Pros:
The essential properties that make a great course are more than apparent at SeaTac. The layout and course design of this northwest mammoth is absolutely amazing! Each hole brings an entirely new challenge with all its twists and turns, and well defined fairways. Baskets are in good condition, and the ones that break down over time are usually replaced or quickly repaired by the local club. Tee pads are all cement, level, appropriately sized, and in good shape.
The general course design is intentionally set up to have players beginning and ending in the same general vicinity (about a 5 minute walk to the parking lot from hole 18). Due to the sheer size of the course, the flow moves very smoothly for general and tournament play. Foliage maintenance is apparent most of the year, especially closer to the local tournaments such as the Jetwash Open and Cool Shoes Invitational. However, summertime play is increasingly difficult due to taller grass and thicker underbrush which make the fairways even tighter! Benches are few and far between, but are there, and there are a few trash bins near tee pad one but more would be nice.
Elevation is present and optimized periodically throughout, but nothing drastic considering SeaTac was originally a neighborhood development. The course is mainly flat and plays primarily down tight fairways well over 300-400 feet making pars rather difficult but not impossible. The distance of the front nine holes are 3,105 feet and the back nine 3,863 feet making the course distance total 6,968 feet! The first 10 holes is where it is crucial to get birdies since the holes are somewhat shorter and are a little more open. The back nine are much more challenging than the front due to even tighter fairways but mainly distance. The entire course at SeaTac unlike most, require accuracy and strategic shot selection at all times. Overall, this course is by far the most challenging in the state of Washington and is rarely crowded.
Regular events are scheduled at this course every 4th Sunday, starting at 9:00 am sharp. The monthly tournament is hosted by Chainbanger'z and costs $15 for pros, $12 for advanced, and $10 for intermediate. After the ace pot, they host a round of doubles.
Cons:
Although this course was very well thought out, and unlike any other in the state, many feel this course is a true par 60, not par 54. Reaching hole #12 as well as holes #14-18 in 3 throws is unrealistic for most who are not pro. To shoot under or even par is quite the feat!
Also, sometimes there are sketchy characters hanging out on or around the course just looking for trouble. There has been damage done to many of the tee signs and a few of the baskets so be on the lookout. Make sure your car is locked too, and that you don't leave any valuables in visible sight.
Other Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this course and even though it took a lot out of me physically as well as mentally, I was able to gain a lot of insight in to what it takes to play at the pro level. It is one of the best courses in the state if not the entire northwest, and the sound of the planes makes SeaTac all that more unique! At times, it sounded like I was going to get caught up in a whirl wind!