Thurston County is a haven for golf enthusiasts, offering a wide array of golf courses, practice facilities, and communities built around the sport. Whether you’re looking for a championship course, a casual round, or a neighborhood where golf is part of the lifestyle, there’s something for everyone and all price ranges. If you’re in the market for a home on the fairway, there’s a home for all budgets between $450k – $2M+. Here is a breakdown of the Top 15 golf options in Thurston County and just beyond its borders.
Most golf courses in Thurston County offer homes with backyards that face the fairways, providing residents with stunning views and easy access to the greens. Popular fairway communities include Indian Summer, Hawks Prairie (The Links & The Woodlands), Capitol City, Scott Lake, and Delphi, each with unique features and varying real estate market statistics.
For those looking to refine their game, practice facilities like The Golf Loft, Airport Golf & Batting Center, and Joe’s Golf provide excellent opportunities. Between these three facilities, you’ll find a mix of indoor and outdoor options, club fittings, private event rentals, and world-class instruction and training.
While not in Thurston County, Salish Cliffs, The Home Course, and Eagle’s Pride are just across the county line and offer exceptional experiences for golf enthusiasts.
The real estate market for golf course homes has been robust in 2024, with high-end properties at Olympia Country & Golf and Indian Summer setting the tone. We saw 74 fairway homes sell this year in Thurston County, with an average sales price of $727,161.34 at an average cost per square foot of $322.47. This is on par for our area, but drastically cheaper than neighboring Pierce County and King County. *The Olympia County & Golf community had a couple of fairway homes that drastically skewed their stats. The first is a 504 square-foot bungalow (MLS 2233773) on 1.5 acres with private beach access to Budd Inlet and an additional lot with a 3-bed Septic already installed. This home sold for $451,000 ($894.84 per square foot). The other sale that skewed the stats was an off-market 1,932 square-foot condo (MLS 2307837) that sold for $1,124,440 ($582.01 per square foot). You will see the asterisks in the table below.
Cumulative Days on Market (CDOM) vary significantly, ranging from 1 Day on Market to 163 Days on Market. We had five sales that were never even listed on the market (0 CDOM). Our average CDOM for fairway homes in Thurston County in 2024 was 37. These stats may seem to reflect large differences in demand across the county’s courses, but they are also skewed by two high-end new construction sales in the Hawks Prairie Woodlands that each were on the market for 163 days. *In the table below, if you remove these two new construction sales from the Hawks Prairie Woodlands CDOM, it would change from 51 CDOM to 41 CDOM.
Homes in Indian Summer, Olympia Country, and Golf, Hawks Prairie Links and Hawks Prairie Woodlands are commanding premium prices due to their amenities and proximity to top-tier courses. Indian Summer is a private, gated community with security, and was only recently opened up as a public course. Olympia Country and Golf is the only private Country Club in our County. Hawks Prairie Woodlands is full of large, new(er) homes with high-end design choices, while the Links has nice Shea Homes in Thurston County’s premier 55+ community. On the other hand, Capitol City, Delphi, Tahoma Valley, and Scott Lake offer more laid-back, affordable options while still delivering the charm of golf course living. Buyers are drawn to these communities for their serene views, recreational opportunities, and close-knit neighborhood feel. As interest in golf course homes grows, these neighborhoods are likely to see further appreciation in value.
| Golf Course | Homes Sold | Average Price | Highest Price | Lowest Price | Cost per Square Foot | Days on Market |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olympia Country & Golf | 4 | $716,360 | $1,124,440 | $451,000 | $536.26 | 9 |
| Scott Lake | 1 | $425,000 | $425,000 | $425,000 | $307.08 | 4 |
| Delphi | 1 | $495,000 | $495,000 | $495,000 | $313.29 | 14 |
| Hawks Prairie Links | 17 | $757,471 | $900,000 | $600,000 | $370.34 | 31 |
| Hawks Prairie Woodlands | 26 | $807,761.50 | $1,090,000 | $500,000 | $277.07 | 51 |
| Capitol City | 10 | $491,400 | $575,000 | $425,000 | $304.79 | 22 |
| Tahoma Valley | 3 | $480,000 | $510,000 | $420,000 | $242.17 | 35 |
| Indian Summer | 12 | $815,975 | $1,325,000 | $639,900 | $318.60 | 35 |
Indian Summer Golf & Country Club is a public course located in Olympia. It features a challenging 18-hole layout with scenic views of Mt. Rainier and lush, mature landscaping. The course offers a mix of rolling terrain and strategic bunkers, providing an enjoyable yet demanding round for golfers of all skill levels.
Olympia Country & Golf Club is a private, members-only course in Olympia. Known for its well-maintained fairways and greens, the course features tree-lined fairways and subtle elevation changes, creating a classic and serene golfing experience. Its exclusivity ensures a more private atmosphere for members and their guests.
Tumwater Valley Golf Club is the only municipal course on this list, offering a beautiful 18-hole layout. You won’t find any fairway homes on this course, but instead a large, relatively forgiving course. It features well-kept greens, tree-lined fairways, and scenic views of nearby hills. The course provides a challenging yet enjoyable round for players of various skill levels. This is what I consider my “home course”.
Scott Lake Golf Course is a public course set amidst scenic forests and lakes. Its 18-hole layout offers a blend of challenging holes and tranquil surroundings, ideal for golfers looking to escape and enjoy nature. The course is well-regarded for its friendly atmosphere and beautiful setting.
Delphi Golf Course is a public course located in Tumwater, offering a unique golfing experience with its natural, rugged terrain. The course features a mix of open and tree-lined holes, creating a varied and scenic round. Delphi is popular among golfers seeking a less traditional, more adventurous layout.
The Woodlands course at Hawks Prairie Golf Club in Lacey is a public, championship-style course. It features a mix of mature trees, water hazards, and rolling fairways, offering a challenging yet rewarding round. The serene and natural setting makes it a favorite among local golfers.
The Links course at Hawks Prairie Golf Club in Lacey is a public course surrounded primarily by the 55+ community ‘Jubilee’. Inspired by classic Scottish links designs, it features wide-open fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and undulating greens. This course provides a unique and enjoyable challenge, especially for golfers looking for a more traditional, links-style experience. If you purchase in the 55+ Jubilee community, you can access an amazing Lodge with fitness center, indoor pool, tennis courts, pickleball courts, and a 2.3 mile trail to a private beach.
Capitol City Golf Club in Lacey is a public course set in the city but feels like a picturesque, wooded environment. Known for its drier grounds and year-round playability,, the course offers a mix of challenging holes, tight fairways, and scenic views. It’s a favorite for those seeking a more fun and easy-to-enjoy golfing experience.
Tahoma Valley Golf Course in Yelm is a public course that feels like it’s nestled in the scenic countryside, yet it’s right outside of town. The 18-hole layout offers a mix of open and tree-lined fairways, with stunning views of Mount Rainier in the distance. It’s a popular destination for golfers looking to enjoy a peaceful round surrounded by nature.
Located in Lacey, Joe’s Golf offers a 38-acre facility with covered mats, a grass driving range, a chipping green, and a 3-hole practice course. Their comprehensive setup caters to golfers looking to improve their skills or enjoy casual practice sessions in a serene environment. This facility is ideal for beginners, families, kids, and seasoned players alike, offering something for everyone. I grew up playing this 3-hole practice for hours and hours when I’d visit as a young kid!
Located in Tumwater, this facility features a state-of-the-art Top Tracer range with 20 heated bays, allowing year-round practice. It also includes Power Tee, a covered driving range, and light food and drinks, making it a fun and casual spot for golfers of all levels. The owner, Jeff, has an unmatched passion and drive to make every visitor’s experience great. The batting cages add an extra layer of recreational opportunities, making it a versatile destination.
Located in Tumwater, The Golf Loft provides an indoor golf simulator with options for coaching, lessons, and club fitting. This facility offers golf leagues, private events, and memberships, ensuring that golfers can practice and refine their game no matter the weather. Its state-of-the-art setup makes it a go-to location for both beginners and experienced golfers.
Located on Steamboat Peninsula (about 10 minutes west of Olympia) you’ll find an old-school, laid-back driving range that is coin-operated. There are covered bays for 3-4 golfers and an old car to aim for around the 150-yard mark. This spot is great if you want an easy, relaxing environment to swing your clubs in a t-shirt and shorts, or to bring the kids to teach them how to hit the ball.
Just outside Thurston County, Salish Cliffs is an 18-hole championship course offering stunning Pacific Northwest views and a challenging layout. The course is Salmon-Safe certified and features GPS-enabled carts, a driving range, and a full-service restaurant. Golfers appreciate its world-class facilities and the feeling of seclusion during their rounds.
Located in DuPont, The Home Course offers a walkable layout with panoramic views of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and Mount Rainier. Cooperatively owned and operated by the Pacific Northwest Golf Association and Washington Golf (WA Golf), it’s consistently ranked as one of the best public courses in Washington. The course is known for its accessibility and high-quality playing experience.
Situated near Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Eagle’s Pride Golf Course features 27 holes of championship golf. Known for its scenic beauty and well-maintained fairways, it’s a favorite among locals and visitors. The absence of homes around the course ensures a pure golfing experience, complemented by stunning views of Mount Rainier.
Living in a golf course home in Olympia offers a unique combination of luxury living and outdoor recreation. With stunning views, world-class courses, and a vibrant community, it’s an excellent choice for both golf enthusiasts and those who simply appreciate a beautiful, well-maintained environment.
As the demand for golf course homes in Olympia continues to grow, now is an excellent time to consider investing in your own piece of golfing paradise. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or would like to start your search for the perfect golf course home in Olympia.
When searching for your ideal golf course home, consider:
Navigating the golf course real estate market can be complex. Working with a knowledgeable real estate agent who specializes in golf course properties can help you find the perfect home to suit your needs and lifestyle. I’m always available to share my extensive knowledge of the Thurston County area and it’s amenities. I have been the agent or co-agent on over 100 transactions over the last three years, provided marketing and photography for real estate agents and brokerages for 14 years, and was the photographer for all Thurston County tourism efforts for 7 years. Combining those experiences, I know I can provide you with a blueprint to success in your next home purchase or sale. Call or Text me on my cell phone at (509) 429.4567, or email me at Nate@VirgilAdamsRE.com. If you want to know why I have a (509) number, feel free to read my bio, or just ask!
Golf course communities offer scenic views, access to golfing amenities, well-maintained landscaping, and occasionally additional recreational facilities like pools or tennis courts.
Yes, golf course homes tend to be pricier due to their desirable location, views, and access to amenities.
No, many residents enjoy the scenery and amenities without being avid golfers themselves.
All of our golf options in Thurston County are great, each offering a different experience. Olympia Golf & Country Club, Capitol City Golf Club, Hawks Prairie Woodlands, and Tumwater Valley Golf Club are personally my four most frequented courses.
Golf course homes often maintain higher property values due to their desirable location and amenities.
Potential drawbacks include lack of privacy, noise from golfers, and the risk of stray golf balls.
Yes, most golf course communities have homeowners associations that maintain common areas and enforce community guidelines.
This depends on the specific community’s rules. Some allow rentals, while others may have restrictions.
Many golf course communities are family-friendly, offering safe environments and recreational amenities for all ages.
Insurance rates may be higher due to increased risks like stray golf balls, but this varies by insurer and location.
Consider factors like proximity to the course, view, potential noise, and community amenities beyond golf.
Many modern golf courses prioritize sustainability, but water usage and chemical treatments can be environmental concerns.
Seasonal changes can impact views, activity levels, and maintenance routines in golf course communities.
This varies by community. Some courses are private for residents only, while others may offer public access.
Nate brings a rich tapestry of experience to real estate, from his early days working at his family’s marina in Olympia to building a successful media business. As a former EMT, baseball coach, and entrepreneur, he’s worn many hats – but his guiding principle has remained constant: selflessness. Whether he’s helping families find their perfect home or guiding sellers through a successful sale, Nate combines his marketing expertise, local knowledge, and commitment to putting clients first. When he’s not serving clients, you’ll find him spending time with his wife Stephanie and their two daughters, EmmyLou and June.
