Seattle Area Golf Clubs

[dlow206]

24 minutes ago, Fairways_and_Greens said:

How is Mill Creek vs Inglewood and Everett?

I don't really know much about Inglewood and Everett

[kaschreiber]

12 hours ago, Fairways_and_Greens said:

How is Mill Creek vs Inglewood and Everett?

I know nothing of MC either. I've heard some mixed things, e.g. one par 3 was mat tees a couple years ago? 

Have a friend on the wait list at Inglewood. He played it and really liked it (lives in Lynwood), it's an equity club, but the wait list when he got on ~ 1 year ago was 2 years. 

Everett is old school - a little down and back, tree lined but trees trimmed up high so you really have to work to lose a ball. That said, I played it in Dec of last year and it was one of the best conditioned courses I've played anywhere, any time of the year. 

[Palustris]

Anyone have any specific opinions on Meridian Valley or Fairwood? I’m finally in a place where I can go private and those two are the most convenient, but I’m also wary of all the houses that are lining up seemingly every hole. Wondering if I should just save up and shoot for Aldarra/Sahalee with a slightly longer drive.

[Double Mocha Man]

5 minutes ago, Palustris said:

Anyone have any specific opinions on Meridian Valley or Fairwood? I’m finally in a place where I can go private and those two are the most convenient, but I’m also wary of all the houses that are lining up seemingly every hole. Wondering if I should just save up and shoot for Aldarra/Sahalee with a slightly longer drive.

 

I would think you'd want a quality course, where you can hook up with good friends.  Close is better than distant... makes sticking to the practice range portion of your game easier.

[Nikleist]

16 minutes ago, Palustris said:

Anyone have any specific opinions on Meridian Valley or Fairwood? I’m finally in a place where I can go private and those two are the most convenient, but I’m also wary of all the houses that are lining up seemingly every hole. Wondering if I should just save up and shoot for Aldarra/Sahalee with a slightly longer drive.

 

[Nikleist]

I’ve played MVCC a couple times and it’s pretty good, condition was above average but nothing spectacular. I’m renting a house from a guy who’s a member there and he loves it, very active “club” atmosphere with lots of events, good Jr program, etc… Price is good compared to other Seattle area clubs. Don’t have any insight into Fairwood as I’ve never played it. 

[Double Mocha Man]

 

Wrangle yourself an invite to Fairwood.  Know before you buy.  Also, even though I'm just North of you, I don't know much about the golf scene down there.  What about really good public/resort courses near you?  With maybe an annual fee?

[thezinfan]

1 hour ago, Palustris said:

Anyone have any specific opinions on Meridian Valley or Fairwood? I’m finally in a place where I can go private and those two are the most convenient, but I’m also wary of all the houses that are lining up seemingly every hole. Wondering if I should just save up and shoot for Aldarra/Sahalee with a slightly longer drive.

Depending where you live, that's a lot of traffic to go to Sahalee/Aldarra if you live near MVCC/FGCC.

 

I was a member at FGCC, but left due to financial issues. Its a fun track, but the houses are in close. That said, you gotta really block one to hit a house. I've also played MVCC. I think both are good clubs and very social. They are also quite a bit less than Sahalee and Aldarra. I imagine you are adding at least an extra zero to the FGCC initiation fee to hit Aldarra. I also think your exposure to extra assessments with Aldarra might be higher. Very large piece of property, very expensive place to maintain. 

 

Call all 4 clubs and get em for a free round.

[kaschreiber]

5 hours ago, thezinfan said:

Depending where you live, that's a lot of traffic to go to Sahalee/Aldarra if you live near MVCC/FGCC.

 

I was a member at FGCC, but left due to financial issues. Its a fun track, but the houses are in close. That said, you gotta really block one to hit a house. I've also played MVCC. I think both are good clubs and very social. They are also quite a bit less than Sahalee and Aldarra. I imagine you are adding at least an extra zero to the FGCC initiation fee to hit Aldarra. I also think your exposure to extra assessments with Aldarra might be higher. Very large piece of property, very expensive place to maintain. 

 

Call all 4 clubs and get em for a free round.

 

I've played both, but played Fairwood much more (two good friends and their dad are members there). Fairwood is on the shorter side - blues are < 6400 yards and nothing further back, but I don't think it plays easy. Fairwood also has a pool, MVCC does not. If you're thinking about the commute from that area to Sahalee / Aldarra, as called out the commute is going to be substantial as is the cost different, like 45-60+ minutes with traffic to Aldarra. I'd do what others here say, play MVCC and FW and see which on you like more. Last I heard Aldarra had a long enough wait list they weren't really offering prospect rounds, but that may be different given we're not in peak season right now. Aldarra is also just a golf club - albeit 1a / 1b in the state - but there is no pool, small restaurant, etc. if the family amenities matter to you at all

 

Edited February 24, 2023 by kaschreiber

[Palustris]

Appreciate all the feedback. Thanks everyone.

[gmu155]

Any thoughts on Glendale vs Sahalee membership. 
Sahalee has the better course but 20min away. Glendale is 5 min, but feels like I could get bored with the course. 

[bmrowe]

11 hours ago, gmu155 said:

Any thoughts on Glendale vs Sahalee membership. 
Sahalee has the better course but 20min away. Glendale is 5 min, but feels like I could get bored with the course. 

Besides being a 10x better course, 27 holes is a game changer. If you can tolerate the drive, its a no brainer for Sahalee over Glendale. Other than that, it might be worth considering Overlake over Glendale if you are in the Bellevue area. Better conditions and clubhouse if that matters at all.

[gmu155]

Overlake initiation is a bit too steep compared to the others. Glendale location convenience and pool makes it a debate. Agree sahalee course is better and harder. 

[eltigrestinger]

I'm in the same boat - living in Mercer Island and trying to choose between Glendale, Sahalee, and Aldarra (I'm guessing these are the finalists, but always open to other suggestions).  I've played both Glendale and Sahalee, and I'm familiar enough with Aldarra to know what to expect.  My challenge is that I'm struggling to weigh the pros and cons of commute, layout, drainage, practice facilities, junior programs, members etc.

 

About me: I have young kids but I'm not sure they'll play.  I also don't know what my future holds from a commute and work perspective ( I work from home currently ).  Regardless, commute time to the club weighs on my mind a lot - I'd love to get quickly there for a practice session, etc.  I also do enjoy playing in 50 degree rainy weather, so the course needs to drain well.

 

Glendale:

 - Layout : Just ok, but a reasonable walking course.  There are many public courses that are better (although none close to me sadly).

 - Commute : 15 minutes

 - Practice facilities : short game area is really good, but range is not great

 - Junior Program : there is something but not much

 - Members : laid back, not stuffy

 - Drainage : not sure

 

Sahalee

 - Layout : Super tight, but I loved it.  It's calming being there.  27 holes is great too.

 - Commute : 28 minutes on a good day, but I can see this being 35-40 with traffic 😞

 - Practice facilities : Just ok short game area, good grass range

 - Junior program : probably the best around from what I've learned

 - Members : a bit on the older side

 - Drainage : I hear it's very good in the winter

 

Aldarra

 - Layout : Probably the best track in the state along with Tumble  / Chambers / Sahalee and a few others.  Greens are punishing.  Not as walkable as Sahalee (I like to walk).

 - Commute : 25 minutes but more consistent

 - Practice facilities : Strong.  Good range and multiple short game areas.

 - Junior program : nothing here, it's literally the inverse of Sahalee

 - Members : a bit younger compared to Sahalee and a bit more eclectic, which I like

 - Drainage : great, built on sand, similar to Chambers 

 

Anyone have the wisdom to help me decide?  And I have likely ruled out Overlake and Broadmoor from a cost / layout perspective - but open to other ideas otherwise!

[ThermalDan]

I would disagree with Aldarra being a difficult walk.  They keep a few carts off the back of 10 green for walkers to use heading up 11 and back down 12.  Then return the cart and play 13 and finish the walk.  The guys I play with always walk and use the carts for those 2 holes, so I’ve never walked 11, but it’s just 1 hole.

[eltigrestinger]

Thanks ThermaDan on Aldarra - that's a good point, it's more of a disruption for a short bit, not that the course generally isn't walkable...

[kaschreiber]

On 9/2/2023 at 11:06 PM, eltigrestinger said:

I'm in the same boat - living in Mercer Island and trying to choose between Glendale, Sahalee, and Aldarra (I'm guessing these are the finalists, but always open to other suggestions).  I've played both Glendale and Sahalee, and I'm familiar enough with Aldarra to know what to expect.  My challenge is that I'm struggling to weigh the pros and cons of commute, layout, drainage, practice facilities, junior programs, members etc.

 

About me: I have young kids but I'm not sure they'll play.  I also don't know what my future holds from a commute and work perspective ( I work from home currently ).  Regardless, commute time to the club weighs on my mind a lot - I'd love to get quickly there for a practice session, etc.  I also do enjoy playing in 50 degree rainy weather, so the course needs to drain well.

 

Glendale:

 - Layout : Just ok, but a reasonable walking course.  There are many public courses that are better (although none close to me sadly).

 - Commute : 15 minutes

 - Practice facilities : short game area is really good, but range is not great

 - Junior Program : there is something but not much

 - Members : laid back, not stuffy

 - Drainage : not sure

 

Sahalee

 - Layout : Super tight, but I loved it.  It's calming being there.  27 holes is great too.

 - Commute : 28 minutes on a good day, but I can see this being 35-40 with traffic 😞

 - Practice facilities : Just ok short game area, good grass range

 - Junior program : probably the best around from what I've learned

 - Members : a bit on the older side

 - Drainage : I hear it's very good in the winter

 

Aldarra

 - Layout : Probably the best track in the state along with Tumble  / Chambers / Sahalee and a few others.  Greens are punishing.  Not as walkable as Sahalee (I like to walk).

 - Commute : 25 minutes but more consistent

 - Practice facilities : Strong.  Good range and multiple short game areas.

 - Junior program : nothing here, it's literally the inverse of Sahalee

 - Members : a bit younger compared to Sahalee and a bit more eclectic, which I like

 - Drainage : great, built on sand, similar to Chambers 

 

Anyone have the wisdom to help me decide?  And I have likely ruled out Overlake and Broadmoor from a cost / layout perspective - but open to other ideas otherwise!

Snoqualmie Ridge is another option from MI if you're thinking about Sahalee / Aldarra. It may be a bit further, but much closer off the freeway. Front is an easy walk, the back is fine until you get to 15 green which is the lowest point on the course. It's uphill on 16, to 17 tee, to 18 tee, 18, then uphill to clubhouse. We've started doing more in the fall for better drainage in winter as well and it keeps getting better. But with commute and walkability on the back, not sure if it meets what you're looking for. Practice facilities are decent (I've seen better, I've seen worse), Junior Program is strong, and the members are a bit younger. Most Saturday games / Men's league is a mix from mid 30s to mid 50s and a great group of guys. 

[eltigrestinger]

Thanks @kaschreiber - that has been mentioned to me as well and I hadn't looked into it that much because I had assumed it was a bit longer drive (but honestly it's not that different than Aldarra or Sahalee) and that it wasn't as playable during the rainy season.  But sounds like that may be improving, which is great.  Maybe I should add to the mix also given the younger demographic and good junior program... thanks!

[kaschreiber]

It could certainly be better - balls still plug in a couple spots, but it dries much quicker when we get a day or two free of rain. It's round 1 of a 4 round program as well, so supposed to just keep getting better (fingers crossed)

[kaschreiber]

On 9/7/2023 at 10:54 PM, eltigrestinger said:

Thanks @kaschreiber - that has been mentioned to me as well and I hadn't looked into it that much because I had assumed it was a bit longer drive (but honestly it's not that different than Aldarra or Sahalee) and that it wasn't as playable during the rainy season.  But sounds like that may be improving, which is great.  Maybe I should add to the mix also given the younger demographic and good junior program... thanks!

Prospect rounds usually take some hoops to jump through and might wind up in a sales pitch on the back deck - if you want to check it out no strings attached, let me know. Happy to have you out for a round. 

[gmu155]

On 9/2/2023 at 11:06 PM, eltigrestinger said:

I'm in the same boat - living in Mercer Island and trying to choose between Glendale, Sahalee, and Aldarra (I'm guessing these are the finalists, but always open to other suggestions).  I've played both Glendale and Sahalee, and I'm familiar enough with Aldarra to know what to expect.  My challenge is that I'm struggling to weigh the pros and cons of commute, layout, drainage, practice facilities, junior programs, members etc.

 

About me: I have young kids but I'm not sure they'll play.  I also don't know what my future holds from a commute and work perspective ( I work from home currently ).  Regardless, commute time to the club weighs on my mind a lot - I'd love to get quickly there for a practice session, etc.  I also do enjoy playing in 50 degree rainy weather, so the course needs to drain well.

 

Glendale:

 - Layout : Just ok, but a reasonable walking course.  There are many public courses that are better (although none close to me sadly).

 - Commute : 15 minutes

 - Practice facilities : short game area is really good, but range is not great

 - Junior Program : there is something but not much

 - Members : laid back, not stuffy

 - Drainage : not sure

 

Sahalee

 - Layout : Super tight, but I loved it.  It's calming being there.  27 holes is great too.

 - Commute : 28 minutes on a good day, but I can see this being 35-40 with traffic 😞

 - Practice facilities : Just ok short game area, good grass range

 - Junior program : probably the best around from what I've learned

 - Members : a bit on the older side

 - Drainage : I hear it's very good in the winter

 

Aldarra

 - Layout : Probably the best track in the state along with Tumble  / Chambers / Sahalee and a few others.  Greens are punishing.  Not as walkable as Sahalee (I like to walk).

 - Commute : 25 minutes but more consistent

 - Practice facilities : Strong.  Good range and multiple short game areas.

 - Junior program : nothing here, it's literally the inverse of Sahalee

 - Members : a bit younger compared to Sahalee and a bit more eclectic, which I like

 - Drainage : great, built on sand, similar to Chambers 

 

Anyone have the wisdom to help me decide?  And I have likely ruled out Overlake and Broadmoor from a cost / layout perspective - but open to other ideas otherwise!

I ended up at sahalee, so far so good. 

[Muffy]

On 10/3/2023 at 7:15 AM, gmu155 said:

I ended up at sahalee, so far so good. 

I live on the rock and also joined Sahalee (a couple years ago), with no regrets..….the 3 nines seems to help with rotating play for maintenance or aerification, as well variety.  

Edited October 10, 2023 by Muffy
Correction

[Nikleist]

We ended up joining Meridian Valley. Seemed like the best “value”, paid $20k initiation so not a crazy amount to walk away from if we move/decide on somewhere else plus the dues were way cheaper than anywhere else. ($600 a month for both my wife and I as we are under 40) Course is pretty good, walkable, and I hear it drains decent in the winter. 

[eltigrestinger]

Hey @kaschreiber - I was pretty close to pulling the trigger on Sahalee but decided to take a closer look at Snoqualmie first.  I toured it and get to play it in a few days.  The drive is indeed a lot easier than Sahalee.

 

My big question is around Arcis, the management company.  I have been reading some not-so-great things about them ... have you noticed anything here?  A common thread at some of their courses they buy is that they add too many members and then getting tee times is really difficult, which of course defeats the purpose of a private club.

 

Would love to hear any feedback / thoughts either way you have on that or SR in general.

 

Thanks!

[CMCSGolf]

20 hours ago, eltigrestinger said:

Hey @kaschreiber - I was pretty close to pulling the trigger on Sahalee but decided to take a closer look at Snoqualmie first.  I toured it and get to play it in a few days.  The drive is indeed a lot easier than Sahalee.

 

My big question is around Arcis, the management company.  I have been reading some not-so-great things about them ... have you noticed anything here?  A common thread at some of their courses they buy is that they add too many members and then getting tee times is really difficult, which of course defeats the purpose of a private club.

 

Would love to hear any feedback / thoughts either way you have on that or SR in general.

 

Thanks!

I'm a member of an Arcis course in Texas and it is.... not great.  They are a profit making entity, so they do not have your best interests at heart.  My club isn't awful and I still pay the dues, but they make a lot of decisions where it's obvious the bottom line was the sole motivator.  

[Nikleist]

21 hours ago, eltigrestinger said:

Hey @kaschreiber - I was pretty close to pulling the trigger on Sahalee but decided to take a closer look at Snoqualmie first.  I toured it and get to play it in a few days.  The drive is indeed a lot easier than Sahalee.

 

My big question is around Arcis, the management company.  I have been reading some not-so-great things about them ... have you noticed anything here?  A common thread at some of their courses they buy is that they add too many members and then getting tee times is really difficult, which of course defeats the purpose of a private club.

 

Would love to hear any feedback / thoughts either way you have on that or SR in general.

 

Thanks!

 

21 hours ago, eltigrestinger said:

Hey @kaschreiber - I was pretty close to pulling the trigger on Sahalee but decided to take a closer look at Snoqualmie first.  I toured it and get to play it in a few days.  The drive is indeed a lot easier than Sahalee.

 

My big question is around Arcis, the management company.  I have been reading some not-so-great things about them ... have you noticed anything here?  A common thread at some of their courses they buy is that they add too many members and then getting tee times is really difficult, which of course defeats the purpose of a private club.

 

Would love to hear any feedback / thoughts either way you have on that or SR in general.

 

Thanks!

 

[Nikleist]

I have a couple buddies that are members at SR and I was considering joining before I joined Meridian. They didn't have great things to say about Arcis, definitely a "for profit" organization. Other things that steered me away were the course being closed Mondays for corporate tournaments, losing the course for a week during the Boeing, and not being very walkable. I love the course and am lucky I can play it fairly often but passed on joining for the aforementioned reasons. 

[Bonneville85308]

I'll give you a perspective from someone very familiar with one of Arcis' "private" clubs in AZ. They are the WOOOOOORST. Worse than ClubCorp/Invited. Way too many members, maintenance is not up to snuff with other private clubs, and it's easier to get a weekend morning tee time at most nearby public courses. There is no downtime on the course when you can get out and play a quick round, it's jam-packed sunup to sundown every day. The staff has constant turnover. I can't imagine they operate any differently in other markets.

[eltigrestinger]

Wow - a lot of very quick and clear responses on this... thanks everyone.  I had read up a bunch of other Arcis course reviews across the country that are in their portfolio and it was similar around milking profits, too many members leading to difficulty in getting tee times, and ultimately angry members.  Perhaps I'm hoping / wondering if SR is different but perhaps even if it isn't now, it doesn't mean it won't be at some point.

 

On @Nikleist's point about being closed Monday, I head heard that too but then thinking about Sahalee realized that perhaps they have just as many tournaments but instead are littered across the week at random times...  regardless, no one at Sahalee has complained about full tee sheets...

Edited March 22 by eltigrestinger

[kaschreiber]

Oh yeah - Arcis sucks. From what I've heard, SR is one of, if not the most profitable clubs in their portfolio (weddings and the Boeing Classic). That does give our GM a lot of leeway - he got Arcis to cover some things for our Member Guest I dont think they would do otherwise but he was able to go to bat. That said, the course and the members are pros that much outweigh the cons. Never having assessments is a big plus. I'd still play it and see what you think. I wouldn't discount it just because Arcis is involved but would agree they're an overall negative.