The Oldest Golf Course in Washington: Tacoma Country & Golf Club (Est. 1894)
- Northwest Links
- Apr 24
- 2 min read
Updated: May 13
If you’ve ever played a round in Washington and felt a little awestruck by the trees, the misty air, or that faint sense of history hanging over the fairways - well, you’re not imagining it. Washington golf has deep roots. And nowhere are they deeper than at Tacoma Country & Golf Club, the oldest golf course in the state and one of the oldest west of the Mississippi.
Where Washington Golf Was Born
Founded way back in 1894, Tacoma Country & Golf Club (TCGC) predates most Washington cities even getting their first paved roads. It was established by a group of ambitious local businessmen - railroad tycoons, lumber barons, and civic leaders - who were captivated by the Scottish game making waves across the Atlantic. The original nine holes were laid out near American Lake in what’s now Lakewood, about 15 minutes south of Tacoma. And while much has changed since the club’s founding days (horses were once part of the commute), that lakeside location remains one of the most peaceful, scenic settings you’ll find anywhere in the Pacific Northwest.
A Course That’s Seen It All
Over the years, Tacoma Country & Golf Club has been home to a whole lot of firsts. This isn’t just where Washington golf started - it’s where it started to matter.
It’s hosted multiple state amateur championships, collegiate events, and top-tier qualifiers.
The club’s early members helped establish the Washington State Golf Association in 1922.
Golfing legends like Chandler Egan and JoAnne Carner walked its fairways.
It played a key role in shaping the early identity of competitive golf in the Pacific Northwest.
You could argue the whole scene we enjoy today - from municipal gems to PNW championship courses - is built on the tee boxes of TCGC.
What It’s Like Today
So what’s it like to tee it up at the oldest golf course in Washington?
In a word: timeless.
The course has been modernized but never lost its soul. Expect:
Mature, tree-lined fairways that demand smart shot placement
Walkable terrain that invites you to slow down and enjoy the views
Gorgeous vistas of American Lake, especially on the back nine
A layout that’s challenging but fair - ideal for repeat play
While TCGC is still a private club, its influence stretches far beyond the gates. Even if you have never set foot on the course, TCGC has already shaped the rounds you play all over the state. It’s the blueprint.
TCGC’s Lasting Legacy
Washington golf didn’t just appear—it was built.
And Tacoma Country & Golf Club laid the foundation. Every PNW golfer who’s felt that spark - walking a fairway surrounded by towering evergreens, chasing birdies in the drizzle, or swapping stories after a round - owes a quiet nod to this place.
So next time you're lining up a putt at a favorite public track, or planning a summer trip to Chambers or Gamble, remember: it all started right here, on the shores of American Lake, in a little golf club founded back in 1894.
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