Skip to content

North Bellingham Golf Course – A True-Links Challenge in Washington’s Far Northwest

Opened in July 1995 on the historic Wilder Ranch property, North Bellingham Golf Course was designed by Northwest architect Ted Locke to “naturally integrate the open-field qualities” of the site. The result is a public track that feels more Scottish than Puget Sound: broad, rolling fairways bordered by flowering meadows, firm fescue turf, and “prevailing gale winds” that can make a calm summer day play like autumn on the coast. Panoramic views of Mt. Baker frame many holes, but the real test comes from the breeze sweeping across this 6,793-yard, par-72 layout. 

Scorecard & Course Ratings

Tee

Yardage

Rating / Slope

Black

6,793 yds

72.4 / 125 

Blue

6,207 yds

69.8 / 120 

White

5,795 yds

67.9 / 112 (M) • 73.1 / 125 (L) 

Red

5,160 yds

64.7 / 105 (M) • 69.5 / 113 (L) 

The routing is a classic out-and-back: the front nine (3,314 yards) heads north and east, then the back nine (3,479 yards) returns south and west, so you’ll feel the wind change direction more than once during the round.

Hole-by-Hole Highlights (Black Tees)

#

Par

Yard

What to Know

1

4

351

Slight dogleg right, 150-yard post marks center of green.

4

4

394

Elevated green falls off long; favor an extra club into wind.

5

3

182

Often plays directly into the afternoon breeze—take enough iron.

6

5

492

Only reachable in two when down-wind; creek guards lay-up zone.

8

3

204

Signature par-3 facing Mt. Baker; swirling cross-winds test trajectory.

9

5

531

True three-shotter back to the clubhouse, bunkered left and right.

12

4

368

Begins “Baker Corner,” a stretch of holes with unobstructed mountain views.

15

4

418

Index 1: lengthy uphill approach into the prevailing north wind.

17

3

206

Shallow green; missing long leaves a tough up-and-down.

18

4

455

Finishes beside practice range and patio—water left, OB right.

Green Fees & Rentals (Summer 2025)

  • 18 holes: $58 Mon–Thu • $72 Fri–Sun/Holidays

  • Twilight (after 2 p.m.): $45 / $56

  • 9-hole rate: $38 / $48

  • Senior Special (60+ Mon–Thu): $52 for 18

  • Juniors (17-under): 40 % off regular fees

  • Power cart: $24 (solo) • $19 per rider (two)

  • Pull cart: $6 for 18, $4 for 9

  • Rental clubs: $40 / $25 (18 / 9) 

The driving-range complex covers 13 acres; buckets run $6 (30 balls) or $12 (75 balls), with multi-bucket punch cards for frequent users. 

Practice & Teaching

North Bellingham’s staff of PGA professionals offers private instruction, group clinics, and junior camps. A large putting green and separate short-game area sit beside the 1st tee, letting players simulate the firm, wind-swept conditions found on the course.

9 Restaurant

– Scratch-Made Fare & Local Taps

Don’t let the modest name fool you. 9 Restaurant roasts sandwich meats in-house, hand-presses burgers, and sources bread from Bellingham’s Avenue Bread. Executive Chef Nick Moss—on board since 2012—keeps a rotating tap list of regional microbrews and pairs seasonal soups with Northwest-inspired entrées. The dining room and patio overlook the 18th green, making it an ideal wind-down spot after a blustery round. The kitchen also handles full-service catering for tournaments, weddings, and the club’s popular wine dinners. 

Events & Membership Options

  • Public play every day—online tee-time reservations open 14 days in advance.

  • Club events: monthly Stableford, match-play ladders, and an annual 36-hole Club Championship. (See the “2025 Club Events” calendar on-site.)

  • Membership tiers include unlimited golf, weekday-only, and range-only options, each bundled with pro-shop and restaurant discounts.

What Sets North Bellingham Golf Course Apart

  1. Authentic links mentality – Minimal trees, firm fescue, and steady wind force bump-and-run creativity more common to seaside UK courses than Northwest parklands.

  2. Consistent conditions – Sandy soils drain quickly; greens remain fast and true even during rainy stretches.

  3. Full-service amenities – From a 13-acre range to a chef-driven restaurant, the facility delivers more than typical daily-fee golf.

Getting There & Contact

  • Address: 205 W. Smith Road, Bellingham, WA 98226

  • Phone: (360) 398-8300

  • Website: northbellinghamgolf.com

  • Nearest I-5 Exit: #260 (Slater Road), then five minutes east.

Final Word on North Bellingham Golf Course

Blending panoramic Mt. Baker views with wind-whipped, Scottish-style strategy, North Bellingham Golf Course challenges golfers to think beyond target golf and embrace the ground game. Fair pricing, terrific year-round conditioning, and the scratch-made fare at 9 Restaurant turn a blustery day on the links into one of Northwest Washington’s most satisfying public-golf experiences.

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.