Golf is a sport rich in both tradition and nostalgia. For years, folks have taken to the course to socialize, conduct business or simply unwind and relax. Golf is considered a lifetime sport – a game that can be enjoyed throughout one’s entire life. Children can pick up a club at a very young age to begin learning. And, seniors can enjoy the precision in their skills, sharpened round after round over years of experience. In addition to a lifetime of leisure, the game has something else to offer. Country clubs the world over offer both a thriving community for members alongside plenty of amenities. Membership at Olympia Country and Golf Club is no exception.
The Schmidt family who founded Olympia Brewing Company also built the Olympia Country Club in 1926. The course was originally just nine holes until it’s expansion to a full 18-hole course in 1957. A new pro shop, swimming pool and deep water dock were built at that time as well. In 2012, long-time club member Dr. Angela Bowen purchased the Country Club and for the past five years she has invested time, energy and capital into modernizing the club and it’s amenities making it an enticing option for local families looking for the community connection a club provides.
Current manager and former head golf pro Mike Campbell has been a part of Olympia Country and Golf Club for many years. “We are very family-friendly here,” he explained. And, to back that up, club statistics reflect a surge in OCGC memberships over the last few years with the addition of younger members and many families with young children. “Not everyone has to play golf to enjoy the benefits of membership,” says Mike. And, to prove his point, he took me on a brief tour of the property to see the expanded and upgraded amenities first hand.
Our first stop was the outdoor pool. It sits in one of the most spectacular locations for an outdoor pool around. Perched on a patio above Budd Inlet, you can enjoy sweeping views of the water from the many lounge chairs or from the adjacent patio tables. The heated pool is equipped with outdoor lights and trained lifeguard supervision. The pool is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day and is a favorite for members and their kids all summer long. The patio adjacent to the pool serves food from the club restaurant’s lunch menu as well as refreshments. Members can reserve the pool for private parties as well with a 24-hour advance notice.
Below the pool, the club features a private deep-water dock for members who may want to visit via the water. There is a 250 foot stretch of waterfront beach as well, accessible to members only, and perfect for beach play and exploration. The dock is open to moorage for members as well as their guests. Prior check in at the office is required. Boaters are also welcome to order food from Terrace on the Green restaurant for dockside delivery.
On the opposite side of the property lies Terrace on the Green. The restaurant boasts waterfront views that stretch from the banks of the scenic Puget Sound up to the majestic slopes of Mount Rainier. Indoor and outdoor seating are available and the patio includes heaters and fire pits for chilly evenings and shady spots for summertime lounging. The menu features cuisine with a Northwest influence and a wine list highlighting award-winning Washington wines. Enjoy breakfast on the patio or a cocktail after a round of golf. Menus are available on the OCGC website.
Olympia Country and Golf Club also offers events to show appreciation for their members. Recently the club hosted the Olympia Jazz Senators for a poolside performance. They also put on a family friendly event featuring a waterslide for the kids while the adults enjoyed food and beverages on the patio at Terrace on the Green. “We really strive to create events that include the whole family,” says Mike. To find out what else is in store this summer, visit their events calendar.
Olympia Country and Golf Club is located just a few miles from beautiful downtown Olympia on Cooper Point. The property covers 99 acres and is bordered on one side by the scenic waters of Budd Inlet. With 18 holes of golf, a waterfront outdoor pool, dining options and family-friendly events, there is truly something for everyone. You can learn more by following OCGC on Facebook and Instagram.
Does a summer is full of poolside lounging, rounds of golf and patio dining sound enticing? Olympia Country and Golf Club is currently accepting applications for new members and would be happy to give you a tour of the grounds and amenities in person. For inquiries regarding membership, or to schedule a tour, fill out a contact form or reach out to the club staff via email at questions@olygolfclub.com or by phone at 360-866-7121.
When you are sipping a cocktail by the pool after a round of golf this summer, you’ll be glad you did. Cheers!
Olympia Country and Golf Club
3636 Country Club Drive NW
Olympia, WA 98502
360-866-7121
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