The Ultimate Washington Dream 18 – Back 9

Closing Out the Best Public Golf Holes in the State

If the Front 9 of our Washington Dream 18 was about setting the tone, the Back 9 is about finishing strong. This stretch leans into everything that makes golf in Washington special, dramatic elevation, water-lined fairways, bold par 3s, strategic par 4s, and unforgettable closing holes.

The Back 9 plays to a par 34 and 3,112 yards from the tips, featuring holes from every corner of the state.

HOLE 10 — Par 4 (408 Yards)

Suncadia Resort (Prospector) — Hole 10

The back nine opens with a tee shot that immediately grabs your attention. Hole 10 at Prospector drops downhill into a wide valley, framed by mountains and towering evergreens. It’s visually stunning and strategically sound. Positioning off the tee matters here, as the approach plays into a green that can be devilish depending on pin placement.

Why we chose it: A perfect back-nine opener — scenic, welcoming, and just challenging enough to get your focus back.

HOLE 11 — Par 4 (455 Yards)

Salish Cliffs — Hole 16

At first glance, this hole looks manageable off the tee, and it is, as long as you stay clear of the bunker straight ahead. A controlled fade is the preferred play here, opening up the fairway and setting up the best angle into the green.

Where this hole truly earns its reputation is on the second shot. The green is heavily contoured and extremely difficult to get close to, even from a good position in the fairway. Miss in the wrong spot — especially to the right — and getting up and down becomes a real challenge. It’s a classic example of a hole that looks easier than it plays.

Why we chose it: A deceptively demanding par 4 where the real test comes at the green, and a perfect example of Salish Cliffs’ shot-making challenge.

HOLE 12 — Par 3 (206 Yards)

Bear Mountain Ranch — Hole 3

Perched high above the surrounding landscape, Bear Mountain Ranch’s third hole delivers one of the most dramatic par-3 views in Washington. The tee shot plays across open air toward a green set against rolling hills and distant water.

Club selection is everything here, wind is almost always a factor, and the visuals alone make this hole unforgettable.

Why we chose it: A big, bold par 3 at one of the best courses in the Chelan area.

HOLE 13 — Par 4 (420 Yards)

Sudden Valley — Hole 5

Few holes in the state feel as naturally integrated into their environment as Sudden Valley’s fifth. Water hugs the entire right side of the hole, while the fairway bends gently toward a green tucked along the shoreline.

It’s equal parts beautiful and intimidating, especially as the approach demands a committed swing with water fully in view.

Why we chose it: A quintessential PNW par 4: water, trees, elevation, and tension all wrapped into one.

HOLE 14 — Par 5 (505 Yards)

Creek at Qualchan — Hole 16

This par 5 brings strategic options back into play late in the round. Hole 16 at Qualchan gives you choices off the tee, rewards smart positioning, and tempts aggressive players to take on more than they should.

The creek winds through the hole, influencing decision-making on every shot and adding just enough danger to keep you honest.

Why we chose it: A true risk-reward par 5 that adds variety and strategy to the back nine.

HOLE 15 — Par 3 (206 Yards)

Port Ludlow — Hole 17

This is a classic long par 3. Serene, precise, and unforgiving if you miss your spot. The green is beautifully framed by forest, with bunkering that forces a committed strike from the tee.

There’s nothing flashy here, and that’s exactly why it works so well.

Why we chose it: Pure shot-making under pressure. One of the most elegant par 3s in the state.

HOLE 16 — Par 4 (308 Yards)

Gold Mountain (Olympic) — Hole 18

Short doesn’t mean easy. Gold Mountain Olympic’s finishing hole is a strategic puzzle, asking players to choose between aggression and restraint. The tee shot tempts you forward, but anything slightly offline can leave a tricky approach.

The green complex is excellent — sloped, subtle, and capable of turning birdie looks into stressful pars.

Why we chose it: A brilliant short par 4 that proves length isn’t everything.

HOLE 17 — Par 3 (169 Yards)

Gamble Sands (Scarecrow) — Hole 9

A stunning par 3 set above the Columbia River, Scarecrow’s 9th is as beautiful as it is demanding. The green sits naturally in the landscape, with slopes that reward creativity and punish indecision.

Wind often plays a major role, changing the hole completely from day to day.

Why we chose it: One of the most scenic par 3s in Washington — and an unforgettable test.

HOLE 18 — Par 4 (435 Yards)

White Horse — Hole 18

White Horse’s closing hole demands precision from the very first swing. You can’t miss left, with water running the entire length of that side, while bunkers and out-of-bounds guard the right. Finding the fairway is non-negotiable.

The second shot is typically a long approach, but it’s also one of the most visually rewarding shots on the course. With the clubhouse framed in the distance, especially around sunset, it’s a beautiful and fitting way to end the round.

Why we chose it: A demanding, scenic finishing hole that perfectly balances risk, beauty, and pressure — exactly how a Dream 18 should end.

The Complete Washington Dream 18

With the Front 9 and Back 9 combined, this Dream 18 represents our favorite public golf holes across Washington — real holes, real courses, and real reasons they belong.

If you haven’t read the Front 9 yet, make sure to check that out first. And as always, let us know: what hole would you add, remove, or swap?

More Washington golf content coming soon from Northwest Links.