Look, let’s be real. Golf in the Pacific Northwest has gotten expensive. Like, "should I buy a new wedge or pay my mortgage" expensive. If you’ve tried to book a Saturday morning tee time at a decent track around Seattle lately, you know the drill. You’re fighting for your life against bots and people with way too much free time, only to see a green fee that makes your eyes water.
That is exactly why the Around the Sound Golf Pass 2025 is basically a survival kit for local sticks this year.
It isn't just some coupon book your nephew sells for his middle school fundraiser. It is a legitimate ticket to 12 different courses across Washington and even a sneaky good spot down in Oregon. For $279 (depending on when you snagged it), you get a round at each. Do the math. That's about $23 a round. In 2025? That’s unheard of. You can’t even get a burger and two beers at most clubhouses for $23 anymore.
What You Actually Get (The Real Details)
The 2025 version of this pass is sponsored by Sports Radio 93.3 KJR and Seattle Golf, and they didn't really skimp on the lineup this year. You aren't just playing executive par-3 courses that haven't seen a mower since the Bush administration.
The core of the pass includes some heavy hitters. We're talking about Whitehorse in Kingston, which is notorious for eating golf balls if you can't hit a fairway, and McCormick Woods in Port Orchard. You’ve also got Avalon Golf Links up in Burlington—which is a 27-hole facility that feels like a mountain trek—and The Cedars at Dungeness out in Sequim.
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Here is the thing people usually miss: the "Come on Back" specials. Most of these courses don't just want you there once. After you use your pass round, many of them offer 2-for-1 deals or special pricing for your second visit. If you actually use those, the value of the pass basically doubles.
The 2025 Course Lineup
- Whitehorse Golf Club (Kingston): Bring extra balls. Seriously.
- McCormick Woods (Port Orchard): Classic PNW forest golf.
- Avalon Golf Links (Burlington): High-speed greens and great elevation.
- The Cedars at Dungeness (Sequim): Usually dry when Seattle is soaking.
- Sudden Valley (Bellingham): Tight, tricky, and beautiful.
- Port Ludlow: A resort-style feel with some incredible views.
- Sunland Golf Course (Sequim): Another great "rain shadow" option.
- Lakeland Village (Allyn): 27 holes of very solid golf.
- Gleneagle (Arlington): A local favorite that's fun for all levels.
- Highlander (East Wenatchee): Canyon carries that will make your heart skip.
- Bar Run (Roseburg, OR): A bit of a drive, but a total hidden gem.
The Fine Print (Don't Get Stuck at the Pro Shop)
The Around the Sound Golf Pass 2025 isn't a "show up whenever you want" card. If you try to roll up at 8:00 AM on a Saturday in July, the guy behind the counter is going to laugh at you.
Here is how the timing actually works. From January 1st through April 30th, and then again from October 1st through the end of the year, you can use it basically anytime. It’s wide open. But during the "peak" season—May 1st to September 30th—it’s an afternoon-only affair. You have to tee off after 1:00 PM.
Honestly, that’s not even a bad thing. Summer twilights in Washington are legendary. You get that golden hour light, the wind usually dies down, and you can actually finish 18 holes before the sun sets at 9:30 PM. Just don't forget the bug spray.
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Does it include a cart?
Usually, no. That’s the catch. Most of these courses require you to pay a cart fee or a small "processing" fee when you check in. Expect to shell out an extra $15 to $25 per round. Even with that, you’re still playing for way less than the rack rate.
Is It Actually Worth the Drive?
This is where the "Around the Sound" part gets literal. To get the full value, you're going to be spending some time on the Kingston ferry or driving up I-5.
If you live in downtown Seattle and hate driving more than twenty minutes, this pass might stress you out. But if you view golf as a day trip, it’s unbeatable. Heading out to Sequim to play The Cedars at Dungeness and Sunland back-to-back is a top-tier weekend. Sequim sits in a rain shadow, so while your friends are getting rained on at Jefferson Park, you’re probably playing in 65-degree weather with sun.
One course that surprised a lot of people this year is Bar Run down in Oregon. It’s a bit of a haul, but it’s built on an old sand and gravel mine. The turf is firm, it’s fast, and it feels completely different from the tree-lined "green cathedrals" we have in the Puget Sound.
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Pro Tips for 2025 Pass Holders
- Book in Advance: Even though you're playing after 1:00 PM in the summer, those slots fill up. Tell them you're using the "Around the Sound" pass when you call.
- The Pro Golf Discount Bonus: The pass usually comes with a $15 coupon for Pro Golf Discount (for purchases over $50). Use it for a box of balls before your first round at Whitehorse. You'll need them.
- Check the MasterPark Deal: They usually throw in a coupon for airport parking. If you're flying out of SeaTac for a winter golf trip to Arizona, that alone covers a chunk of the pass's cost.
- The "Dry" Strategy: Save your Sequim and Wenatchee (Highlander) rounds for November or March. These spots stay much drier than the courses in the Seattle basin.
Honestly, the Around the Sound Golf Pass 2025 is the best way to force yourself out of your comfort zone. We all get stuck playing the same three courses near our house. This pass is a reason to finally go play Port Ludlow or see what the hype is about at Sudden Valley.
It’s about exploration. And saving about $600 in green fees doesn't hurt either.
If you haven't grabbed yours yet, check the KJR website or the Seattle Golf portal. They usually sell out of the physical books pretty fast, though digital options have made it easier to manage lately. Just make sure you read the specific "Come on Back" rules for each course, as some are way more generous than others.
Next Steps for You:
Check your calendar for a free weekend in April and book a tee time at Whitehorse. Since the "anytime" window closes on April 30th, it’s the perfect time to get a morning round in before the summer afternoon restrictions kick in. While you're at it, download a ferry schedule app—you're going to need it for the Kingston run.