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Golf Course Review & Scouting Report

Gig Harbor Golf Club

65

Gig Harbor, Washington

Established
1961
Access
Private
Par
Par 70
Length
5,420 yds
The verdict

Community Golf At Its Heart

Gig Harbor Golf Club delivers an intimate, member-owned golf experience shaped by sixty years of tradition and camaraderie. The walkable routing and approachable length make it a local favorite, while its roots and course quirks give it lasting appeal. If you’re after a pure Pacific Northwest club round, this is your haven.

Course DNA
Difficulty
60
Scenery
68
Conditioning
69
Shot Variety
70
Walkability
82
Green Complexity
64
Wow Factor
68
Design Quality
56
At a glance

Quick facts

Holes
9 (played as 18)
Slope
126
Course Ownership
Member-owned
Former Name
Artondale Golf & Country Club
Region
South Puget Sound
Nearest Landmark
Tacoma Narrows Bridge
Remodeled Green
Seventh green updated 2015
The design

The architecture

Gig Harbor Golf Club is the embodiment of classic Northwest community golf: a compact, walkable nine-hole layout shaped around member camaraderie and playable for every skill level. The routing moves through mature Pacific Northwest woodland, offering frequent scoring chances and accessible strategy rather than penal hazards or showy design. While the course profile is traditional, members appreciate the practicality, pace, and timeless experience fostered by this local haven. Refined in 2015 with a seventh green renovation by Mark Miller, Gig Harbor remains an understated, honest test whose greatest strengths are its community and walk-right-up familiarity.

Mark Miller’s 2015 remodeling of the seventh green reflects a careful, member-driven refinement rather than a top-down architectural overhaul.

Defining features
  • Traditional nine-hole routing playable as eighteen
  • Mixture of reachable par 4s and modest-length par 5s
  • Well-treed site with classic Northwest character
  • Emphasis on walkability and member play
  • Renovated seventh green for fresh challenge
  • Simple, straightforward greens with occasional movement
Hole by hole

Signature holes

Hole 7

The Outward Epic

PAR
5
YARDAGE
509

The longest par 5 on the front nine, No. 7 demands a solid drive to reach the ideal layup zone before a well-judged approach into the recently renovated green. It's a subtle scorer’s test, with every shot requiring attention to positioning.

Play it smart

Favor the left half off the tee to avoid tree trouble, lay up to your preferred wedge yardage, then attack the pin knowing the green can repel shots that miss their mark.

Where it bites

Over-cooking your second or missing short right leaves a tricky up-and-down from awkward rough and contours.

Course management

Shots to think about

Deciding whether to go for the green in two on hole 7
Play to your strengths—unless you have a perfect lie and angle, lay up short for a full wedge.
Approaching the narrow sixth fairway
Club down and ensure placement; distance pays less than position here.
Cold start on the 438-yard opening hole
Favor a safe, controlled tee shot; big numbers lurk if you go offline early.
Playing into the prevailing wind on hole 17
Club up and trust your swing—par here always feels like a win.
Aggressive play on the 302-yard 18th
Don’t get greedy; a solid iron and wedge beat a stray driver every time.
Navigating tree-lined fairways
Work the ball both ways—tight lines offer chances if you can shape your shot with control.
On the day

What to expect

Conditions

Greens and fairways are well-kept for member play, with classic Northwest grass types and consistent surfaces.

Pace

Generally speedy rounds—18 holes in well under four hours is typical due to compact routing.

Vibe

Relaxed, welcoming, and distinctly member-focused—expect friendly greetings and a tight-knit local feel.

Before you tee off

Your game plan

01

Bring Your Favorite Walking Shoes

The compact design and gentle terrain make this course a joy to walk, so plan to stroll the full round.

02

Check for Club Events

As a member-focused club, event days may limit guest play—confirm in advance with the pro shop.

03

Brush Up on Short Game

Scoring opportunities come on approachable-length holes, but small greens reward a deft touch.

The lore

How it came to be

  1. 1954

    Club founded as Artondale Golf & Country Club by local golfers

  2. 1961

    Golf course opens for play

  3. 1982

    Renamed to Gig Harbor Golf & Country Club

  4. 2015

    Seventh green renovated by Mark Miller

Stories & legends

What makes it special

founding

Built on Community Bonds

The club’s origin story features a group of dedicated local golfers who banded together in 1954, selling 127 membership shares to finance their vision. That passion for belonging continues to shape the club’s welcoming, member-driven spirit today.

heritage

Evolution of a Name

From its initial days as Artondale Golf & Country Club, through the transition to Gig Harbor Golf & Country Club and ultimately Gig Harbor Golf Club, the club’s identity has always reflected its local pride and evolving community.

renovation

Seventh Green Makeover

In 2015, the club partnered with architect Mark Miller to remodel the seventh green, bringing fresh contour and renewed challenge to a beloved part of the routing.

For the group chat

Fun facts

1

Opened in 1961 after seven years of community fundraising and planning.

2

The seventh green was given a new design in 2015 to freshen its challenge.

3

Located just minutes from the iconic Tacoma Narrows Bridge.

4

Known for its relaxed, family-focused membership atmosphere.

5

Originally named Artondale Golf & Country Club.

Build the trip

If you're making a South Sound golf swing

CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
Madrona Links Golf Course
Public

Best public-access golf nearby and a fun, approachable layout.

Canterwood Golf & Country Club
Private

Another compelling Gig Harbor private course by Robert Muir Graves.

Gold Mountain Golf Club
Public

Premier municipal golf with diverse, challenging layouts.

Chambers Bay
Public

Bucket-list championship venue and architectural marvel.

The Home Course
Public

Top regional tournament host with pristine conditioning.

Stay in Gig Harbor for the quickest access, or base in Tacoma if you want nightlife and proximity to regional courses.

Course DNA

If You Like Gig Harbor Golf Club

Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.

From the community

Community Sentiment

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