Avalon Golf Links

Two great aspects of this course each earn a star in my mind. 1. The customer service is great. The staff is wonderful, from the marshal to the starter to the pro shop crew. The other star goes to the greens. Fast, true, they hold, and are in great shape.
But for me, that’s where is ends. To me, I feel like 27 holes was placed on a chunk of land where they should have built a true championship 18 hole golf course. Holes are short and in many cases, crazy tight with little room to miss. When playing the west course, we were advised to leave the driver in the bag. That is very true. It’s tight. It has some character, but you get to a hole thinking, «seriously?» The south course, being the longer course is longer, but still not a ton of room and really not that long. Apparently the north course is a mix of both, long and short.
One thing I noticed is that there were more female golfers here than male golfers, which is not a bad thing at all. It’s cool to see… but it’s not a typical thing one sees on a course. So, when I was out on course, I started looking… the sight lines and the views of the course are better from the forward tees. And in all, the sheer joy of the course actually is probably better for shorter hitters from the forward tees. From the back tees, it’s hard to know where you’re aiming. On many holes, if it wasn’t for the 150 barber pole, one would have no idea where to go. So, if you’re a senior golfer teeing it forward or a female golfer, this could actually be a very challenging and enjoyable course!
The fairways were in below average condition with weeds and invasive grasses and the rough… where there is rough (many holes have very little rough at all… it’s fairway. then garbage) was dry and dormant (granted we have had a record dry summer). The fairways aren’t level or flat, so we had quite a few odd bounces when the ball was hit safely in play. As mentioned earlier, the greens are beautiful.
Robert Muir Graves is the architect. In fact, he’s one heck of an architect… the same guy who built the stunning Big Meadow Golf course and Widgi Creek in Central Oregon, or Palouse Ridge, and so many others including well respected private courses. But in my opinion, he really failed on this one. This course is nothing like those courses, and unfortunately to pay $ 54 to play a course where I can’t pull out my driver for most of the round, nor see the beauty of an open fairway ahead of me from the tees just isn’t my cup of tea.
I played here 10 years ago and remember thinking that other courses in Skagit and Whatcom are just more enjoyable to play. I tried it again and left feeling the same way I did the first time. In my opinion, there are just better courses a little further north that are true championship courses for about the same price.

Had fun. First time at Avalon. It was challenging for me (15 index.) The fairways are on wider side and both fairways and greens are in good condition. Easy to walk. Went with foursome on a weekday and didn’t really run into other players, that is, it wasn’t busy. Not far from I-​5, but out in the boon docks, so, no urban noise and very clean air. Good course.

Starting on West and going to North is a perfect day at Avalon.
The crew has added sand so the course is not muddy and the greens are well kept.
I appreciate the staff and their kindness.
Great food, try the chili fries in the restaurant!

Awesome, friendly staff. Country club feeling of welcome without the snobery. Fast firm conditions. Great greens. With 27 holes and all day stay and play, why go anywhere else? Sound like I work for them? I don’t. Just a fan. Another kudo they deserve is always doing something to get better. Cons: a lot of Tourneys in the summer, and firm bunkers.

Avalon Golf Links is a 27 hole golf course that sits on top of a bluff overlooking Skagit County farmland. A few holes have scenic views of the farming valley below — most others wind through the trees.
In the summer, this golf course plays firm and fast. There isn’t much rough to speak of and the largest hazard is usually the out-​of-​bounds forest and wetlands. Water comes into play on only a few holes.
The sand bunkers are well maintained although the actual quality of the sand isn’t of the same quality as high-​end courses.
Greens are mix of Bent and Poa-​Annua. They are average in size but are fast and undulating making for some challenging putts. The down hill putts will get away from you if you are not careful.
Several of the holes dog-​leg making for some awkward tee shots if you play too far up. This course has an extra set of green tees which will make for better play if you can drive the ball 250 yards.
A grass driving range is available for warm-​up.
Avalon has a moderate amount of challenge and is somewhat expensive, but the good maintenance and fun layout is a good bet for your weekend foursome.