Gold Mountain Golf Club, Olympic Course, Bremerton, Washington - a Highly Rated Golf Course in a True Alpine Environment

The Gold Mountain Golf Club Olympic Course is set amid the majestic views of the Olympic mountain range and woods filled with fragrant pine trees. Or, in other words, it's golf in a true alpine environment.

The course has been described as very playable and most players will drive the ball with confidence thanks to the wide, well-drained fairways that also allow for some nice roll. For a mountain course, Olympic does have some up-and-down movement to it, but not so much as to make it unwalkable. The real challenge on the course, however, comes from managing its small greens, which have been described as "potato-chip shaped.''

The 18-hole, par-72 course, which is a John F. Harbottle, III design, plays to 7,104 yards from the longest (Gold) tees, with a USGA rating of 74.1 and a slope rating of 135. The course features a number of noteworthy holes, including three "signature holes.''

The first of the signature holes is No. 9, a par-5 that plays to a hefty 621 yards from the Gold tees and a respectable 562 from the Whites. Even with a good drive and second shot, players will find their toughest task lies ahead, as the green on this hole has been described as a "killer.''

Back-to-back signature holes come at No. 15 and 16, which are joined by a lake, and are said to be the most picturesque holes on the course. No. 15 is a short par-4 that plays to only 357 yards from the longest tees. The hole doglegs left and the green is tucked behind water, making for some precise target golf.

No. 16 is a par-3 that plays to 157 yards from the Blue tees, but calls for a carry over the lake. Players who can hit the green should have a good shot at birdie or par, but miss the green and it's been said that this hole will "eat your lunch.''

Since its opening, the Olympic Course has received numerous accolades and awards. Golf Digest gave it a 41/2-Star Rating in its 2006 Best Places to Play edition, and also called it the "2nd Best Value in the United States behind Bethpage Black.'' Golfweek magazine ranked the Olympic Course the Best Public Course in Washington from 2002-2005, while GOLF Magazine put the course in its Top 100 You Can Play list in 2006. The course also plays host to many tournaments, including the NCAA Men's West Regional, the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship and the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship.

The Gold Mountain resort also features a clubhouse with a pro shop and dining at Tucker's Restaurant.