San Juan Golf and Tennis Club – Friday Harbor, WA

I’m starting where I normally end my reviews because I was not a happy golfer after my round at San Juan Golf and Tennis Club.

Rating – Par (37 out of 60): 9-holes for $73 w/cart – definitely not worth that price. 7 of the 9 holes had temporary greens – we were not informed about that, nor did they reduce the already over-priced greens fee. Even though the course is open to the public, I understand they cater to their members, but…c’mon man! Since we took an hour long ferry ride to play the course we were not going back without playing no matter how bad the course was, but…please be transparent about the course condition. Not a happy golfer, but maybe they don’t care.

Since I gave it a “par” rating let’s find the the positives about the course. Three weeks after playing this course I am still a little “miffed”, so I’m not bothering with a detailed description. This is just my normal “par 3” general summary of the course.

Shot Value: The holes are fairly straight-forward. If playing for the first time, Hole #1 requires some thought off the tee since there is water crossing the fairway. We had to play by feel since my phone GPS didn’t read the temporary greens. Overall the course is a good test for the high-handicap golfer.

Design Variety: There is a good variety of hole configurations and just enough hazards to keep you honest.

Memorability: Sorry, I have temporary greens stuck in my head.

Aesthetics: There are many mature trees around the course, but most of the scenic value is on other parts of the island.

Conditioning: The fairways were a little spotty, and don’t even get me started about the greens.

Ambience: The same person who took my reservation and greeted us at the pro shop was very pleasant. But $73 for 9-holes and temporary greens?

P.S. We did have a pleasant afternoon visiting Lime Kiln Point State Park; breakfast at Riptide Cafe; and a casual stroll around the wharf area with plenty of spots to spend what’s left of your money.