The golf industry – like most businesses around the country – has taken its share of hits in the last few years with the worldwide economic slump. This downturn, however, has a silver lining for golfers. Some of the best golf courses and country clubs are loosening the reigns and adjusting their qualifications for membership. One prestigious golf club in Washington State is a shining example of what’s available.
The stately Tacoma Country & Golf Club is the oldest private golf club west of the Mississippi River. With its roots dating back more than a century, TCGC has long been the standard for golf excellence in the Pacific Northwest. According to General Manager Josh Bridge, the Tacoma Country & Golf Club is soliciting for new memberships for the first time. The par 72, 18-hole championship course measures 6,686 yards, and offers any of three basic membership options:
- The Country Club membership is basically a non-golfing membership with access to the swimming pool, fitness center, and restaurant.
- The Intermediate Golfing membership is for those under 40 years of age. They can amortize their initiation fee until age 45, and become full members at that time.
- The Resident Golfing membership is for those who have full membership and are voting members of the club.
“Since TCGC does not make tee times and the Intermediate and Resident members have unlimited golfing privileges,” says Bridge, who adds, “our golf professionals generally get members out on the course within twenty minutes. Also, Tacoma Country & Golf Club limits outside tournaments so that the course stays open for members. Our golf course is ready and waiting when you want to play.”
A few other amenities that potential members might want to know about include the fact that TCGC is one of the driest winter courses in the Pacific Northwest, due to its natural drainage system. Also available: A bunkered chipping green, a 10,000 square-foot putting green, and a 110-yard practice hole with bunkers and a regulation green. The sizable driving range lets members practice on turf all year round.
Après golf, enjoy high-quality meals in the gracious clubhouse overlooking American Lake. Both fine dining and casual fare are available in the clubhouse that offers three dining rooms and two lounges.
For more details about membership specials, contact Josh Bridge at 253-588-2161. Visit the Tacoma Country & Golf Club web site at http://www.golftcgc.com/.

Rick Stedman is an avid golfer, RVer, and writer who lives in Olympia, Washington. Rick writes a golf column, “The RV Golfer,” which is published every month in rvlife.com. He can be reached at rstedman@gmail.com.
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