Seattle, Washington
Sand Point Country Club blends rich history, sophisticated recent renovation, and unforgettable Puget Sound scenery in a playable, strategic test for members and their guests. David McLay Kidd's 2020 overhaul brought firmer fairways, bold bunkers, and a mountain-framed look to make each round truly memorable. This is a local gem for Seattle golfers seeking strategy and vibrant vistas.
Walk out to the 7th tee box for a hidden panoramic view of both the lake and distant Mount Baker, unique even among Seattle courses.
Sand Point Country Club sits perched above Lake Washington, now sporting a thoroughly revitalized design thanks to David McLay Kidd’s ambitious 2020 renovation. What was once a conventional tree-lined parkland routing has opened into flowing, firmer fairways with broad strategic bunkering, restored sightlines, and native grass accents—all in harmony with the club’s classic roots. The tight site rewards accuracy and creativity without demanding power, and ten overhauled greens ensure the short game is always in play. Members enjoy both the comfort of tradition and the vibrancy of a contemporary Northwest design.
David McLay Kidd’s intervention transformed a sleepy city parkland into a lively firm-and-fast battleground with a strong visual sense of place.
This opening par 5 plays toward panoramic mountain backdrops, challenging players to bite off a tricky drive before weighing a risk-reward approach. Expansive fairway bunkers and a green tucked behind mounds offer contrasting targets and a sense of adventure.
Shape your second shot to avoid bunkers short right and left, and don’t be greedy—greenside misses bring thick rough and awkward recoveries.
Going long on the approach leaves a treacherous downhill recovery to a narrow, rising green.
Firm, fast fairways and fresh greens, with eye-catching bunkering and tidy short cuts throughout.
Member-paced but generally well-managed, with a morning buzz and evening serenity.
Welcoming yet exclusive—classic private club with a lively, modern spirit post-renovation.
Traditional golf attire required; collared shirts and no denim.
Seattle weather can change quickly—bring full rain gear and consider soft spikes for optimal traction on firm turf.
Space on the driving range is limited and access can be tight, so practice putting or chipping if you can’t hit the range.
Familiarize yourself with the routing and native grass hazards—the renovation reimagined many lines and landing zones.
Lot spaces can fill quickly during busy club hours, so give yourself extra time to settle in before teeing off.
Sand Point Country Club opens, designed by Frank L. James
Course renovation by John Harbottle III
David McLay Kidd begins major renovation
Kidd's renovation opens: new holes, greens, bunkers, native areas
When members first tasked Kidd with a simple bunker refresh, the vision quickly escalated into a top-to-bottom course transformation. The resulting remodel went far beyond expectations, reintroducing contours and opening up irresistible sightlines.
On a clear morning, players glimpse Mount Rainier and Mount Baker beyond gleaming Lake Washington—nearly every tee showcasing a different corner of the city’s striking scenery. Seattle golf doesn't get more scenic or more urban at once.
Kidd’s modern design philosophy injected sandbelt vigor into a classic Northwest canvas, blending golden-age strategies with modern firmness. Veterans find echoes of the old course, but with bold new options on nearly every hole.
The course underwent a transformative architectural overhaul in 2020, with more than 90 new or rebuilt bunkers.
Expansive native grass areas—15+ acres—were restored or created during the Kidd renovation.
Views from the high points include Lake Washington, Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, the Cascade Range, and the Olympics.
The original designer, Frank L. James, also created Seattle’s historic Jackson Park Golf Club.
Nationally acclaimed, pure links-style championship test and USGA major venue.
Elite, tree-lined test for serious players with major championship history.
Challenging daily-fee championship layout and home of the UW Huskies.
Classic public-access golf right in Seattle, designed by Frank James.
Easy to book, approachable daily-fee option east of the city.
North Seattle neighborhoods: University District or Green Lake.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: Roaring Gap Club is a natural next stop after Sand Point Country Club: it shares a memorable sense of place.
Why it matches: What links these two? Makes the landscape part of the experience — a familiar feeling, expressed in The Sagamore Golf Course's own setting.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Oyster Reef Golf Club shares a memorable sense of place, making it a compelling counterpart to Sand Point Country Club.
Community Sentiment
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