Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/309816
58 WASHINGTON'S PREMIER WATERFRONT RESORT PORT LUDLOW OFFERS 18 UNIQUE HOLES The master-planned waterfront resort community features the 18-hole championship golf course, a 300- slip full service marina, wellness complexes, 32 km (20 mi.) of hiking/biking trails, a boutique-style Inn and award-winning restaurant. The year-round mild climate, with high temperatures averaging 75 degrees in summer, 200 "sunshine days" per year and less than 762 millimeters (30") of rain per year is another plus. For golfers, communing here has to start with the Robert Muir Graves designed course. Golf is a true year- round proposition at the Resort. The 18-hole championship course with its Tide and Timber nines has been an award-winner since opening in 1974. Considered one of the state's most scenic courses, it offers amazing views from seven elevated tee boxes and as a 10-year "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary," wildlife sightings are a virtual guarantee, from deer to herons to otters to eagles. It also passes that toughest of tests having no two holes playing alike. According to a story in Cascade Golfer Magazine, "As a junior, no less an authority than Fred Couples called Port Ludlow his favorite course." More recently it was rated as a Top Course to play in 2012 by Golf Week. With its location on Washington's Olympic Peninsula and frequent dry, sunny winter days, the Resort at Port Ludlow is a golfer's playground any time of the year. Before or after your round a visit to the Niblicks Café is always a great decision. The Cafe enjoys expansive views of the Port Ludlow Golf Course and features traditional clubhouse favorites as well as healthy salads and wraps. In the warmer seasons, don't miss their pit BBQ rib and hotdog specials, while in cooler months, warm up with some delicious made-from-scratch soups. If you are going to make the easy ferry trip here either from Seattle or even Victoria, BC, it's also an easy decision to stay overnight. The Port Ludlow Inn is a delightful bed-and- breakfast style inn that was inspired by New England's classic coastal summer homes. Located on the water's edge, the 37-room inn has amenities like fireplaces, private balconies, wireless internet, oversized jacuzzi tubs and spectacular views–a perfect place for a family vacation or a romantic getaway. The Fireside Restaurant offers waterside dining with deliciously prepared Pacific Northwest cuisine. For those who have an RV, the Port Ludlow RV Park offers a 39-site full-service campground complete with clean, well-kept restrooms with hot showers, full-hookups, picnic tables and fire pits. There are also some great real estate opportunities here. Port Ludlow's latest home development, Ludlow Bay Village Condominiums, offers a gallery of customizable floor plans just feet from the water's edge offering panoramic views of the marina and mountains. The green fees here are among the best value to be found anywhere in the $50 range during high season. Even better may be their Stay and Play Package that includes one night's accommodations, 18 holes of golf for two, electric cart, unlimited range balls, lunch for two at Niblicks Café and two hats or one sleeve of golf balls starting from just $179 (code word when booking: GOLF). The Resort At Port Ludlow 877-269-1869 portludlowresort.com The Resort At Port Ludlow's mission statement is to Create "Customers for Life." With a location on the pristine shores of the Puget Sound, breathtaking views of Ludlow Bay and the magnificent Olympic Mountains plus first-class accommodation and championship golf, their claim as Washington's premier waterfront resort and community is more than warranted. USA GETAWAYS IMAGE CREDIT / COURTESY PAC NW GOLF ASSOCIATION BY JEFF SUTHERLAND