A place for community, comradery … and a great round of golf! By Jillian Chandler | Photo By Nate Graves of In-Gear Media
It was 1954 when four gentlemen (Parker Buck, Ed Allen, Bill Bowers and Walter Hogan) gathered for a dinner meeting at the Wollochet Community Club and decided to build a golf course. Another meeting soon ensued in which they discussed their proposal with friends. It was quickly decided to enlist others by selling membership shares of $500 each. The men would sell 127 memberships, and that same year, Artondale Golf & Country Club was incorporated; the course would open in 1961. Artondale Golf & Country Club would change names in 1982 to Gig Harbor Golf & Country Club. It would be renamed once more to what it is known as today—the Gig Harbor Golf Club.
You will find Gig Harbor’s best-kept golf secret situated in the tranquil Artondale neighborhood. The member-owned facility offers comradery and togetherness; something you don’t traditionally find at your typical public facilities. “The course was built by hard-working blue-collar fishermen of the ‘50s and ‘60s, and that remains the soul of the property," says Jake Gregus, Club Director. “You don’t have to look far to find a friend or helping hand in this fun little community.”
Golfing members have ownership in the club, providing a unique social, family friendly community of members who take pride in the course and facilities. “Many refer to GHGC as their safe haven, where they are able to unwind from the daily grind of life. GHGC provides a great happy medium between a very inclusive country club and the more casual environment of public golf course experiences,” states Jake.
After struggling with membership numbers for years and facing economic shortages, Gig Harbor Golf Club experienced a historic influx of membership applications in response to the pandemic. “The influx of new members, and dues revenue generated by this, has allowed us to invest more in the level of professional staff to meet the service expectations and needs of the membership, along with providing the opportunity to implement many of the long-range capital projects around the course and our facilities,” affirms Kim Titus, Board President.
“We hired Jake Gregus as our Club Director in March of 2021 to help set the standard in operations and work with the Board of Trustees to ensure the longevity of GHGC and to bring the amenities and changes that would surely impress new and old members alike,” states Kim.
Club members have full access to a quality golf course practice facility, with teaching professionals available to assist members with their game. Offering Men, Women and Junior Programs, they encourage and engage all members of the family to enjoy the game of golf. In addition, GHGC holds a strong social calendar with both golf and non-golf events that attract members of all ages to be able to enjoy the facilities—both inside at the newly updated event space or outside on the patios—both offering incredible views of Mt. Rainier.
“We have a fun, laid-back social atmosphere with plenty of fun social gatherings throughout the season that bring members together,” says Jake. “The members and staff at GHGC do a great job of welcoming the new members and helping them get the information they are seeking.”
Both members and staff are excited for the newly remodeled clubhouse, last done in 2011, with continued facility upgrades including flooring, lighting and furniture. The Pro Shop was recently renovated offering an attractive environment, inclusive of new golf merchandise, clothing and accessories. A golf simulator featuring 700 courses was added for members to practice.
When it comes to what members cherish most about being a part of this wonderful club, Jake believes it's that it reflects the friendliness of the Artondale neighborhood community, and of course, the uniqueness of the course and the solitude of the location—65 acres of forest, wetlands, and the Artondale Creek runs through the property. It is undeniably a beautiful, peaceful, private location.
“Being a part of a club is something many cherish for life. It’s where members watch their kids grow up, have graduation parties, and even in some instances get married, maybe even play that under-par round of golf or have their first hole in one,” smiles Jake. “The main benefit is community and friendship for life!”
As the Gig Harbor Golf Club is very competitive within the golf club market, membership is by "invitation only," meaning a submitted application must be sponsored by an existing golfing member. If you have any questions about the Gig Harbor Golf Club, please contact Jake Gregus, Club Director, at director@ghgolfclub.com.
Gig Harbor Golf Club
6909 Artondale Drive NW
Gig Harbor, Washington 98335
253.851.2428