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Tumble Creek Club: Tom Doak’s minimalist masterpiece in an exclusive Cascade Mountain sanctuary

Tumble Creek Club in Cle Elum stands as Washington’s premier private mountain golf destination, where world-renowned architect Tom Doak has crafted an 18-hole masterpiece exclusively for property owners of this gated community. Located 80 miles from Seattle on the sunny side of the Cascade Mountains, this course represents Doak’s minimalist design philosophy at its finest, where rolling hills flow through pine forests, along river bluffs, and across expansive meadows ringed by soaring peaks. The course embodies Doak’s vision of finding the golf holes within the natural landscape, moving as little earth as possible to create what members describe as a legacy for generations.

Tumble Creek Club Fast Facts

Feature Detail
Location (City, State) Cle Elum, Washington
Address 851 Honolulu Drive, Cle Elum, WA 98922
Holes and par 18 holes, Par 72
Total yardage (back tees) 6,465 yards (Championship tees)
Tee sets (names and count) Championship, Challenge, Tournament, Middle, Legends, Forward, Combo (multiple options)
Course rating and slope (primary tees) Championship 74.3/133
Terrain Rolling hills through pine forests, river bluffs, and mountain meadows
Practice facilities Driving range, putting greens, short game areas
Access Private, exclusively for Tumble Creek property owners
Clubhouse New Great House with majestic mountain views
Additional amenities Hill House swim, tennis & fitness facility, privileged access to Suncadia amenities

Course Overview

Tumble Creek Club showcases Tom Doak’s reputation as a minimalist designer who “found” the course within the existing terrain rather than imposing artificial features upon the landscape. The routing seamlessly integrates with the natural topography, flowing through diverse ecosystems from dense pine forests to open meadows, each framed by the dramatic backdrop of the Cascade Mountains. Doak’s artistry lies in preserving the land’s natural character while creating strategic golf challenges that reveal themselves gradually through multiple rounds.

The course demands thoughtful strategy rather than pure power, with each hole presenting unique decision points shaped by the natural terrain. River bluffs create dramatic elevation changes, while meadowland holes offer expansive views and different wind considerations. The design philosophy emphasizes ground game options and natural hazards, requiring players to read the land and adapt their approach based on seasonal conditions and pin positions.

Hole-by-Hole Highlights

Hole Yards (Championship) Par Notes
1 385 4 Opening through pine forest, sets minimalist design tone
2 520 5 Rolling fairway with strategic bunker placement
3 185 3 Elevated tee with mountain vista backdrop
4 425 4 River bluff hole with dramatic elevation change
5 315 4 Short par 4 through meadowland, drivable with risk
6 440 4 Longest par 4, tests course management skills
7 175 3 Signature hole across natural ravine
8 380 4 Forest corridor requiring precision placement
9 495 5 Finishing hole with clubhouse views, reachable in two

Yardages from Championship tees. Multiple tee options available for all skill levels.

Amenities & Practice

The new Great House clubhouse serves as the centerpiece of the Tumble Creek experience, offering majestic mountain views and social spaces designed for member comfort. Practice facilities include a comprehensive driving range and multiple putting greens that allow members to prepare for the course’s varied challenges. The club maintains rental equipment and provides professional instruction to help members maximize their enjoyment of Doak’s design.

Members enjoy exclusive access to the Hill House swim, tennis, and fitness facility, plus the unique Sasse Mt. Outpost glamour campsite for those seeking extended mountain experiences. The club emphasizes genuine, comfortable service as its highest priority, creating an atmosphere where families can enjoy multiple recreational pursuits beyond golf.

Food & Beverage

The Great House clubhouse features fine dining facilities with panoramic mountain views, offering members and their guests an elevated culinary experience that matches the golf course’s premium standard. The dining program caters to both casual post-round gatherings and special events, with menus designed to complement the mountain setting.

Rates / Booking / Local Tips

Access to Tumble Creek Club requires property ownership within the private mountain community, making this one of Washington’s most exclusive golf experiences. Members also receive privileged access to Suncadia Club amenities, including the acclaimed Prospector Golf Course and Rope Rider Golf Course, significantly expanding their golf options within the greater resort community. The club operates year-round when weather permits, taking advantage of the region’s favorable climate on the sunny side of the Cascades.

How to Score Here

  • Embrace Doak’s ground game philosophy by using natural contours and slopes to feed balls toward pin positions
  • Study the terrain carefully since Tumble Creek Club’s minimalist design makes reading the land essential for strategic success
  • Take advantage of multiple tee options to match your skill level, as the course offers meaningful choices for all abilities
  • Respect the natural hazards and elevation changes that define each hole’s character rather than fighting the terrain
  • Appreciate the seasonal variations in playing conditions that keep the course fresh for repeat play
  • Consider playing other Washington mountain courses like Suncadia’s Prospector to experience different design philosophies in similar terrain

Final Word

Tumble Creek Club represents the pinnacle of private mountain golf in Washington, where Tom Doak’s minimalist artistry creates an exclusive experience worthy of its prestigious membership alongside the renowned courses at nearby Suncadia Resort.

This course is part of the Washington Golf Directory’s 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.