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The Decatur Nine is community golf on Decatur Island

The Decatur Nine is a rustic nine-hole course built by islander Rod Loveless and cared for by volunteers. It sits on Decatur Island in the San Juan Islands and plays through trees with simple greens and big views. The course welcomes island residents and guests, asks for a small donation, and keeps the game fun and low key.

The Decatur Nine Fast Facts

Location

Decatur Island, San Juan Islands

Origin

Built by Rod Loveless and expanded with help from neighbors

Holes and par

9 holes, short layout a little over 1,000 yards total

Access

Island residents and their guests welcome

Suggested donation

$5 per adult. Kids under 12 play free

Annual options

$150 frequent player. $250 family plan

Clubs and balls

Loaner clubs in the clubhouse. Balls available to borrow

Signature event

Loveless Wide Open tournament and potluck on Independence Day weekend

Management

Community maintained by volunteers “Islandteers”

 

Course Overview for the Decatur Nine Golf Course

This course grew from one person’s idea and a lot of neighbor help. Rod Loveless began carving fairways in 2001 using saws and a backhoe, then brought water to the greens. Early players were asked to move ten rocks on every hole to help clean the fairways. That note still appears on the scorecard, though years of mowing and cleanup have the turf playing like real fairways now. The full nine totals a little over 1,000 yards. It is short, but tree lines and leaning branches make shot shape and height matter. The feel is friendly, walkable, and proudly low tech. 

Hole-by-Hole Highlights

What you can count on is simple teeing areas, tree-framed lines, and small greens. Misses under tree limbs bring punch shots into play. Bring a wedge you trust and aim for the middle of each green. Expect deer to roam through from time to time. 

Amenities & Practice

There is no range. The clubhouse stocks a mix of loaner clubs in right and left hand. Balls are also available. Please return what you borrow. If you lose a few, add a dollar or two to your donation. 

Food & Beverage

There is no on-site restaurant. The course hosts a community potluck after the Loveless Wide Open each year. Awards are presented near the Tiki Hut by the course. Bring your own snacks and water. Make sure you pack out what you bring in.

Rates / Booking / Local Tips

There is no required green fee. The suggested donation is $5 per adult. Kids under 12 play free. Frequent players can donate $150 for the year. Families can donate $250 for the year. Guests who are not island residents may play and may also enter the annual tournament. Donate via Venmo or PayPal to @TheDecaturNine, or by Zelle at TheDecaturNine@gmail.com. 

Local tips. Pack light and walk. Keep tee shots below the limbs. Favor the center of greens. If you find lost balls while searching for yours, return a few to the clubhouse bin. 

Final Word about The Decatur Nine

The Decatur Nine is golf at its simplest. A short walk, honest targets, and a community that welcomes you to pitch in. If your travels bring you to Decatur Island, this is a round worth making time for.

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.