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Kitsap Golf and Country Club: Francis James design nestled among cedars and hemlocks with century of tradition and 10-minute tee times

Kitsap Golf and Country Club in Bremerton delivers “an uncommonly fine golf course” in a pure Pacific Northwest gem nestled among the cedars and hemlocks of the Chico Creek watershed since 1924. Designed by renowned British architect Francis “Frank” James, this private club provides a sense of tranquility while challenging players of all skill levels through tree-lined fairways, lightning-fast greens, and a forested setting that tests precision over power. The founding members’ vision of cultivating a membership that would thrive with a sense of history, tradition, fellowship, and pride has created a welcoming culture where generations of golfers have learned, played, and passed down their love for the game while enjoying the natural beauty of the Kitsap Peninsula.

Kitsap Golf and Country Club Fast Facts

Feature Detail
Location (City, State) Bremerton, Washington
Address 3885 NW Golf Club Hill Road, Bremerton, WA 98312
Holes and par 18 holes, Par 71 (Men), Par 73 (Ladies)
Total yardage (back tees) 6,331 yards
Course rating and slope 71.4/132
Course architect Francis “Frank” James
Established 1924
Club type Private country club
Setting Cedars and hemlocks in Chico Creek watershed
Tee time spacing 10 minutes apart for optimal pace of play
Greens Lightning-fast, among the fastest in the region
Contact 360.377.0166, memberservices@kitsapgolfcc.com

Course Overview

Kitsap Golf and Country Club showcases Francis “Frank” James’s masterful British design philosophy adapted to the Pacific Northwest landscape, where the renowned architect created a layout that flows naturally through the cedars and hemlocks of the Chico Creek watershed. The course rewards precision over power through tight, tree-lined fairways and strategically placed water hazards and bunkers that add challenge without overwhelming newer players. James’s routing takes advantage of the natural forest setting to create a thinking player’s course that tests every club in the bag despite measuring just under 6,400 yards from the tips.

The layout emphasizes strategic positioning and course management, with consistently well-maintained conditions featuring firm fairways, true-rolling greens, and seasonal color changes that transform the look and feel throughout the year. The club’s commitment to optimal pace of play through 10-minute tee time spacing ensures four-hour rounds are the norm, while state-of-the-art irrigation systems enable the experienced greens crew to maintain exceptional conditions year-round with views of Mount Baker and Mount Rainier complementing the total golfing experience.

Hole-by-Hole Highlights

Hole Par Yards Hdcp Notes
1 3 186 11 Calm start framed by evergreen trees, accuracy over distance
2 4 427 9 Classic opener with straight fairway, crisp approach sets pace
3 4 384 5 Mid-length par 4 through forest, favors strategic placement
4 4 420 11 Front nine’s toughest test, tight and bunker-guarded
5 5 528 3 First par 5, tactical drives create scoring opportunities
6 3 164 17 Tree-lined short hole where precision matters most
7 4 421 1 Solid challenge requiring both length and line control
8 4 310 15 Shorter scoring hole where aggressive tee shots pay dividends
9 4 350 7 Fair and balanced strong finisher to front nine
10 4 440 8 Long back nine opener demanding accuracy off tee
11 5 546 6 Second par 5 with strategic fairways and risk-reward options
12 4 301 12 Shorter par 4 where precision brings birdie opportunities
13 4 269 18 Reachable with solid drive, tempts risk-takers
14 4 384 10 Mid-length with evergreen corridors and landing challenges
15 4 229 2 Classic design requiring both length and strategic thought
16 4 415 16 Well-positioned hole with slightly elevated green
17 3 163 14 Signature short hole with tight green complex
18 4 314 4 Balanced closer where fairway positioning sets up final birdie opportunity

Amenities and Practice

Kitsap Golf and Country Club provides comprehensive practice facilities including a full driving range, putting and chipping areas, and professional instruction under Head Professional Mark Sivara. The club hosts regular men’s, women’s, and junior events that create a strong sense of community and friendly competition, while active clubs and entry-level programs ensure welcoming opportunities for golfers of all skill levels throughout the summer months.

The spacious clubhouse features extensive amenities including a ballroom for large events, cozy formal dining room, breakfast and lunch cafe, full lounge, locker room facilities, cardio workout room, and cigar bar. The club’s commitment to inclusivity and welcoming environment extends through numerous social and holiday events throughout the year that strengthen the fellowship and pride that have defined Kitsap for a century.

Food and Beverage

The clubhouse features a full-service kitchen serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner ranging from casual to formal under the direction of an Executive Chef who provides a wide selection of dishes to accommodate any occasion. The wine selection showcases some of the finest found in the Pacific Northwest, while multiple dining venues including the formal dining room, casual cafe, and outdoor patio overlooking the scenic front nine create perfect settings for post-round gatherings and special celebrations.

Rates and Booking and Local Tips

As a private club established in 1924, Kitsap Golf and Country Club operates on a membership basis serving the greater Bremerton and Kitsap Peninsula communities. The club offers a variety of membership plans ranging from social to full stock options, allowing families to choose the level of involvement that best suits their lifestyle and interests. The club’s location at 3885 NW Golf Club Hill Road provides convenient access while maintaining the tranquil, forested atmosphere that has defined this Pacific Northwest gem for a century.

The 10-minute tee time spacing ensures optimal pace of play with four-hour rounds as the norm, making Kitsap an ideal choice for golfers who value both quality conditions and efficient play. Contact the club at 360.377.0166 or memberservices@kitsapgolfcc.com for membership information and to experience this pure Pacific Northwest golf tradition.

How to Score Here

  • Focus on precision over power at Kitsap Golf and Country Club since Francis James designed the layout to reward strategic positioning through tight, tree-lined fairways
  • Study the lightning-fast greens that are among the fastest in the region, requiring careful attention to speed and line on all putts
  • Take advantage of the 10-minute tee time spacing that ensures optimal pace of play and allows time to properly read each shot
  • Respect the natural forest setting where cedars and hemlocks create challenging corridors that punish wayward shots
  • Embrace the thinking player’s approach that tests every club in the bag despite the course measuring under 6,400 yards

Final Word

Kitsap Golf and Country Club represents a century of Pacific Northwest golf excellence, where Francis James’s masterful design, natural forest beauty, and welcoming community tradition create an uncommonly fine golf experience in the heart of the Kitsap Peninsula.

This course is part of the Explore Washington State Golf Directory. collection of Washington State private golf courses and member-only clubs. Alongside public courses, disc golf spots, and driving ranges, we’re highlighting the places where golfers across the state play, practice, and build community—all year long.