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Three Rivers Golf Course anchors Kelso on a sand based river delta

Nestled between the Columbia, Cowlitz and Coweeman Rivers, Three Rivers Golf Course delivers eighteen holes of year round golf on soil that drains faster than any track in Southwest Washington. Built in 1982 by noted architect Robert Muir Graves, the course rolls across a base of river silt and sand so winter golfers travel here from Portland and Seattle when their home layouts turn soggy. Fairways are framed by second-growth cottonwood and fir while distant views pick up the Coast Range on a clear day.

Three Rivers Golf Course Fast Facts

Holes / Par

18Β  /Β  72

Back tee yardage

6 648 yds

Course rating / slope

70.8Β  /Β  117

Architect

Robert Muir Graves 1982

Practice

Grass range β€’ chipping area β€’ two putting greens

Drainage note

Sand base keeps fairways playable after heavy rain

Course Overview

The routing splits into two nines that each loop from the clubhouse toward the rivers then back home. Fairways are generous but more than forty bunkers tighten preferred landing spots. Five par fives balance five par threes, giving the card an inviting rhythm. Greens average six thousand square feet and favor subtle interior contour over dramatic tiers; break often follows the river flow. Summer afternoons bring a southwest breeze that lengthens the inward par fours while morning play is usually calm. Built on a sand delta the layout stays firm underfoot, so carry distances are rewarded with extra roll and low bump and runs become a reliable scoring weapon.

Hole-by-Hole Highlights

Hole

Par β€’ Yards

Feature

1

5 β€’ 506

Straight opener where firm turf can turn a good drive into eagle hope

3

3 β€’ 130

Smallest green on the course demands precise wedge

5

5 β€’ 533

Dogleg left guarded by creek on second shot landing area

8

3 β€’ 184

Long iron across a marsh strand with bailout right

9

4 β€’ 394

Index one with cross bunkers that force a choice off the tee

10

5 β€’ 512

Slight rise to plateau green exposed to prevailing wind

14

4 β€’ 438

Long par four plays downwind but fairway narrows near green

15

3 β€’ 204

Elevated back tee plays a full club longer when breeze freshens

18

5 β€’ 542

Finishing hole bends left then right to a two-tier target under clubhouse patio

Three Rivers Golf Amenities & Practice

A full-length grass driving range sits beside the first tee with six target stations for distance control. Players hone finesse shots on a dedicated chipping green cut to course speed while a second putting surface near the tenth tee eases turn-time congestion. A PGA professional offers private lessons and junior camps during summer months.Β 


Food & Beverage

Players typically grab beverages and packaged snacks at the pro-shop counter before heading out.Β 


Rates / Booking / Local Tips

GolfLink lists an estimated sixty-dollar green fee for eighteen holes; walking is welcomed and carts are available for an additional charge. Tee times open online and by phone with same-day slots common outside tournament days. Morning rounds find the greens smoothest before coastal breezes pick up. Putts tend to break toward the Columbia River even when the line appears level.Β 


Final Word on The Three Rivers Golf Course

Three Rivers offers broad fairways, firm year-round playing surfaces, and a friendly welcome just two miles off Interstate 5. Add quick draining sand soil and affordable public rates, and the course earns its reputation as the Tri-City hub for winter and shoulder-season golf.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Three Rivers Golf Course participate in the Youth on Course program?

Three Rivers Golf Course is a Youth on Course partner course. Through Youth on Course, junior golfers 18 and under can play a round of golf for $5 or less. All you need is a Youth on Course membership, which you can get at youthoncourse.org. It is a great way to make the game accessible for young players and families across Washington State.