Lake Wilderness Golf Course

Lake Wilderness GC is located in Maple Valley, WA. It is a short 18-hole municipal course, managed by Premier Golf. The staff is very friendly. The course has a multitude of trees, forcing you to be straight off the tee, or get creative with your second shots. At 5,400 yards from the back tees you won't hit driver too often. Some local knowledge is helpful as there are a few blind shots and getting from green to tee can be a bit tricky the first time. The course is in decent shape and the greens are fair.

On a scale of 1-5... (1-not good; 5-nothing better)
Course conditions: 3
Clubhouse: 2
Range/practice area: 1 (putting green only)
Cost: $25 for 18 holes on a Friday afternoon
Overall: 2

Jade Greens

Jade Greens is a small (par 34) 9-hole course east of Auburn. We played yesterday following a fair amount of rain. The course was soggy but playable. Being short, you can leave driver in the bag, I may have hit it 4 times. Jade is a great place for beginners to learn. The pace of play is somewhat slow and if you aren't in jeans you are overdressed. It is a course that requires specific shots if you want to score well. Lots of water and trees to cause much grief. The practice facility has an above average driving range and two putting/chipping greens. The food in the restaurant is above average and a reasonable price. Don't come looking for anything fancy, a burger and a beer and you are set. Jeff Rominger is the teaching pro, great guy. Bethany's game has really improved since she started taking lessons from Jeff. If your child wants to play, get the annual junior pass, a great deal.

On a scale of 1-5... (1-not good; 5-nothing better)
Course conditions: 2+
Clubhouse: 2
Range/practice area: 3 (needs a decent practice bunker)
Cost: $16 for 9-holes on a holiday.
Overall: 3 you get what you pay for, and for the price, a good value.