Course Review: Gold Mountain

Northwest Links
May 26
5 min read

Course Overview

Location: Bremerton, WA

Course Type: Public

Par & Yardage: Olympic Course – Par 72, 7,038 yards from the tips

Rating & Slope: 74.9 rating / 148 slope from the tips

Notable Features: Towering fir-lined fairways, championship pedigree (host of multiple USGA events), walkable layout with classic Northwest charm, and outstanding course conditioning year-round.

Quick Take: Gold Mountain Golf Club is a crown jewel of public golf in Washington. Nestled in the wooded hills of Bremerton, its Olympic Course offers a championship-caliber experience with all the trappings of a true Northwest classic — tall trees, pristine conditions, and a layout that rewards both power and precision. Whether you're chasing a number or just enjoying a weekend round with friends, Gold Mountain delivers big-time vibes without the big-time price tag.

Detailed Course Breakdown:

Course Difficulty – [Rating: 8/10]

Who’s it best for? The Olympic Course is perfect for mid-to-low handicappers looking for a serious test, but it’s still playable for most golfers thanks to thoughtful tee placements. It strikes that sweet spot between demanding and fair — where a good round feels earned, but you’re not grinding the whole way.

Key challenges: The course puts a premium on hitting fairways. Miss, and you’ll often be chipping out from dense forest or scrambling over uneven lies. Several holes require precise angles into tucked greens, and elevation shifts can play tricks on your yardage. The par 3s are especially tough, with long carries and sloped green complexes.

Tee box breakdown: There are five sets of tees, and the course is very playable from the middle and forward boxes. From the tips, though, it’s all you can handle — long, strategic, and relentless.

Pro Tip: “Play smart off the tee — you don’t need driver on every hole. Clubbing down to find the fairway often leads to a better look into these fast, well-guarded greens.”

Scenery – [Rating: 8.5/10]

Overall vibe: This is classic PNW golf at its finest: dense evergreens, gently rolling hills, and the peaceful quiet of a course tucked deep in the woods. There aren’t many expansive views, but the beauty is in the intimacy — every hole feels like its own world.

Best holes for scenery: Hole 2 is a gorgeous downhill dogleg left par 4 framed by fir trees and bunkering, while Hole 16 offers a heroic par 3 over the water to a green that is sloping off the edges.

Seasonal considerations: Gold Mountain shines in spring and fall when the tree lines pop with color and conditions are cool and crisp. Summer brings perfect weather, while winter rounds are still very doable thanks to excellent drainage — just expect softer conditions.

Walkability – [Rating: 7/10]

Can you walk it? Absolutely — and many do. Gold Mountain is one of the more walkable championship courses in the state. There are a few uphill climbs (notably on the back nine), but it’s manageable for most with a pushcart.

Elevation changes: Moderate, with some climbs on the back but nothing punishing. The terrain adds variety to the round without sapping your energy.

Availability of pushcarts: Pushcarts are welcome and widely used. Carts are available, but walking is part of the charm here — and it keeps you more connected to the round.

Pro Tip: “Walk it if you can. You’ll get a better feel for the course and really appreciate the setting between shots.”

Course Conditions & Maintenance – [Rating: 9/10]

Fairway & rough condition: Outstanding. Fairways are lush, well-defined, and provide great lies year-round. The rough can get thick in spots but never unfair.

Greens: Smooth, quick, and firm during peak season. The greens are large and multi-tiered, with subtle breaks that require a sharp read and confident stroke.

Bunker upkeep: Well-maintained with consistent sand. Many bunkers are deep and strategically placed, especially around greens.

Drainage in wet months: Impressive. For a Western Washington course, Gold Mountain stays playable even after heavy rain, which makes it a reliable year-round option.

Pro Shop & Food Availability – [Rating: 7.5/10]

Pro shop selection: A solid selection of apparel and gear, with a few local touches. Nothing overly fancy, but you’ll find everything you need — plus some sharp Gold Mountain merch.

Food & Drinks: The on-site restaurant serves up solid post-round fare and cold beers. The burger is a popular choice, and the patio offers a relaxed spot to recap your round. Beverage carts run on busy days, but not always.

Local food options nearby: Bremerton has some sneaky-good spots. Try Horse & Cow Bar and Grill for burgers and local beer or the Boat Shed for waterfront seafood just 10 minutes away.

Pro Tip: “Grab a breakfast burrito before your round — it’s hearty enough to get you through the front nine.”

Practice Facilities – [Rating: 8/10]

Range: Large grass range with targets at various distances. A great place to warm up, and mats are available during wet months.

Putting & chipping areas: Expansive putting green and a separate chipping green with a bunker. You can get in some quality short-game work before teeing off.

Overall vibe: Relaxed but well-maintained. Whether you’re grinding on a warm-up or just rolling a few before the round, the practice setup gets the job done.

Value for Money – [Rating: 9/10]

Greens Fee Range:

Peak Season (Spring–Fall): $60 – $90
Twilight Rates: ~$45 (after 3 p.m.)
Shoulder Season/Winter: Often under $50

How’s the value? Tremendous. You’re getting a championship-level course with impeccable conditions and a beautiful setting for under $100. Few courses in Washington offer a better bang for your buck.

Booking Difficulty: Tee times are usually accessible, especially midweek. Weekends can fill up quickly in summer, so book ahead. Online booking is easy, and walk-ons are possible during slower times.

Pro Tip: “Weekday twilight is a steal — fewer crowds, soft evening light through the trees, and a peaceful finish to your round.”

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

Gold Mountain Golf Club (Olympic Course) is one of the best public golf experiences in the Pacific Northwest. With its towering trees, thoughtful layout, and championship conditioning, it brings serious game without the ego — and at a price that makes repeat visits a no-brainer. It’s no wonder the USGA keeps coming back.

Best For: Pacific Northwest purists, low-to-mid handicappers, budget-conscious golfers who don’t want to sacrifice quality, and anyone looking for a walkable yet challenging round.

Would we recommend? Without hesitation. Gold Mountain is a must-play for anyone in the Seattle area — and worth the ferry ride for those across the water. Whether you’re sharpening your game or just soaking up some fresh air and tree-lined tranquility, this place delivers every time.