It is old. Like, really old. When you drive through the gates of the Tacoma Country and Golf Club in Lakewood, you aren’t just entering a private park; you’re stepping into a piece of Pacific Northwest history that dates back to 1894. Most people don’t realize this is actually the oldest golf club in the United States west of the Mississippi River. That’s a massive claim to fame for a spot tucked away in a quiet corner of Pierce County.
But history is just the start.
Honestly, the "Tacoma" part of the name is a bit of a misnomer today because the club is firmly rooted in Lakewood, right on the banks of American Lake. It shifted locations in its early years before settling into its current 160-acre home in 1904. Back then, members took a trolley to get there. Now, it’s a hub for local families, serious golfers, and people who just want a decent steak with a view of the water.
The Golf Course: More Than Just Grass
If you’re a golfer, you know the name Stanley Thompson. He’s the legendary Canadian architect who redesigned the course in the early 20th century. While many modern courses feel like they were carved out with a massive bulldozer and a lot of ego, the layout here feels organic. It follows the natural "prairie" undulations of the Lakewood area.
The greens are fast. Really fast. Ask anyone who has played a tournament there, and they’ll tell you about the subtle breaks that can ruin a scorecard in a heartbeat. It’s a par-72 championship course that stretches over 6,900 yards from the back tees. It doesn't rely on gimmicks. Instead, it uses massive, ancient Douglas firs to frame the fairways. If you hit it crooked, you're punching out from under a tree. Simple as that.
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One thing that surprises people is the lack of water hazards on the actual course. Despite being right next to American Lake, the water stays off the fairways. The challenge comes from the bunkering and the sheer precision required on the approach shots. It’s the kind of place where you can play 100 times and still find a new way to mess up the 13th hole.
Not Your Grandpa’s Stuff Only
There’s this weird stereotype that country clubs are just for retirees in plaid pants. At Tacoma Country and Golf Club, that's kinda falling away. You see a lot of younger families now. The club has leaned heavily into its "family-centric" identity over the last decade. They have a massive swimming pool that stays packed all summer, and the junior golf program is legitimately one of the best in the state.
They also have a fitness center and tennis courts—though pickleball is starting to take over some of that headspace, just like it is everywhere else. The real draw for the non-golfers, though, is the lake access.
Life on American Lake
Having a private dock on American Lake is a huge flex in Lakewood. The club has its own waterfront area where members can launch boats, go for a swim, or just hang out on the lawn. It changes the whole vibe of the place. It stops being just a "golf club" and starts feeling more like a summer resort.
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During the Fourth of July, the place is electric. Fireworks over the lake, kids running around, the smell of the grill—it’s classic Americana. But it's also quiet. On a random Tuesday in October, you can sit by the window in the dining room and watch the mist roll off the water. It’s peaceful.
The dining side of things is handled by a professional culinary team that moves between casual "turn" food (the quick stuff you grab between nines) and high-end dinners. They do a lot of weddings and corporate events because, frankly, there aren't many places in the South Sound with that kind of backdrop.
Membership Realities and Misconceptions
Let’s talk about the "private" part. Yes, you need an invitation. Yes, there are initiation fees and monthly dues. It’s an investment. But unlike some of the hyper-exclusive clubs in Seattle or Bellevue, the Tacoma Country and Golf Club feels a bit more "Lakewood." It’s successful people, sure, but there’s a distinct lack of pretension compared to what you might find at a place like Broadmoor or Seattle Golf Club.
There are different tiers of membership:
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- Regular Golf: Full access to everything.
- Intermediate: For the younger crowd (usually under 40) who are still building their careers.
- Social: For people who want the food, the pool, and the lake but don't care about hitting a little white ball.
A common misconception is that you have to be a scratch golfer to join. You don't. You just have to appreciate the culture. The club has a very active women’s division and various "twilight" leagues that are more about the social aspect than the competitive one.
Why Location Matters
Lakewood itself is an interesting spot. It’s the gateway to Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), so you get a mix of military leadership, longtime local business owners, and doctors from the nearby medical centers. The club sits in the "Lakes District," which is arguably the most scenic part of the city.
Being right off I-5 but tucked behind residential gates means it’s accessible for people commuting from Olympia or Tacoma. It serves as a neutral ground where deals get done and families spend their Saturdays.
The club has survived the Great Depression, two World Wars, and several economic crashes. It stays relevant because it adapts. When the "old guard" wanted strictly formal dining, they had it. When the new generation wanted a casual bar to watch the Seahawks game, they built it.
Actionable Steps for the Curious
If you’re actually thinking about checking the place out, don’t just show up at the gate. It doesn’t work like that. Here is how you actually navigate the process:
- Find a Sponsor: You likely know someone who is already a member. If you don't, look through your professional network. The club usually requires a few members to vouch for you.
- Request a Tour: You can contact the membership director. They are surprisingly chill. They’ll walk you through the locker rooms, the "1894" bar, and the grounds.
- Check the Social Calendar: If you’re not a golfer, ask to see the list of social events. If the wine tastings and holiday parties don't appeal to you, a social membership might be a waste of your money.
- Trial Rounds: Sometimes, prospective members can play a round with a current member to see if the course layout fits their game. It’s a long-term commitment, so make sure you actually like the greens.
The Tacoma Country and Golf Club isn't just a relic of the past. It’s a functioning, breathing part of the Lakewood community that offers a specific type of lifestyle you just can't find at a public park or a standard gym. Whether it's the history of the 1894 founding or the modern pull of American Lake, it remains the anchor of the local social scene.