As the gorgeous Pacific Northwest summer rolls on, you may have gotten the urge to hit the links, but not known all your golfing options in the Bothell-Kenmore area. From the cost-conscious beginning golfer to the scratch handicapper looking for a challenge, there is a course for everyone within a short drive of the city and a chance to get out and enjoy a nice summer’s day on the links, while it lasts.

WAYNE GOLF COURSE, BOTHELL

• Address: 16721 96th Ave. N.E.

• Phone: (425) 486-4714

• Web site: None

• Year opened: 1931

• Designer: Al Smith

• Rates: $23-$26 for 18 holes weekdays/weekends, $14 on Monday/Wednesday before noon. Senior/junior rates available.

Par 65 — 4,326/4,237 yards.

• Did you know?: Wayne is home to what is believed to be the shortest par 4 in the state, the 172-yard 12th hole. A dogleg-right, the green sits on a plateau above the Sammamish Slough around a cluster of trees and is extremely difficult to reach in one shot.

Description: This short 18-holer on Bothell Way is the definition of basic golf, but it’s a great course for kids, seniors, beginners, those learning the game and anyone that is looking for a more relaxed environment to take some hacks. Measuring just 4,326 yards from the back tees and a par 66, Wayne is very popular for family golf outings, but has some holes that will challenge any level golfer. The Sammamish Slough winds through the course and comes into play on a number of holes. Except for a few holes on the front nine, the course is very flat and walkable.

INGLEWOOD GOLF CLUB, KENMORE

• Address: 6505 Inglewood Road N.E.

• Phone: (425) 488-7000

• Web site: www.inglewoodgolfclub.com

• Year opened: 1923

• Designer: A.V. Macan

• Rates: Private club, members and guests only

Par 73 — 6,731/6,460/6,150/5,176 yards

• Signature hole: No. 18, 508-yard par 5. This great finishing hole features a tight, downhill drive and an approach to a well-protected green over a beautiful water hazard containing a fountain, with Inglewood’s stately clubhouse in the background.

• Did you know?: Inglewood is one of the oldest golf courses in the state and has hosted many professional tournaments including the GTE Northwest Classic from 1987-1995.

Description: This beautiful, immaculately groomed facility features tree-lined fairways and spectacular views of Lake Washington. It is an equity (member-owned) golf club, where members buy a share of a club when they purchase membership, and also get equity back at resignation. “With the economic downturn, non-essential spending habits affect clubs and typically, entrance fees are lower,” explained clubhouse manager Karen Peterson. “It’s a buyer’s market for those looking to join a club.” For more information about Inglewood Golf Club contact Peterson at igc@inglewoodgolfclub.com.

WILLOWS RUN GOLF CLUB, REDMOND

• Address: 10402 Willows Road N.E.

• Phone: (425) 883-1200

• Web site: www.willowsrun.com

• Year opened: 1994

• Designer: Ted Locke

• Rates: $42-$56 weekdays-weekends, early bird, twilight rates and membership specials available.

• Facilities: Covered and heated driving range, two putting greens with chipping areas, full-service pro shop with lessons, Fire Creek Bar and Grill

COURSES

• Coyote Creek: Par 72 — 6,344/5,826/5,441 yards.

Signature hole: No. 18 — 499-yard par 5. A great risk-reward finishing hole, a long drive gives the player an opportunity to reach the green in two, but approach is all carry over a large water hazard containing a beautiful fountain.

• Eagle’s Talon: Par 72 — 6,803/6,238/5,763 yards

Signature hole: No. 17 — 174-yard par 3. Three-tiered island green surrounded by four bunkers demands pinpoint accuracy. Miss the green and scramble for a bogey.

• Did you know?: Willows was built on property intended to be a dairy farm, making the course very walkable. The facility features a total of 63 holes of golf including a nine-hole par-3 layout, and an 18-hole themed putting course.

Description: Just a 10-minute drive from downtown Bothell, this facility is one of the state’s busiest during the summer months. The diminutive trees that were planted back when this course opened have filled out considerably, and the tight layout rewards accuracy off the tee. With a par-3 layout and putting course, Willows has something for the whole family.

BALLINGER LAKE GOLF COURSE, MOUNTLAKE TERRACE

• Address: 23000 Lakeview Drive

• Phone: (425) 697-4653

• Web site: www.ballingerlakegolf.com

• Year opened: 1958, remodeled in 1999

• Designer: Bill Overdorf

• Rates: $20-$23 for 18 holes weekdays-weekends, early bird, twilight and senior/junior rates available.

Par 34 — 2,564/2,408/2,267 yards

• Did you know?: This course underwent a $1.7 million-dollar renovation in 1999-2000, improving drainage and adding a number of hazards to increase difficulty.

Description: This nine-holer isn’t much farther than a short jaunt up Bothell Way in Kenmore in Mountlake Terrace, and if you haven’t been out here since the renovation, it is worth another visit. The course is in fantastic shape for the amount of play it receives and offers a peaceful setting along the northern shore of Lake Ballinger.

NILE GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB, MOUNTLAKE TERRACE

• Address: 6601 244th St. S.W.

• Phone: (425) 776-5154

• Web site: www.nilegolf.com

• Year opened: 1968

• Designer: Norman H. Woods

• Rates: $28-$33 for 18 holes weekdays-weekends, twilight, early bird, senior/junior rates available.

Facilities: Putting green, pro shop, Oasis Restaurant and Bar

Par 67 — 5,001/4,766/4,362 yards

• Did you know?: The Nile facility, located just off Interstate 5 (exit 177), is 93 acres in total and specializes in hosting business meetings, banquets, parties, weddings and seminars.

Description: This course exemplifies “target golf” as it is not very long, with no par 5s and most par 4s being 300-350 yards, but there are plenty of hazards to deal with. Nile also features a relatively hilly terrain and small greens. Lake Ballinger comes into play on several holes.