GIG HARBOR. Bring your camera to this exquisitely beautiful course. Plush fairways, always well manicured, are narrow and lined with a number of trees. Mounded, undulating, sloping ­ all terms can be used to describe the demanding greens, which are typically fast and always in great condition. Roll a few putts first to get the feel for the test ahead of you. Only a few bunkers and water hazards come into play. Still, the course is quite challenging.

OLYMPIA. Don't spray it off the tee on this course because out-of-bounds zones border most of the fairways. While the landing areas can be generous, a couple of fairway bunkers will make you think. Shot placement is important as well, for a few overhanging trees can affect several shots. The quick greens are protected by a number of yawning bunkers, so par becomes a good score if you don't get on in regulation.

SPANAWAY. Highlighted by the scenery and a breathtaking view of nearby Mount Rainier, this course was built on rolling terrain that leads to well-mounded greens. Off the tee, you'll find generous fairways, but accurate approach shots will be needed to prevent long and difficult putts; just hitting the greens doesn't guarantee par. Water comes into play several times on this course as well.

BREMERTON. This lengthy course features some long, demanding holes but also presents opportunities for low scores. Incredibly scenic, these fairways are in perfect condition and provide ample room. Greens, though well maintained, are on the small side and are surrounded by gaping bunkers requiring careful shot selection on approaches. Once on these greens, you'll find they're extremely fast and contain some tricky breaks.

MUKILTEO. Featuring two distinctly different nines, this outstanding course is an excellent choice. The front nine is relatively flat and typically wet due to the proximity of the surrounding wetlands. As you make the turn, you're greeted by rolling hills and changes in elevation, which offer more scenic views of the area and of neighboring Puget Sound. These greens are large and sloping, so accurate approach shots will help you avoid the lengthy putts that can often be found here.