You’re driving down Colby Avenue, past the hospital and the rows of historic homes, and suddenly the world turns green. It’s a bit jarring. One second you're in the heart of a blue-collar city with a deep maritime soul, and the next, you're staring at the manicured gates of Everett Golf and Country Club.
Most people just drive by. They see the tall Douglas firs and the flash of a white golf cart and assume it's just another stuffy enclave. Honestly? They’re half right and half wrong. While the club carries that old-school weight—it was founded back in 1910, after all—the vibe inside has shifted lately. It’s less about the "Old Boys Club" stereotypes and more about a specific kind of Pacific Northwest community that’s hard to find in the era of sprawling, corporate mega-courses.
The Layout: Why This Course Plays Harder Than It Looks
If you look at the scorecard, you might chuckle. It’s a par 72, but it isn't a monster in terms of pure yardage. You aren't playing 7,500 yards of brutal, open links-style terrain here. Instead, Everett Golf and Country Club is a masterclass in "target golf."
The fairways are tight. Really tight.
Designed initially by the legendary Willie Tucker—a man who basically helped define what American golf looked like in the early 20th century—the course demands precision. If you’re a "grip it and rip it" kind of player who sprays the ball, you’re going to have a miserable afternoon. You’ll spend most of your time punching out from under massive, century-old trees.
The greens are the real story, though. Ask any regular, and they’ll tell you the same thing: stay below the hole. The slopes are deceptive. Because the club is nestled into the rolling hillside of the city, the "Everett Lean" is a real phenomenon. Putts that look straight will break toward the Port of Everett or the Snohomish River valley in ways that defy your initial read.
Ted Witschi, a name long associated with the club's history, and various PGA professionals who have swung through here, often point to the small, elevated green complexes as the great equalizer. You can outdrive your buddy by 50 yards, but if your wedge game is sloppy, the club will eat you alive.
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Not Just a 9-to-5 Course
One thing people get wrong is thinking this is a weekend-only spot. Because of its location—literally minutes from downtown Everett—it’s one of the few private clubs where members actually sneak out for a "quick six" after work. The routing allows for it. You don't have to commit five hours to the "big loop" if the sun is setting and you just need to clear your head.
The Membership Reality: Cost, Vibe, and the "Waitlist" Talk
Let’s talk money and access, because that’s usually where the mystery lies.
Being a private equity club means you aren't just a customer; you're technically an owner. That comes with perks, but also responsibilities. In the late 2010s, like many clubs, Everett saw a bit of a lull. But then 2020 happened. Suddenly, everyone wanted to be outside. The "COVID bump" hit Everett Golf and Country Club hard, and for a while, getting a membership was like trying to get front-row tickets to a Seahawks game.
Current membership structures usually fall into a few buckets:
- Regular/Equity Membership: This is the full-fat experience. Unlimited golf, voting rights, and full use of the clubhouse.
- Social Membership: For the folks who want the food and the pool but couldn't care less about a sand wedge.
- Junior Executive: A clever way to hook the 20-to-35-year-old crowd before they have "full-equity" money.
Is it expensive? Compared to a municipal course like Legion Memorial down the street? Absolutely. But compared to the elite Seattle clubs like Broadmoor or Seattle Golf Club? It’s a bargain. You’re paying for the lack of a five-hour round. You’re paying for the fact that the starter knows your name and your kid’s name.
The club has worked hard to shed the "stuffy" image. You’ll see more hoodies and joggers on the range now than you would have twenty years ago. It’s a reflection of Everett itself—a city that is rapidly gentrifying but still wants to keep its boots on the ground.
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Beyond the 18th Green: The Social Hub
If the golf is the heart of the Everett Golf and Country Club, the clubhouse is the lungs. It breathes life into the place during the rainy months. And let’s be real, this is Western Washington. It rains. A lot.
The dining room has undergone various refreshes to keep up with the "foodie" culture of the PNW. It’s not just iceberg wedges and overcooked steaks anymore. They’ve leaned into local sourcing—think Penn Cove mussels and Northwest salmon.
The pool area is a massive draw for families in the summer. If you’ve ever tried to find a clean, uncrowded public pool in Snohomish County in July, you know why people pay the initiation fees just for the water access. It becomes a pseudo-day camp for the "country club kids," which creates a generational loyalty that keeps the club solvent.
The "Willie Tucker" Legacy and Modern Maintenance
Willie Tucker Sr. didn't just build a course; he built a landscape.
Maintaining a course that's over 110 years old is a nightmare, frankly. You’re dealing with antiquated drainage systems and trees that are reaching the end of their natural lifespans. The grounds committee here has a bit of a tightrope walk. They have to modernize the bunkers and the irrigation without losing the "golden age" feel of the design.
In recent years, there’s been a push to return some of the sightlines to their original 1910 glory. This means removing some trees—which is always a controversial move in a city that loves its greenery. But for the sake of the turf, you need sunlight. The result has been a firmer, faster course that plays much more like a championship venue than a local park.
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What Most People Get Wrong About "The Everett Club"
There’s a misconception that you have to be a Boeing executive to walk through the doors.
While there are certainly plenty of C-suite types roaming the halls, the membership is surprisingly diverse in terms of profession. You’ve got lawyers and doctors, sure, but also a lot of small business owners, contractors, and multi-generational Everett families who have been members since the Truman administration.
It’s also surprisingly accessible for tournaments. While it is private, the club hosts numerous charitable events and high school matches. It’s not a fortress. It’s a community asset that happens to have a gate.
Thinking About Joining? Here Is the Playbook
If you’re staring at the fence wondering if it’s worth the jump, don't just cold-call the membership director and ask for a price list. That’s the wrong way to do it.
- Find a "Member Sponsor": This is a social game. Even if you don't think you know a member, you probably do. Check your LinkedIn or ask around your local business circle. The club thrives on referrals.
- Request a "Discovery Round": Most private clubs will let a serious prospective member play the course once (for a guest fee) to see if the culture fits.
- Evaluate the "Third Space": Don't just join for the golf. If you aren't going to use the gym, the pool, or the dining room, the ROI (Return on Investment) isn't there. A country club is meant to be your "third space"—the place between work and home.
- Check the Assessment History: Before signing any equity papers, ask about recent or upcoming capital assessments. If they’re planning a multi-million dollar clubhouse renovation next year, you’ll want to know that before you write the first check.
Everett Golf and Country Club remains a cornerstone of the city’s social fabric. It’s a place where deals are still made over 18 holes and where kids still learn to swim while their parents have a quiet dinner. It isn't the most famous course in the state, but for those who play it every morning at 7:00 AM, it’s the only one that matters.
Actionable Steps for the Interested Golfer
- Visit the official website to view the current membership categories, as these shift based on capacity.
- Audit your golf game. If you’re a high-handicapper, look into their teaching pro programs. The narrow fairways at Everett will punish you, and you’ll want a local expert to help you navigate the "Everett Lean."
- Attend a public-facing charity event. Keep an eye on local Snohomish County non-profit calendars; many host their annual scrambles here, giving you a "low-stakes" way to see the facilities.
- Compare the commute. If you live in Marysville or Mukilteo, the proximity of this club vs. driving to Woodinville or Redmond for a private experience is the single biggest factor in your "quality of life" calculation.