Sumner Meadows

After work yesterday we went and played Sumner Meadows, front-9. Their super-twilight rate of $12 and kids play free is quite a deal. Unfortunately, you get what you pay for. With the rain we've had the past few days, the fairways were soggy but playable. The greens were terrible, clearly in the worst shape of any we've encountered this year. For $12, should you expect more? Their clubhouse is being renovated due to damage from flooding this past winter. The staff was very friendly and the practice facility is above average.

On a scale of 1-5... (1-not good; 5-nothing better)
Course conditions: 1
Clubhouse: pass
Range/practice area: 3+
Cost: $12 adult/after 5pm, kids free
Overall: 2

Tumwater Valley Golf Club

Sunday afternoon we played the front nine at Tumwater Valley. Bethany played the best I've seen her play. It is a nice track, not too far off I-5. It has a river running through the course that comes into play on many holes. The clubhouse was recently remodeled and is very nice. The practice facility is the best I've seen at a muni. Junior green fees $1 w/ paying adult.

On a scale of 1-5... (1-not good; 5-nothing better)
Course conditions: 2
Clubhouse: 3
Range/practice area: 4
Cost: $32 adult/18-holes
Overall: 3

The Links at Olson Mansion

The Links at Olson Mansion is a short links-style course just off Hwy 18 in Maple Valley. A short course with few opportunities to hit driver. My favorite part of the facility is their kids birthday party program which can include golf, mini-golf, driving range, swimming and fishing. Price was quite reasonable, especially since a junior plays free with a paying adult (mid-week only). This is a 9-hole course which wasn't busy at all on a sunny Monday after work. If you aren't hitting the ball straight, it will drive you nuts. This course isn't a vacation destination, but is worth trying out at least once.

On a scale of 1-5... (1-not good; 5-nothing better)
Course conditions: 2
Clubhouse: 2
Range/practice area: 3
Cost: $18 adult/9-holes
Overall: 2+