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North Shore Golf Course is now transformed

A Tacoma favorite for 62 years

In August 2016, Marine View Ventures (the economic development arm of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians) reclaimed a part of the Tribe’s reservation when it purchased North Shore Golf Course in Tacoma. North Shore’s original developer and owner were Jim Bourne, one of Ping’s first ever sales reps, and Larry Proctor. The Tribe soon set about making several upgrades that golfers and staff members regarded as being long overdue.

David Wetli, a PGA professional and North Shore’s general manager who has worn various hats at the course since joining the staff in 1982, told The News Tribune he was excited it would now benefit from much-needed investment, as it had grown “a little long in the tooth.”

Projects that are part of “The Transformation,” now completed, include a new golf shop and covered driving range featuring a grass tee area, plus upgrades to the maintenance equipment and cart fleet.

“And the Tribe continues to invest in the property,” says Wetli. “It is currently planning a new clubhouse and restaurant in addition to a new irrigation system and renovations to the course.”

The front nine at North Shore opened in 1961 and was designed by Al Smith. Smith’s other designs in western Washington include the highly acclaimed Glendale CC in Bellevue and Maplewood in Renton. Larry Proctor, and his brother Glen, designed the back nine which opened in 1979.

North Shore now records an impressive 50,000-plus rounds a year, making it one of the region’s most popular courses. Here’s the lowdown on its 6,305 yards, courtesy of Wetli.

A Bucket with GM • David Wetli

Toughest Tee Shot - 5th hole

Hole No. 5 has water on the right side and trees and out-of-bounds to the left. The length of this par 4, at 425 yards, almost always causes players to choose driver, which can make it a dangerous, nerve-wracking shot.

Best Birdie Opportunity - 7th hole

The best birdie opportunity is generally No. 7, a short par 4 that plays 301 yards from the regular tees and 311 from the back. The hole is pretty straight, and a relatively flat green makes putting fairly straightforward.

Par 3 - 6th hole

Of the five par-3 holes, I think No. 6 is the best. It has a slightly elevated tee, and bunkers at the front-left and front-right of the green frame the tee shot, inviting the player to shoot straight at the flag.

Hole - 15th hole

My favorite is number 15, a shortish par 4 hole playing 351 yards from the blue tees and 366 from the blacks. A good tee shot that carries the water and avoids the large evergreen trees on both sides of the fairway sets up a short to medium-length approach shot to a green guarded in the front by bunkers right and left. A birdie here helps on the way to the clubhouse with both Nos. 16 and 17 being par 3s.

Emergency Nine front or back?

The front is my go-to for an emergency nine. It is an easier walk and it’s easier to get on as well.

Go-To Lunch Item On The Menu

Right now, while we wait for the new clubhouse and restaurant to be built, the go-to lunch items are hot dogs and hamburgers from our snack shack (open in season only).

North Shore Golf Course

4101 North Shore Blvd. NE • Tacoma, WA 98422

(253) 927-1375 • NShoreGolf.com