West at Avalon Links

Avalon Links' West Course in Burlington, Washington, is a Robert Muir Graves design situated in the Skagit Valley of northwestern Washington State. Graves, a prolific California-based architect active from the 1950s through the 1990s, designed numerous courses throughout the western United States, often working within budget constraints to create playable layouts for public and semi-private facilities. The West Course reflects his practical approach to golf design, emphasizing strategic variety and accessibility for a range of skill levels.

The course occupies relatively flat terrain characteristic of the Skagit Valley agricultural region, with views toward the Cascade Mountains to the east and the Olympic Range to the west on clear days. The routing takes advantage of the site's natural drainage patterns and incorporates water features that come into play on several holes. Graves typically favored straightforward bunkering and greens with modest undulation, allowing maintenance crews to keep conditions consistent without excessive resources.

Burlington sits roughly midway between Seattle and the Canadian border along Interstate 5, making Avalon Links a convenient stop for golfers traveling the corridor or exploring the Skagit Valley's tulip fields and agricultural attractions. The facility serves both local members and daily-fee players, offering a traditional Pacific Northwest golf experience without the dramatic elevation changes found in courses closer to the mountains. The West Course provides a solid test of accuracy and course management within a tranquil rural setting.