| Special features | Exceptional drainage for wet weather play |
| Accessibility | 5 minutes off Highway 14 and 164th Avenue |
Course Overview
Fairway Village Golf Course showcases Gene “Bunny” Mason’s design philosophy of creating an executive layout that emphasizes accuracy over distance while maintaining strategic interest throughout the round. The course flows through the mature landscape of the 55+ community, with tall pine trees lining almost every fairway and creating natural corridors that demand precise shot-making. Water features appear strategically on multiple holes, including two ponds on the challenging par 5 third hole, adding both visual appeal and strategic complexity to the compact layout.
The course’s exceptional maintenance and drainage system sets it apart from other facilities in Southwest Washington, particularly during the region’s wet months when many courses struggle with playability. This year-round reliability, combined with the mature tree-lined setting and well-designed holes, creates a golf experience that feels much larger than its executive length suggests. The layout rewards course management and accuracy while remaining walkable and accessible for players of all skill levels.
Hole-by-Hole Highlights
| Hole | Yards (White/Blue) | Par | Hcp | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 316 | 4 | 11 | Opening par 4 through mature pine corridor |
| 2 | 196 | 3 | 5 | Long par 3 demanding accurate iron play |
| 3 | 446 | 5 | 1 | Number 1 handicap par 5 with two ponds |
| 4 | 343 | 4 | 7 | Strategic par 4 with tree-lined fairway |
| 5 | 147 | 3 | 9 | Short par 3 requiring precision |
| 6 | 144 | 3 | 13 | Par 3 with green surrounded by trees |
| 7 | 357 | 4 | 3 | Challenging par 4 dogleg left around trees |
| 8 | 277 | 4 | 15 | Shorter par 4 through residential setting |
| 9 | 264 | 4 | 17 | Finishing par 4 back to clubhouse |
Can be played as 18 holes by using different tee combinations for varied distances and pars
Amenities & Practice
Fairway Village Golf Course provides essential amenities within the active community setting, with the Community Clubhouse featuring a swimming pool, equipped workout and exercise room, library, game and card rooms, billiards, and dance hall. The course offers rental equipment and maintains snack services for players, while the community atmosphere provides additional recreational opportunities beyond golf.
The layout’s walkable design and year-round playability make it particularly appealing to active seniors and players who prefer a more relaxed golf experience. The course’s position within the residential community creates a unique atmosphere where golf integrates seamlessly with community life.
Food & Beverage
Snack services are available at the course, though specific dining options should be confirmed during your visit. The Community Clubhouse provides additional amenities and gathering spaces that complement the golf experience.
Rates / Booking / Local Tips
Fairway Village Golf Course operates year-round, weather permitting, with its exceptional drainage system making it one of the most reliable wet weather courses in Southwest Washington. The convenient location just 5 minutes off Highway 14 and 164th Avenue provides easy access from anywhere in the Portland-Vancouver metro area, making it an ideal choice for quick rounds or regular play.
The course’s reputation as a “hidden gem” stems from its combination of excellent maintenance, strategic design, and consistent playing conditions that exceed expectations for an executive layout. The 55+ community setting creates a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere while the mature landscaping and thoughtful routing provide a surprisingly complete golf experience.
How to Score Here
- Focus on accuracy over distance since Fairway Village Golf Course rewards precise shot-making through tree-lined corridors
- Take advantage of the excellent drainage and year-round playability that make this one of the area’s most reliable courses
- Respect the water hazards, particularly the two ponds on the challenging third hole that define the course’s signature risk-reward moment
- Appreciate the mature pine trees that create natural targets and hazards, requiring strategic club selection on approach shots
- Consider playing 18 holes using different tee combinations to experience varied distances and challenge levels
Final Word
Fairway Village Golf Course proves that executive layouts can deliver strategic golf and excellent conditions, earning its reputation as Southwest Washington’s reliable hidden gem.
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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Explore Washington State has been covering the real Washington for more than a decade. State parks, small towns, back roads, rest stops, and the people who make this place worth exploring. What started as a hyperlocal project covering individual communities grew into a full media project with more than 340 podcast episodes, a weekly newsletter with 3,800 subscribers, and coverage of all 146 Washington State Parks. The content here comes from people who have actually been to these places: locals, regulars, and lifelong Washington residents who care more about getting it right than getting clicks.
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- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Explore Washington State has been covering the real Washington for more than a decade. State parks, small towns, back roads, rest stops, and the people who make this place worth exploring. What started as a hyperlocal project covering individual communities grew into a full media project with more than 340 podcast episodes, a weekly newsletter with 3,800 subscribers, and coverage of all 146 Washington State Parks. The content here comes from people who have actually been to these places: locals, regulars, and lifelong Washington residents who care more about getting it right than getting clicks.