9
White Horse • Kingston
When White Horse opened in 2007, it was billed as the toughest golf course in the state, with a slope over 140 and a greens fee to match its reputation as best suited only to serious players.
In the three years since it was purchased by the Suquamish Tribe, however, White Horse has undergone a stunning — and, as this ranking would indicate, highly successful — transformation. Greens fees were slashed. John Harbottle (appearing on this list for the third time) was hired to soften the course’s roughest edges, removing dozens of bunkers and trees and smoothing out fairways and green surrounds. And in 2013, a 20,000 square-foot clubhouse was opened, with a restaurant, bar, pro shop, and one of the best back decks in Washington.
Once too tough for even the best golfers, and too pricey for frequent play, White Horse has now become one of the most enjoyable courses in Washington — and remarkably, one of its best values, as well.