Back to all posts

North Bellingham Recognized by Pacific Northwest Golfer Magazine

Par-5 sixth selected as one of the ‘Great Holes of the Northwest’

In the March 2023 issue of Pacific Northwest Golfer magazine, the par-5 sixth hole at North Bellingham Golf Course in Bellingham, Wash. is recognized as one of the “Great Holes of the Northwest,” one of just four holes selected each year by the Northwest’s largest and longest-running golf publication.

The par-5 sixth hole at North Bellingham Golf Course

Although this is a short par-5, stretching to just 492 yards from the tips, it is ranked as the No. 1 handicap hole on the course. It packs a punch. The landing area for the tee shot narrows the further you go, with fairway bunkers short-right and long-left, bordering a swale in the middle that swallows even good shots.

Long hitters might have a go at the green with the second shot, but more often will be dealing with a nest of bunkers on the right side, with the fairway sloping toward them. There are no bunkers around the green, but it is a raised island unto itself, with all rough sloping away from the putting surface.

Ted Locke designed this links-style layout, which meanders through the farmlands in northern Washington state just six miles south of the Canadian border. Opened in 1995, it has developed a reputation for fast greens and dry fairways, making year-round play enjoyable. On August 14-18, 2023, North Bellingham GC will host the 68th PNGA Junior Boys’ Amateur and the 67th PNGA Junior Girls’ Amateur. The two championships will be held concurrently. Visit North Bellingham Golf Course for more information.

With a direct-mailed circulation of 123,000 households, Pacific Northwest Golfer magazine has been the voice of golf in the Northwest for over 25 years. It is the only Northwest golf publication with a verifiable demographic of its readership. Pacific Northwest Golfer is all about golf, and dedicated to golfers, and is the model by which other regional golf publications have used. It is the official magazine of the British Columbia, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Pacific Northwest golf associations, as well as the Pacific Northwest Section PGA. Published by the Pacific Northwest Golf Association, a 501c3 charitable international amateur golf association, Pacific Northwest Golfer is a member benefit delivered to member clubs in British Columbia and to those who utilize the USGA GHIN Handicap System through member clubs, either public or private.