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Sand Point Country Club: David McLay Kiddโs spectacular 2020 heathland transformation creates one of Seattleโs preeminent clubs
Sand Point Country Club in Seattle delivers what renowned architect David McLay Kidd calls โspectacular viewsโ and โintrigue and adventureโ through his bold 2020 renovation that transformed the historic 1927 layout into a heathland-style masterpiece perched above Lake Washingtonโs shores. Originally designed by British golf architect Francis L. James and opened in 1927, this 6,200-yard, 18-hole course underwent a complete remodel overseen by Scottish architect David McLay Kidd, featuring firm-and-fast playing conditions, over 90 fairway and greenside bunkers, and panoramic views stretching from Mount Baker to Mount Rainier. The renovation involved redesigning two holes completely, major alterations to 10 greens, extensive bunker work, and creating 15 acres of native areas that showcase what Kidd describes as making Sand Point โone of the preeminent clubs in the city of Seattle.โ
Sand Point Country Club Fast Facts
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location (City, State) | Seattle, Washington |
| Address | 8333 55th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115 |
| Holes and par | 18 holes, Par 71 |
| Total yardage | 6,200 yards |
| Course architects | Francis L. James (1927), David McLay Kidd renovation (2020) |
| Established | 1927 |
| Club type | Private, members-only |
| Setting | Perched above Lake Washington shores in northeast Seattle |
| Renovation highlights | Complete redesign of 2 holes, major alterations to 10 greens, 57% more short-cut fairway turf |
| Bunkers | Over 90 fairway and greenside bunkers post-renovation |
| Views | Mount Baker to Mount Rainier on clear days |
| Style | Heathland-style design unique in the Northwest |
Course Overview
Sand Point Country Club showcases David McLay Kiddโs masterful 2020 renovation that transformed Francis L. Jamesโs 1927 design into what the architect describes as a course โbrimming with potentialโ that needed bold ideas to realize its full capability. Kiddโs heathland-style renovation created firm-and-fast playing conditions across rolling terrain that takes full advantage of the spectacular hillside locale above Lake Washington. The transformation involved extensive work including complete hole redesigns, major green alterations, comprehensive bunker renovation, and the creation of 15 acres of native areas that provide both strategic challenge and environmental sustainability.
The courseโs predominant feature remains its dramatic hillside setting that creates rolling terrain and tricky sidehill lies requiring every shot in the bag, while the renovation added over 90 strategically placed bunkers that define the new heathland character. Kiddโs design philosophy emphasizes creativity and imagination, with firm playing surfaces that allow golfers to use contours and slopes to their advantage through run-up shots and creative approaches around the greens. Director of Golf Craig Hunter emphasizes that players can โputt, pitch or run shots with a straight-faced iron, or flop it with a lofted wedgeโ depending on conditions and imagination.
Hole-by-Hole Highlights
While specific hole details werenโt provided, the renovation created what Golf Course Superintendent Marcus Harness describes as a course that โlooks like it did when first opened in 1927โ while achieving a heathland aesthetic unique in the Northwest. The design showcases natural and rugged edges with seven holes that either start or end in front of the clubhouse, creating spectacular viewing opportunities for members and guests enjoying the panoramic Lake Washington and Cascade Mountain vistas.
Amenities & Practice
Sand Point Country Club provides comprehensive practice facilities including a covered driving range, dedicated short-game practice area, and putting green that prepare golfers for the demanding conditions of Kiddโs renovation. The full-service pro shop offers a comprehensive supply of golf merchandise from balls to clubs for all skill levels and ages, while the clubโs location in northeast Seattle provides convenient access for members throughout the greater metropolitan area.
Beyond golf, the club features extensive amenities including tennis facilities, swimming pools, and a modern fitness center that support year-round recreation. The club offers various membership categories including Equity Golf, Social/Swim & Tennis, and Social memberships, each providing different levels of access to the comprehensive facility offerings.
Food & Beverage
Sand Point Country Club offers exceptional dining experiences across multiple venues, each taking advantage of the spectacular Lake Washington and Cascade Mountain views. The Main Dining Room provides the most formal experience with unparalleled views of both Lake Washington and the manicured golf course, serving lunch Tuesday through Friday, dinner Wednesday through Friday, and Sunday brunch. During summer months, service extends onto the large patio overlooking the golf course and swimming pool.
The Cascade Grill offers family-friendly casual dining just above the pool area, featuring full menus including pizzas and a complete bar in a warm, welcoming environment. The Panorama (Pan) Room Bar provides an adults-only experience with the best views in the entire club, surrounded by panoramic Pacific Northwest vistas and offering lunch six days weekly, dinner Wednesday through Friday, Saturday breakfast, and Sunday brunch.
Rates / Booking / Local Tips
As a private members-only club established in 1927, Sand Point Country Club operates on an exclusive membership basis with reported equity memberships requiring stock purchase and various membership categories available. The clubโs location at 8333 55th Ave NE provides convenient access to northeast Seattle while maintaining the exclusive atmosphere that defines premium private club life.
The 2020 renovation by David McLay Kidd represents a significant investment in the clubโs future, creating what General Manager Owen Westervelt describes as something that โreally turned into something specialโ after the architect initially declined similar projects but was inspired by Sand Pointโs potential. The transformation has created playing conditions that Kidd notes make the course โthe 1920s classic it isโ while establishing Sand Point as one of Seattleโs preeminent clubs.
How to Score Here
- Embrace the firm-and-fast playing conditions created by David McLay Kiddโs renovation at Sand Point Country Club by using ground contours and creative shot-making
- Study the over 90 bunkers strategically placed throughout the heathland-style design that define both strategic and aesthetic elements
- Take advantage of multiple shot options around the greens where you can putt, pitch, or use creative run-up shots depending on conditions
- Respect the rolling terrain and sidehill lies that require every shot in the bag while enjoying the spectacular Lake Washington setting
- Appreciate the unique heathland aesthetic that Director of Golf Craig Hunter notes makes the course โso much more interesting and enjoyable to playโ
Final Word
Sand Point Country Club represents the perfect marriage of historic Seattle golf heritage and modern design innovation, where David McLay Kiddโs bold 2020 transformation created one of the cityโs truly preeminent golf experiences.
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, weโre highlighting the places where golfers across the state play, practice, and build communityโall year long.
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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.