San Juan Golf Club — Collective Review
Summary
San Juan Golf Club (also known locally as San Juan Golf & Country Club or San Juan Golf & Tennis Club), situated on Golf Course Road in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, is viewed warmly by visiting golfers and locals alike. Although the venue has a comparatively small total volume of online reviews relative to mainland courses, available sentiment across platforms like TripAdvisor, GolfPass, and 18Birdies is largely positive, yielding an average rating around 4.4 out of 5 stars. Reviewers consistently compliment the course's scenery, frequently remarking that the layout looks straight out of a postcard amidst the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. While it is fundamentally a 9-hole semi-private course open to public play, golfers appreciate that alternate tee placements provide a distinct feel when playing an 18-hole loop. The course is noted for being well maintained with relatively small, fast-rolling greens that demand accurate approach shots, offering a solid test for skilled players while remaining accessible and relaxed for casual players. Amenities include practice putting areas, cart rentals, tennis facilities, and an unpretentious 1960s-style restaurant that visitors highlight as an uncrowded hidden jewel for quality, fairly priced lunches away from downtown tourist crowds. The main criticisms center around its compact 9-hole configuration and the travel logistics typical of golf in the San Juan Islands, but overall it is widely regarded as a charming, worthwhile stop for golfers exploring western Washington.
What Golfers Love
- ✓Scenic island postcard setting
- ✓Well maintained grounds and fairways
- ✓Dual tee boxes alter 18-hole play
- ✓Welcoming and relaxed atmosphere
- ✓Good lunch dining at clubhouse
- ✓Fast rolling small greens
Common Complaints
- ✗Only a nine hole layout
- ✗Small challenging green targets
- ✗Island access requires ferry logistics