Nestled in the heart of Washington’s wine country, Walla Walla offers an extraordinary combination that’s hard to find elsewhere: championship-caliber golf courses surrounded by world-renowned vineyards. This charming city has quietly become one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier destinations for discerning travelers who appreciate both a well-struck drive and a perfectly aged Cabernet.
While many golfers flock to Arizona or California for their golf getaways, Walla Walla presents a unique opportunity to experience exceptional golf alongside some of the nation’s most celebrated wineries. The rolling hills that make this region perfect for viticulture also create stunning backdrops for memorable rounds of golf.
Whether you’re planning a golf and wine trip with friends or seeking a sophisticated weekend escape, Walla Walla’s combination of pristine fairways and award-winning tasting rooms creates an experience that satisfies both your competitive spirit and your appreciation for the finer things in life.
Premier Walla Walla Golf Courses
Wine Valley Golf Club
Wine Valley Golf Club stands as the crown jewel of Walla Walla golf courses. This championship 18-hole course, designed by Dan Hixson, seamlessly blends challenging play with breathtaking views of the Blue Mountains and surrounding vineyards.
The course features bent grass tees, fairways, and greens, providing consistent playing conditions throughout the season. Strategic water hazards and well-positioned bunkers create interesting challenges for golfers of all skill levels, while the elevation changes add both beauty and complexity to your round.
What sets Wine Valley apart is its integration with the surrounding wine country landscape. Several holes offer panoramic views of nearby vineyards, creating a uniquely Pacific Northwest golfing experience. The clubhouse restaurant provides excellent post-round dining with locally sourced ingredients and an impressive wine list featuring Walla Walla Valley selections.
Veterans Memorial Golf Course
Veterans Memorial Golf Course offers excellent value without compromising on quality or scenic beauty. This well-maintained municipal course provides a more relaxed atmosphere while still delivering challenging and enjoyable golf.
The course layout takes advantage of the natural terrain, with mature trees lining many fairways and strategic water features coming into play on several holes. The greens are consistently well-maintained, and the course provides good conditions for golfers looking to work on their game or enjoy a casual round.
Veterans Memorial is particularly popular among locals and visitors who appreciate solid golf without the premium pricing of resort courses. The pro shop is well-stocked, and the staff provides friendly service that embodies Walla Walla’s welcoming community spirit.
Touchet Valley Golf Course
Located just outside Walla Walla in nearby Dayton, Touchet Valley Golf Course offers a scenic 9-hole layout that’s perfect for a quick round or a relaxed morning of golf. The course winds through the picturesque Touchet Valley, providing stunning mountain views and a peaceful setting.
While shorter than its 18-hole counterparts, Touchet Valley presents its own unique challenges with elevation changes and well-positioned hazards. The course is particularly popular with golfers who want to combine a morning round with afternoon wine tasting, as the 9-hole format allows more time for exploring local wineries.
Planning Your Golf and Grapes Weekend
Day One: Arrival and Wine Valley Golf Club
Start your Walla Walla golf adventure with a round at Wine Valley Golf Club. Book an early morning tee time to take advantage of cooler temperatures and optimal course conditions. The morning light creates spectacular photo opportunities with the surrounding mountains and vineyards as your backdrop.
After your round, enjoy lunch at the clubhouse while reviewing your scorecard and planning your afternoon wine tasting route. The proximity of Wine Valley to many premier wineries makes it an ideal starting point for your golf and wine trip.
Day Two: Veterans Memorial and Winery Exploration
Begin your second day at Veterans Memorial Golf Course, where the more relaxed pace allows you to fine-tune your game and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The course’s location provides easy access to both downtown Walla Walla and the surrounding wine country.
Following your round, explore some of the region’s acclaimed wineries. The variety of tasting experiences available means you can customize your afternoon based on your wine preferences and group size.
The Perfect Post-Golf Experience: Bledsoe Family Winery
No golf and wine trip to Walla Walla would be complete without visiting Bledsoe Family Winery. Founded by former NFL quarterback Drew Bledsoe, this winery represents the perfect intersection of athletic excellence and winemaking artistry.
Bledsoe Family Winery focuses on premium red wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah. The tasting room atmosphere reflects both Drew’s competitive background and his family’s commitment to producing exceptional wines. The knowledgeable staff can guide you through tastings that highlight the unique characteristics of Walla Walla Valley terroir.
The winery’s approach to hospitality mirrors the attention to detail that made Drew successful in professional sports. Each wine is crafted with precision and passion, creating bottles worthy of celebrating your best golf shots or consoling your occasional mishits.
Tasting Room Experience
The Bledsoe Family Winery tasting room provides an intimate setting where you can relax after a day on the course. The staff understands that many visitors are combining golf with wine tasting, so they’re accommodating to groups arriving directly from the golf course.
Consider scheduling your visit for late afternoon, allowing time to unwind from your round while enjoying the golden hour light that makes Walla Walla’s landscape particularly stunning. The winery often has library wines available for tasting, providing opportunities to experience aged vintages that showcase the development potential of Walla Walla wines.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Timing Your Trip
Late spring through early fall provides the best weather for golf, with July through September offering the most consistent conditions. However, visiting during harvest season (typically September and October) adds the excitement of witnessing winemaking in action.
Weekday rounds often provide better pace of play and more personalized service at both golf courses and wineries. Many wineries offer special weekday experiences or have more time for detailed tastings when crowds are smaller.
Transportation Considerations
Plan transportation between golf courses and wineries carefully. Many visitors choose to designate drivers within their group or utilize local transportation services that specialize in wine country tours. Several companies offer golf and wine packages that include transportation between venues.
Accommodation Recommendations
Stay in downtown Walla Walla to minimize driving between activities. The historic downtown area offers excellent restaurants, and many accommodations are within walking distance of tasting rooms and cultural attractions.
Your Perfect Golf and Grapes Getaway Awaits
Walla Walla represents a rare destination where championship golf and world-class wine come together in a setting of extraordinary natural beauty. The region’s golf courses provide challenges and experiences that rival any destination, while the wine industry offers tastings and hospitality that reflect decades of passionate craftsmanship.
Start planning your golf and wine trip to Walla Walla today. Book your tee times at Wine Valley Golf Club and Veterans Memorial Golf Course, then schedule tastings at Bledsoe Family Winery and other acclaimed local producers. This combination of exceptional golf and outstanding wine creates memories that extend far beyond scorecards and tasting notes.
