Golf course designers are called architects for a reason. Many of them study course design, construction practices and engineering before starting out. They work with various terrain and green spaces to build grassy works of art which typically span 160 acres or more. At Olympia Country and Golf Club (OCGC), their course is a hidden gem that has wooed players since 1926. Next time you’re up for a quick 9 or leisurely 18 holes, OCGC will have a cart ready and waiting so you can explore the majesty of a well-made and excellently maintained backdrop to this elegant, timeless game.
Tight Fairways and Lightning-Fast Greens at Olympia Country and Golf
Architect Dan Hixon will be redesigning the #2 hole. Hixon also designed such notable courses as Oregon’s Bandon Crossings and Wine Valley Golf Club in Walla Walla. Hixon, a competitive golfer himself and son of a PGA professional, first experienced course design at a very young age. He was just seven when his father brought him to watch a course being remodeled. Since then, he’s designed courses across the Pacific Northwest, including our Olympia gem.
Covering 6,200 yards, the OCGC golf course incorporates stunning fir trees, Puget Sound and snow-capped mountain views, amenities and three sets of tees to accommodate players of all abilities. Hole number two and the third tee have remarkable water views and the Club is bringing in professionals to redesign this iconic spot to maximize its layout.
“One of the best parts of joining Olympia Country and Golf course is our accessibility and pace of play,” says Bridges. “It’s easy to hop on the course and play a quick round, most here are under four hours. Even on a beautiful weekend the afternoons are usually wide open to go out and play and not feel rushed.”
Super Staffers and Top Shelf Turf for Olympia Country and Golf Club Golfers
Jason Howerton is Olympia Country and Golf Club’s new Superintendent. “He has been an incredible addition to the club who was with Lake Limerick Golf Club for eleven years before spending six years at Arizona Grand Golf Course,” Bridge shares.
Howerton’s experience shows in many ways, whether guests see it or not. Howie, as he is known, starts by always using the best agricultural practices, says Bridge. “His main goal is turf health, things like top dressing, deep solid tine aerification on both the greens and the fairways and verticutting the greens,” Bridge continues. “Howie has sent soil samples to the east coast, so he knows exactly what needs to be done regarding fertilizers and instigated a specialized irrigation program.” And it’s paying off. Members comment to Bridge and the pro staff that this is the best they have ever seen course overall.
Coming Soon to a Course Near You
You can follow OCGC’s Men’s Division, Women’s Division and Junior Golf activities and competitions via the Club’s website or monthly events calendar. For beginners, competitive hopefuls or those rusty after an extended hiatus from the game, consider one-on-one golf instruction classes and lessons. Pros are happy to work with your experience—or lack thereof—and future goals to help make your tee time dreams come true.
The Olympia Country and Golf Club course is open year-round, with hours varying seasonally. Access changes by day of the week, with designated days and times for the Men’s Senior group, Ladies’ Division and 49ers group. Saturday and Sunday are set aside for all day open play so grab your clubs and head over to kick your weekend off in style.
Onsite is the Club’s Pro Shop which is open seven days a week. All players must check in at the Pro Shop before playing. To reserve your tee time, call 360.915.8737 today. Don’t forget to squeeze in a trip to the Terrace on the Green restaurant, Club’s fitness center, outdoor pool and private dock, tennis or pickleball courts.
Membership applications can be delivered, mailed or emailed to Bridge directly at josh@olygolfclub.com. There are packages for junior, single and family golf as well as tiers to meet any need. All golf memberships include the Pro Shop Plan: range balls, tees, scorecards, pencils, ball marks, divot tools, pull carts and towels. Practice Facility includes driving range and practice green. Call 360.866.7121 to learn more.
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