Course Review: White Horse Golf Club

Location: Kingston, WA

Course Type: Public

Par & Yardage: Par 72, 7,080 yards from the tips

Rating & Slope: 74.5 / 141 from the tips

Notable Features: Towering evergreens, wide fairways cut through rolling forest, large undulating greens, excellent practice facilities, and a relaxed clubhouse with one of the best patios in Kitsap County.

Quick Take: White Horse is a Northwest gem — challenging yet welcoming, scenic yet approachable. It’s big off the tee, bold around the greens, and wrapped in a true Pacific Northwest setting of cedar and fir. With its blend of championship length and player-friendly design tweaks (the course was softened in 2010 to make it more enjoyable for everyday golfers), White Horse strikes the balance between test and playability. The ferry ride from Seattle adds to the adventure, making it feel like a little golf getaway just across the Sound.

Detailed Course Breakdown

Course Difficulty – [Rating: 8/10]

Who’s it best for? White Horse is great for mid- to low-handicap players looking for a test, but it’s not out of reach for higher handicaps thanks to multiple tee options. The fairways are generous, but miss too far and you’re in tree jail.

Key challenges: The greens are large but tricky, with tiers and slopes that demand precise approaches. Approach shots that come up short will often feed away into collection areas. Off the tee, distance control matters — holes like the par-5 8th tempt you to go big, but water and bunkering lurk.

Tee box breakdown: With five sets of tees, the course is playable for all. From the tips, it’s a proper test at over 7,000 yards; from the forward tees, it’s a comfortable 5,000.

Pro Tip: “Don’t get greedy with second shots into the par 5s — the greens are tough to hold unless you’re really dialed in.”

Scenery – [Rating: 8.5/10]

Overall vibe: Classic PNW forest golf. Towering evergreens line almost every hole, and the course rolls gently through natural terrain. It’s not about sweeping views here — it’s about immersion in the woods.

Best holes for scenery: The par-4 18th is a beauty, with a slightly downhill tee shot and water all down the left side. The par-5 8th, with trees framing both sides of the fairway, is one you’ll remember.

Seasonal considerations: Summer is prime, with firm conditions and long evenings on the patio. Fall might be the sleeper pick — crisp air, changing leaves, and fewer crowds. Winter is wetter but playable, with the drainage holding up decently well compared to other courses in the region.

Walkability – [Rating: 7.5/10]

Can you walk it? Yes, but bring your legs. White Horse is a big course with some long green-to-tee transitions, and the rolling terrain adds to the workout.

Elevation changes: Nothing extreme, but plenty of subtle up-and-downs that add to the challenge.

Availability of pushcarts: Pushcarts are available, but many opt for a cart given the spacing.

Pro Tip: “If you’re walking, pack light and pace yourself — the back nine has more elevation.”

Course Conditions & Maintenance – [Rating: 8.5/10]

Fairway & rough condition: Fairways are well-kept, with plenty of room to swing away. Rough is playable but can be sticky in the summer.

Greens: Large, undulating, and usually in great shape. Expect good pace and true rolls.

Bunker upkeep: Well-maintained, though some deep greenside bunkers can be penal.

Drainage in wet months: Respectable for a West Sound course — playable year-round, though winter golf means slower greens and softer fairways.

Pro Shop & Food Availability – [Rating: 9/10]

Pro shop selection: Strong — logo gear, apparel, and accessories, with options that appeal to both locals and visitors.

Food & Drinks: The clubhouse grill and patio are excellent. Good burgers, strong local beers, and a relaxed vibe overlooking the course.

Local food options nearby: Kingston has some solid dining options, but honestly, stick around after your round — the White Horse patio is a destination in itself.

Pro Tip: “Get a table outside on a summer evening. Few better ways to end a round.”

Practice Facilities – [Rating: 9/10]

Range: Expansive grass range with targets, perfect for a solid warm-up.

Putting & chipping areas: Excellent — multiple putting greens and a short game area that lets you practice the exact types of shots you’ll face on course.

Overall vibe: One of the best practice setups on the Kitsap Peninsula. You could spend a whole afternoon here tuning your game.

Value for Money – [Rating: 9.5/10]

Greens Fee Range:

• Peak Season: $65 – $85

• Off-Peak / Shoulder: $42 – $48

• Twilight: ~$30 – $40

How’s the value? Very strong. For under $100 in peak season, you’re getting a championship-level course with excellent conditions and facilities. Compared to Seattle-area pricing, it feels like a steal.

Booking Difficulty: Usually manageable. Weekends can book out, especially in summer, but weekdays and twilight rounds are easy to snag.

Pro Tip: “Make a day of it — take the ferry from Edmonds in the morning, play 18, and grab dinner in Kingston (we highly recommend J'aime Les Crepes!!) before heading back.”

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

White Horse delivers everything you’d want in a Northwest golf experience — tree-lined fairways, challenging greens, and a peaceful setting that feels far removed from the city. It’s serious golf without being punishing, and the facilities (especially the patio and practice areas) push it over the top.

Best For: Seattle golfers looking for a day-trip adventure, Kitsap locals, competitive players who want a fair test, and anyone who loves classic Northwest forest golf.

Would we recommend? Absolutely. White Horse is one of the most complete public golf experiences in the Puget Sound area. Between the ferry ride, the scenery, and the post-round patio, it’s a course that makes the journey part of the fun.