Fontenelle in Bellevue proof that
nature, golf can co-exist

Who says nature and golf courses can’t live together with peace?

Fontenelle Hills Golf Course in northeast Bellevue proves once again that nature can
serve as one of the top attractions to an older course.

Cut into the forest, where thousands of trees serve as the home for nature’s friends, sits a short 18- hole course with enough challenges at a can’t-be-beat rate.

About 4,500 yards long, Fontenelle Hills only measures out to a par 66, but the major hills and valleys add length to the course and require added precision.

Some blind tee shots (which typically require a mid- to long-iron play) and elevated greens force a trust in the basics of your golf swing.

The course isn’t as sharp as others in terms of manicured care, but the greens are clean and soft enough to reward well-placed approach shots.

That also means some slower greens in the mix as well, depending on moisture, but the adjustment is a simple one.

You’ll no doubt encounter odd lies thanks to the hills and obstructed views thanks to the trees, so creativity is a premium. (The course employees are courteous enough to offer some posted advice on distances to the landing areas on some of the shorter par 4s.)

Watch out for No. 11, where it looks as a tree is hoarding over the green; in fact, it’s on the
green, about 10 feet from the front, right edge.

Not to worry, it’s fair. In between golf shots, the view is terrific. The tallest trees in the area isolate you from other golfers, some of nature’s wind, and the big-city traffic.         

Our recommendation: grab a few bucks, take a cart and challenge your creativity.

A closer look
The only par 5 of the bunch is No. 16, a 448-yard hole that opens with a blind tee shot, then carries along a steep embankment on one side and trees on the other. It’s rated the second hardest hole on the course, in part because of its two-tiered green.

The only shot requiring a carry over water is No. 17, a 157-yard par 3.

The hardest hole based on handicap is No. 1, a dogleg right that carries up the hill to a big green.

At 373 yards, it’s the second longest hole on the course, and easily the longest par 4.

Some of the par 4s are reachable from the tee; two of the 10 are 245 yards or shorter, and another five are shorter than 337 yards. A few holes provide extremely tempting and risky doglegs, and because the approach is generally shorter than usual, it’s best to just lay-up off the tee.

Nos. 5 and 12, in particular, come to mind, but it is possible to play a draw or fade to set up a better second shot.

The fairways are greened up and in good shape, and the greens held the approach shots, making it fun to seek out the pins.