You’re driving down South 40th Avenue, and if you aren't looking for it, you might honestly miss it. Tucked right across from Eisenhower High School, Fisher Park Golf Course Yakima doesn't scream for your attention with massive neon signs or a sprawling country club gate. It’s a par-3 course. It’s short. It’s basically the local backyard for anyone in Yakima who wants to whack a ball without spending fifty bucks or losing their mind in a five-hour round.
Most people who live in the Yakima Valley have a story about this place. Maybe they learned to swing a club here in the 70s, or maybe they just come here now because it’s one of the few places left where you can play nine holes for less than the price of a decent steak dinner. It’s owned and operated by the City of Yakima’s Parks and Recreation department, which tells you everything you need to know about the vibe. This isn't Augusta National. It's accessible. It's a bit scruffy around the edges in the peak of a dry July heatwave, but it has a specific kind of charm that the big, expensive courses just can't replicate.
Why Fisher Park Golf Course Yakima Actually Works
If you’re a scratch golfer, you might be tempted to roll your eyes at a course where the longest hole barely pushes 150 yards. Don't. Honestly, your short game is probably the weakest part of your round anyway, and this is essentially a massive practice green with tee boxes. The total yardage for the nine holes is around 1,200 yards. That sounds like nothing until you realize that hitting a precise 115-yard shot onto a small, elevated green is actually a lot harder than spraying a driver into a wide-open fairway at Apple Tree.
The layout is straightforward, yet the greens are surprisingly tricky. They aren't lightning-fast, but they have subtle breaks that can frustrate you if you get overconfident. Because it’s a par-27 course, you can easily walk the whole thing in about an hour. Maybe an hour and fifteen minutes if you're stuck behind a group of middle schoolers learning the ropes. That’s the beauty of it. You can show up at 5:30 PM after work, play nine, and still be home in time to fire up the grill.
People talk about "growing the game" of golf, but most courses make it incredibly intimidating for newcomers. Fisher Park is the antidote to that. You see people out there in cargo shorts and t-shirts. You see grandpas teaching their grandkids how to putt. It’s a community hub disguised as a sports facility.
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What to Expect When You Tee It Up
The turf quality varies. Let's be real about that. Since it’s a public municipal course, the maintenance budget isn't infinite. In the spring, it’s lush and green. By late August, when the Yakima sun has been baking the valley at 95 degrees for three weeks straight, you’ll see some brown patches. But the city staff does a solid job keeping the greens playable.
The pro shop is small. It’s more of a check-in desk where you pay your green fees and maybe grab a Gatorade. They do have some rental clubs if you're just visiting or decided on a whim to play. Prices are the real draw here. In an era where a round of golf is increasingly becoming a luxury expense, Fisher Park remains stubbornly affordable.
- The Signature Feel: Mature trees line several of the fairways, providing much-needed shade.
- The Crowd: A mix of seniors who play every morning and teenagers who are probably supposed to be at practice across the street.
- The Difficulty: Low ceiling for entry, but high ceiling for mastering the "up and down."
One thing that surprises people is the wind. Yakima can get breezy, and because the course is relatively open, a 15-mph wind can turn a simple 9-iron into a guessing game. It forces you to learn how to punch the ball low, a skill most casual golfers never bother to develop.
Comparing Fisher Park to Other Yakima Options
Yakima has some heavy hitters. You’ve got Apple Tree with its famous island green shaped like an apple. You’ve got Yakima Elks and the Country Club. Those are great, but they are "events." You plan your day around them. Fisher Park Golf Course Yakima is more like a daily habit. It’s the difference between going to a five-star restaurant and your favorite local diner.
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The lack of par-4s and par-5s means you aren't going to pull out your driver. Leave it in the car. Seriously. Unless you want to launch a ball into the high school parking lot, there’s no reason to have anything longer than a 5-iron in your bag. Most regulars carry a "Sunday bag"—just a handful of irons and a putter. It makes the walk much easier.
There's also the social aspect. Because the holes are close together, it feels more intimate. You’ll likely exchange a nod or a quick "nice shot" with someone on a different fairway. It lacks the stuffy "stay in your lane" energy of more prestigious clubs.
The Logistics: Seasonality and Hours
Typically, the course opens in early spring—late March or early April, depending on when the frost finally clears out of the valley. It stays open through the fall. Yakima winters are unpredictable, so once the snow hits, the course puts the pins away for the season.
It's a first-come, first-served situation most of the time. You usually don't need a tee time weeks in advance, though calling ahead on a busy Saturday morning isn't a bad idea. The course is also part of the larger Fisher Park complex, which includes a playground and green space. This makes it a great spot for families. One parent can take the kids to the playground while the other sneaks in nine holes. Or, better yet, bring the kids along. It’s the best place in town to teach etiquette without a ranger breathing down your neck.
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Improving Your Game at Fisher Park
If you want to get better at golf, stop going to the driving range. Seriously. Range balls fly differently, and hitting off mats masks your mistakes. Spending five rounds at Fisher Park will do more for your handicap than ten sessions at a range. You’re hitting off real grass. You’re dealing with real lies. You’re having to chip over actual bunkers.
The short holes demand accuracy. If you can consistently hit the green at Fisher Park, you'll find that the par-3s on much harder courses start to feel a lot less intimidating. It’s all about building that muscle memory for the 80-to-130-yard range.
Pro Tip: Pay attention to the slopes. Many of the greens at Fisher Park tilt more than they appear at first glance. If you're above the hole on the 4th, you're looking at a terrifyingly fast putt for a muni course.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
To get the most out of Fisher Park Golf Course Yakima, don't just show up and swing.
- Bring a half-set. You don't need all 14 clubs. Bring a putter, a sand wedge, a pitching wedge, and maybe an 8 and 7 iron. Your back will thank you, and it simplifies your decision-making on the tee.
- Focus on "One Club" rounds. To really challenge yourself, try playing the entire nine holes with just a 7-iron and a putter. It forces you to learn how to open the face for higher shots and deloft it for longer ones.
- Check the High School schedule. Since it's right next to Eisenhower, the course can get swamped right after school lets out if the golf team is practicing or there’s a local event. Mid-morning or early evening are usually your best bets for a quiet round.
- Walk, don't ride. It’s a small course. Walking is the best way to enjoy the weather and get a little bit of exercise without it feeling like a workout.
- Watch the heat. Yakima summers are brutal. If you’re playing after June, try to get off the course by 11:00 AM. The sun reflects off the dry landscape, and it gets hot fast.
Fisher Park isn't trying to be the best course in the state. It’s trying to be the most useful course in the city. Whether you're a local looking to shave two strokes off your game or a visitor who just needs a quick golf fix, it delivers exactly what it promises: affordable, accessible, and unpretentious fun.