Elk Ridge Golf Course Review
July 29, 2024
It has been a long two weeks since we played golf. Kathy solved that with a tee time at Elk Ridge Golf Course in Washington State today. As soon as we walked into the clubhouse we were greeted by Elisha. Elisha helped us at the counter and got us all signed in. Brad was also there ready to give us course tips and made sure we knew the course was going to be fun and challenging. He also warned us that we needed to putt some balls before we played the course – because the biggest challenge was going to be the greens. He told us they would be fast, they would be slow, and they would have many bowls with twists and turns.
We got to the first tee box to meet up with Brian and Izzy, our playing partners for the day. After the initial introductions, we found out that they came from Portland to play. It is always a good sign when locals are willing to travel an hour or more to play a course. Especially when they have played it before.
Elk Ridge Golf Course is a links-style course. It does have trees that come into play – but keeps its links golf course feel. And if you do hit into the trees there is not much penalty to get out.
Most of the time, I felt like I could just go for the green.
The course was in great shape. The fairways were lush and green. There was a great cut line between the fairway and the second cut. Then the tall grass was the third cut. Of course in the spirit of a links courses, the tall grass could devour your ball, leave you with a clean shot, or somewhere in between.
Either way, it is best to stay out of the tall grass.
And by the way, Brad was right –
The greens were tough!
They were in great condition and the ball rolled perfectly. What made them tough was exactly what Brad mentioned. Elk Ridge Golf Course is laid out near very large mountains. That made every green sloped. To add to the difficulty, they had built-in levels, undulations, breaks, and some had very steep ridges. You had to make sure uphill putts made it to the flat or your ball would come right back down the slope resting at your feet. Putting downhill was worse. A little tap could send your ball twenty yards past the hole. Even with all those challenges, the greens were great to play.
I know that I have said this in other reviews before, and it certainly applies here – the views were beautiful. The one thing I love about golf is the outdoor beauty. Elk Ridge Golf Course was beautiful every step we took. I find it hard to do any justice to the beauty when describing the mountains, trees, water, and overall aesthetics at Elk Ridge Golf Course.
They were amazing.
There was one fun part of our golfing day that was not provided by Elk Ridge Golf Course. Izzy and Brian. They were great golfing partners. When we met at the first tee, we introduced ourselves and told them we play “ready golf”. They both responded with: “Good, we do too, and may not have great golf etiquette either.”
The four of us chatted, laughed, gave encouragement, and even chided each other all afternoon. It was almost like playing with old friends. We may never meet up with Izzy and Brian again but, we will always remember they were a part of our round at Elk Ridge Golf Course.
Based on our golf scorecard, Elk Ridge Golf Course is a birdie course.
We both felt we got our money’s worth. The course is in great shape and is very fun to play. We would play it again. If you are in the Carson, Washington area and are thinking of playing golf, don’t hesitate to book your tee time at Elk Ridge Golf Course.
I am pretty sure you will enjoy it as much as we did!
Fairways and Greens – We are 18 Holes and Counting
Written By: Marc Festa
COURSE REVIEW SCORE CARD
Course: Elk Ridge Golf Course
Type: Resort/Links
Date Played: 25 July 2024
| HOLE | PAR | SCORE | COMMENTS |
| 1 – Tee Time Availability | 4 | 4 | We had no problems getting a tee time. |
| 2 – Cost of Green Fees | 4 | 4 | Comparable with other courses in the area. |
| 3 – Condition of Tee Boxes | 4 | 3 | Very good and well-maintained. There are five sets of tees. |
| 4 – Condition of Fairways | 5 | 4 | The fairways are wide, like a links course, and the few trees don’t come into play unless shots are wildly off target. Only an occasional divot marred the expanses of well-drained, tightly mowed Bent grass. |
| 5 – Condition of Greens | 4 | 3 | The Bent grass greens are very undulated and the pins were in some challenging locations. The greens rolled well and quite fast. Design highlights include a large double green shared by the eighth and 10th holes. Most holes play parallel to the slope, making for slight uphill and downhill holes. |
| 6 – Length of Course | 5 | 4 | The length of the course is 6,461 yards from the tips to 4,442 yards from the forward. |
| 7 – Hazards | 4 | 4 | The bunkers were a bit shallow, which made it hard to get under the ball. Plenty of rakes for golfers to use. |
| 8 – Starter/Marshal | 3 | 3 | Shaun, was great and made sure we knew about all the “harder” holes on the course. He did an outstanding job of sending golfers to the first tee at the right time, in the correct order, and to the appropriate tee. |
| 9 – High Handicap Friendly | 3 | 3 | The fairways are pretty wide for short hitters. |
| OUT | 36 | 33 | |
| 10 – Practice Area | 5 | 4 | There is a putting green, pitching area, and driving range. |
| 11 – Locker Rooms | 3 | 3 | Large and spacious bathrooms with showers. |
| 12 – Pro Shop | 4 | 4 | The pro shop was fully stocked with all the essentials for a round of golf. |
| 13 – Location | 4 | 4 | About an hour from Portland, the course sits high above the Columbia River Gorge. It was windy, but we expected that in the Gorge and it only added to the challenge of the game. |
| 14 – Rental Equipment | 4 | 4 | Rental equipment is available. Electric carts. |
| 15 – Food Cart | 4 | 4 | There was a food cart on the course. |
| 16 – Restaurant/Club House | 4 | 4 | There is a restaurant in the clubhouse, that was very busy during our round. We did not eat at the restaurant. |
| 17 – Parking | 3 | 3 | Parking was a little tight, but we found a spot. |
| 18 – Customer Service | 5 | 4 | Outstanding. All the staff were very friendly and accommodating. Service was not lacking at all. |
| IN | 36 | 34 | |
| TOTAL | 72 | 67 | PLAYER: Marc F. ATTESTED BY: Kathy F. |
I am so envious of you. First, because you are in Washington state while I suffer in Phx with the heat.
Secondly, because you are living the dream that I have. Being in Spain for 11 months a year is great, but I want to travel via a travel home both around the USA and through other European countries before going to the other continents.
I won’t be playing golf, but I would love to if given the chance.
Enjoy your wonderful life.
Hugs, Louise
Louise – There is no question that we’re living the dream. But….you can too! Just ask yourself what you can do NOW that will bring you closer to your dream. Maybe you could start by just “renting” an RV for a week, to get yourself out there and begin your dream. You can do it!!….Fairways and Greens…XoXo…Kath
Kathy and Marc,
Thank you for sharing your experience with us! We are thrilled to hear you had such a great time at Elk Ridge GC. I will pass along your compliments to our friendly staff members as well as forward your link to our social media manager and Director of Operations.
Enjoy the rest of your journey! Hopefully, your travels bring you back to Elk Ridge GC soon.
All the best,
Brad Ebberson, PGA
Head Golf Professional
Elk Ridge Golf Course
Carson, WA 98610
Office (509) 427-0127