Just because you can’t afford a trip to Palm Springs, Arizona or Hawaii this winter doesn’t mean that you are doomed to another four months of wet fairways, slow greens, puddle-filled sandtraps and muddy lies. Several Northwest courses (see list at bottom) boast terrific drainage and are playable any time of year. Heck, given the excellent winter conditions at these courses, plus lower winter rates and less foot traffic, there’s hardly a better time of year for the in-the-know local to throw on the GORE-TEX and play some of Western Washington’s water-free winter gems.

Capitol City Golf Club

Yardage 6,578 | Rates $18-31 | Web golfcapitolcity.com | Tel 360-491-5111 Sure, it’s a bit of a drive, but with so many courses seemingly underwater this time of year, who isn’t willing to drive an extra mile (or 59) for a good, guaranteed dry round? That’s exactly what you’ll find at Lacey’s Capitol City Golf Club. While the Space Needle may have topped the list of new construction projects in Western Washington in 1962, golfers have long held an even greater appreciation for fellow ’62-er Capitol City — after all, security doesn’t appreciate it much when you pull out your driver on the observation deck. Built on a base of thick, sandy soil, Capitol City has been a winter haven for Puget Sound golfers for nearly four decades due to its dry, winter-rye fairways and fast greens (yes, even in December). Even the rates are straight out of the ‘60s — prices peak (if you can call it that) at $31 ($23.25 for Access Golf members), and with carts not required, you can be knocking ‘em long on the course billed as “the driest in Western Washington” for less even than most local munis. Of course, a dry course may not always work to your advantage. As hard and fast in winter as in the summer months, Capitol City’s narrow fairways remain treacherous year-round — indeed, as you watch your ball bounce towards yet another out-of-bounds stake, you might well wish for a little muddy patch to slow it down. Furthermore, bunkers yawn wide next to every green, threatening to collect any errant approaches — particularly on the par-5 10th, short enough (just 465 from the tips) to tempt most mid-to-long hitters, but protected by sand on three sides. Equally tempting is the par-5 14th, which teases with a reachable-in-two length of just 495 yards from the tips, but requires a carry over rough between the end of the fairway and the long, narrow green, with sand left and right. Like the Needle, Capitol City has undergone regular renovation and rehabilitation over the years, including the upgrading of all tee boxes in 2007. The result is a course that plays to its strengths — year-round perfect conditions and dramatic views of Mt. Rainier — while minimizing its lack of any real water hazards (the par-3 11th boasts the course’s only significant wet stuff) by bringing the trees and sand into play on nearly every hole. But of course, the lack of water is why you’re here, right? In all, it’s not a particularly long round at around 6,500 yards, but will challenge those without consistency in their long irons. In addition, its excellent drainage makes for greens that will feel lightning-fast compared to most you play this winter, and will take 3-4 holes to adjust to (spending a few minutes on the practice green before the round is highly recommended). Capitol City also knows how to take care of its patrons after the round at the Fire Creek Ale House, featuring cheap beer, good grill-menu food (burgers, steaks, sandwiches, etc.) and occasional live music. But be warned: unlike at the Needle, if this restaurant starts revolving, it’s probably time to head home.