Course Details: Situated on the Washington State University campus in Pullman, Washington, Palouse Ridge is a public par-72 course designed by John Harbottle III and opened in 2008. Built on an expanded nine-hole site, this 7,308-yard layout has a course rating of 75.9 and a slope of 142. Home to WSU’s golf teams, it offers dramatic views of the Palouse’s rolling hills and distant mountains. The course, part of a $12 million project, features bentgrass fairways and greens, with a modern clubhouse and practice facilities. Green fees range from $49-$85, with tee-time packages tied to Cougar football weekends. Its bold design and excellent conditioning make it a standout in Eastern Washington.

Play Characteristics: Palouse Ridge plays through undulating terrain, with elevation changes creating challenging lies and scenic tee shots. Wide fairways lined with 100-foot firs and cedars reward accurate drives, but thick fescue and deep bunkers penalize misses. The greens are large but heavily contoured, demanding precise approaches to avoid three-putts—landing on the correct tier is critical. Signature holes like the par-3 3rd, with its elevated tee, and the par-5 9th, with a risk-reward drive, offer variety. The course’s length and wind exposure test long hitters, while its strategic bunkering and green complexes challenge short-game finesse, making it a balanced test for all golfers.