I can't begin to count how many times I've come to this course during their posted driving range hours, only to be told that the range is closing early, or already closed. On multiple occasions this has happened well over two hours before the hours listed online and on the sign at the front door which clearly says "driving range closes at 4pm". It's incredibly frustrating to drive 20 minutes one way expecting the range to be open, only to find out otherwise. The lack of consistency is disappointing and reflects poor customer service. If hours are going to change regularly, they need to be updated accurately so customers aren't wasting their time. read more

Played Avalon this weekend. Had really nice weather for the first week of October. The course is in good shape. They have 27 holes and we played the North & South nines. Course is nothing fancy and it's pretty short (I want to say 2,700-2,800 yards from the whites for each of the nines we played). The beverage cart came through five or six times, which is probably the most I've ever experienced. The beers were cheap - $2 for a 12 oz Rainier and $4 for a 12 oz Bodhizafa. I used my prepaid round through the Around the Sound golf pass, so I don't know what the green fees are. The staff we encountered were all friendly - pro shop, starter, beverage cart, marshal. One thing I really liked was that they had a "warm up" bucket for the driving range. For most courses, the smallest bucket has 40-50 balls, but the "warm up" bucket had about 20, which is perfect if I want to shake off the morning rust. I don't need to hit fifty balls before my round, so it was nice to not have to pay for a larger bucket. It's definitely a course I'd play again if I were in the area. read more

We were so unimpressed with Avalon today. We arrived 30 minutes early for our tee time and got a medium bucket of balls to warm up. We spent those 30 minutes waiting for a spot to open up on the driving range, and ended up never getting to hit any of the balls we purchased. We went to ask for a refund and return the balls and were told to ask after the round. When we went back in to ask, the man at the Pro Shop said he didn't know how to use the computer and couldn't give us a refund. He also wasn't wearing a mask. Now for the course - it was short (as mentioned in previous reviews) and in good condition, and that's the only think saving this review from 1 star. Our round took over 5 hours and we didn't see a Marshal once (on a Saturday afternoon, mind you). We went into the Pro shop after and the excuse we were given was, "it's a busy day, what are you going to do?" and were offered no sort of refund or rain check. Additionally, the beverage cart came once in the 5+ hour span we were there and they were out of most popular beers. What this course needs is 1) a better tee time scheduling system so that you're not waiting on every hole 2) a marshal who can help keep play moving. I am so excited this round of golf is over and we will certainly not be returning. read more

Nice course but not as nice as expected. Helpful and friendly staff. Good snack bar. When we played the course wasn't very crowded so we played fast with no waiting. read more

Great course, great condition specially for spring. Nice staff, 3 different 9 hole options they can set you up on

Best golf course north of Seattle. Great experience, beautiful scenery and good food. This course is a 10, if bunkers were in better shape it would be an 11. Staff are great too read more

Avalon Golf Links is a 27 hole golf course that sits on top of a bluff overlooking Skagit County farmland. A few holes have scenic views of the farming valley below - most others wind through the trees. In the summer, this golf course plays firm and fast. There isn't much rough to speak of and the largest hazard is usually the out-of-bounds forest and wetlands. Water comes into play on only a few holes. The sand bunkers are well maintained although the actual quality of the sand isn't of the same quality as high-end courses. Greens are mix of Bent and Poa-Annua. They are average in size but are fast and undulating making for some challenging putts. The down hill putts will get away from you if you are not careful. Several of the holes dog-leg making for some awkward tee shots if you play too far up. This course has an extra set of green tees which will make for better play if you can drive the ball 250 yards. A grass driving range is available for warm-up. Avalon has a moderate amount of challenge and is somewhat expensive, but the good maintenance and fun layout is a good bet for your weekend foursome. read more

Two great aspects of this course each earn a star in my mind. 1. The customer service is great. The staff is wonderful, from the marshal to the starter to the pro shop crew. The other star goes to the greens. Fast, true, they hold, and are in great shape. But for me, that's where is ends. To me, I feel like 27 holes was placed on a chunk of land where they should have built a true championship 18 hole golf course. Holes are short and in many cases, crazy tight with little room to miss. When playing the west course, we were advised to leave the driver in the bag. That is very true. It's tight. It has some character, but you get to a hole thinking, "seriously?" The south course, being the longer course is longer, but still not a ton of room and really not that long. Apparently the north course is a mix of both, long and short. One thing I noticed is that there were more female golfers here than male golfers, which is not a bad thing at all. It's cool to see...but it's not a typical thing one sees on a course. So, when I was out on course, I started looking...the sight lines and the views of the course are better from the forward tees. And in all, the sheer joy of the course actually is probably better for shorter hitters from the forward tees. From the back tees, it's hard to know where you're aiming. On many holes, if it wasn't for the 150 barber pole, one would have no idea where to go. So, if you're a senior golfer teeing it forward or a female golfer, this could actually be a very challenging and enjoyable course! The fairways were in below average condition with weeds and invasive grasses and the rough...where there is rough (many holes have very little rough at all...it's fairway..then garbage) was dry and dormant (granted we have had a record dry summer). The fairways aren't level or flat, so we had quite a few odd bounces when the ball was hit safely in play. As mentioned earlier, the greens are beautiful. Robert Muir Graves is the architect. In fact, he's one heck of an architect...the same guy who built the stunning Big Meadow Golf course and Widgi Creek in Central Oregon, or Palouse Ridge, and so many others including well respected private courses. But in my opinion, he really failed on this one. This course is nothing like those courses, and unfortunately to pay $54 to play a course where I can't pull out my driver for most of the round, nor see the beauty of an open fairway ahead of me from the tees just isn't my cup of tea. I played here 10 years ago and remember thinking that other courses in Skagit and Whatcom are just more enjoyable to play. I tried it again and left feeling the same way I did the first time. In my opinion, there are just better courses a little further north that are true championship courses for about the same price. read more

Played here last year,going again this year,love the course,great food,just wish the Roman spa was open.

Pretty happy with this course after playing it two weekends in a row. The course is in great condition, even with a little bit of rain that we've had recently. The greens are FAST...makes you really pay attention when chipping and putting. The courses are laid out well, good mix of challenging and easier holes. The staff is always friendly, the food at the café is above average for what you normally get at a small golf course shop. The only issue was that they still don't have a drink cart out...it's May! Yikes! A little pricey but I'd pay it for the quality of golf. Overall though, I'll be back, very happy with Avalon! read more

Great round of golf today with a friend. We will probably play again tomorrow if the weather holds. Greens are a little fast for us but the course is fun. read more

One of my favorite rounds of the year. Not the best one played but that wasn't the course's fault. The club house great and with nice staff. We played the North/West side, teed off around 0730 and were done by 11 on a Sunday. Good mix of holes. Long holes, mixed with benders and trees and water, sand was decent. Fairways although I didn't see many personally my buddies all said they were nice. Greens in great shape! I live next to Harbor Pointe and given the choice I'd rather drive out to Mt. Vernon. I'll be back again for sure. read more

I really enjoyed the golf here. The club house needs some work; ok lots of work

The best public course for the money. The staff is great and the cafe has great food at a reasonable price. The course is always well maintained. Its a public course with a private country club atmosphere. read more

The course is great. A well kept top notch course in the area. I liked the driving range. If I could hit farther than 250 it would be to short but I can't. A great summer course. read more

Starting on West and going to North is a perfect day at Avalon. The crew has added sand so the course is not muddy and the greens are well kept. I appreciate the staff and their kindness. Great food, try the chili fries in the restaurant! read more

Just completed a 5 and half hour round. No marshal to enforce pace of play we will not be returning even though course was in great shape. We played 3 other courses this weekend and had no issues with pace of play. read more

Had fun. First time at Avalon. It was challenging for me (15 index. ) The fairways are on wider side and both fairways and greens are in good condition. Easy to walk. Went with foursome on a weekday and didn't really run into other players, that is, it wasn't busy. Not far from I-5, but out in the boon docks, so, no urban noise and very clean air. Good course. read more

Avalon is a pristine NW golf course that offers a very golf-centric experience. No houses or buildings anywhere on the course which make it feel very private and tranquil. The course layout is great and the views are nice too! Staff is always friendly and make sure to grab some of their delicious waffle fries in the restaurant! read more

Awesome, friendly staff. Country club feeling of welcome without the snobery. Fast firm conditions. Great greens. With 27 holes and all day stay and play, why go anywhere else? Sound like I work for them? I don't. Just a fan. Another kudo they deserve is always doing something to get better. Cons: a lot of Tourneys in the summer, and firm bunkers. read more

This is a great and fun golf course to play. The greens on this course are in great shape and the greens keeper needs to be complemented on his diligence. The amount of drainage they have done on this course keeps the fairways in great shape all year long. It is a great place to set up a tournament. The staff is amazing and the restaurant excellent. The 27 hole layout provides a unique experience for each of the three nines. If you live in western Washington you need to play this track. read more