These six unidentified golfers were just a fraction of the participants in the Northwest Pro-Presidents golf tournament held at the Tacoma Country & Golf Club on April 28, 1972. Western Washington golf professionals and club presidents teed off in twosomes at the one-day tournament. In 1972 the Northwest Pro-Presidents golf tournament was subdivided into three parts; each of the three branches of the northwest section of the PGA would have its own tournament. Host pro Gerry Mehlert had the best round of the day -69. Color photograph ordered by Gerry Mehlert. (TNT 4-27-72, C-11 -article; TNT 4-29-72, p. 10- article)

Golf--Tacoma--1970-1980; Golfers--Tacoma--1970-1980; Tacoma Country & Golf Club (Tacoma)--1970-1980;

46 twosomes teed off at the Northwest Pro-Presidents golf tournament held at the Tacoma Country & Golf Club on April 28, 1972. The participants for the one-day tournament were drawn from Western Washington professionals and club presidents. Bob Lundgaard, president of the Olympia Country Club and pro Rick Adell combined for a winning score of 10-under par. Color photograph ordered by Gerry Mehlert. (TNT 4-27-72, C-11- article; TNT 4-29-72, p. 10- article)

Golf--Tacoma--1970-1980; Golfers--Tacoma--1970-1980; Tacoma Country & Golf Club (Tacoma)--1970-1980;

Unidentified golf foursome. Western Washington pro golfers and club presidents gathered on Friday, April 28, 1972, at the Tacoma Country & Golf Club to participate in the Northwest Pro-Presidents golf tournament. This year each of the three branches in the northwest section of the PGA will have its own tournament. The Tacoma Country & Golf Club was the location of the first Northwest Pro-Presidents tournament in 1953. Color photograph ordered by Gerry Mehlert. (TNT 4-27-72, C-11- article; TNT 4-29-72, p. 10 -article)

Golf--Tacoma--1970-1980; Golfers--Tacoma--1970-1980; Tacoma Country & Golf Club (Tacoma)--1970-1980;

These four golfers, and many more, participated in the 1972 Northwest Pro-Presidents golf tournament held at the Tacoma Country & Golf Club on April 28, 1972. The field for the one-day tournament was a mixture of Western Washington pros and club presidents. Host pro Gerry Mehlert had the best round of the day - a sparkling 69. Winner of the tournament by four strokes was the twosome of Bob Lundgaard, president of the Olympia Country Club, and professional Rick Adell. Color photograph ordered by Gerry Mehlert. (TNT 4-27-72, C-11 -article; TNT 4-29-72, p. 10 -article)

Golf--Tacoma--1970-1980; Golfers--Tacoma--1970-1980; Tacoma Country & Golf Club (Tacoma)--1970-1980;

On April 25, 1962, three members of the Tacoma Ad Club appear to deeply ponder golf strategy as they prepare for the upcoming golf tournament at Allenmore Golf Course. One man has his putter on hand but the distance to the hole is not shown. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Ad Club.

Golf--Tacoma--1960-1970; Golfers--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tacoma Ad Club (Tacoma);

Still in a crouch, a golfer believed to be Arnold Palmer watches his ball head toward the hole on the final day of the 1960 Carling Open held in September of 1960 at the Fircrest Golf Club. His two playing partners and caddy, along with hundreds of spectators, watch intently. Arnold Palmer had already won over $70,000 in 1960 and was looking to add the $3,500 first prize money to his earnings. Palmer won a disappointing $250; he finished with a total of 281 after 72-holes, nine strokes behind Ernie Vossler, a 31-year-old from Midland, Texas. Vossler beat Paul Harney by one stroke to capture the 1960 Carling Open. Photograph ordered by the Carling Brewery. (TNT 9-19-60, p.l4) TPL-9898

Golf--Fircrest--1960-1970; Golfers--Fircrest--1960-1970; Putting (Golf)--Fircrest; Sports spectators--Fircrest;

Golfer teeing off in Carling Open on September 16, 1960. Two competitors squat while waiting their turn. Large crowd follows flight of the ball. The Carling Open, held at the Fircrest Golf Course, attracted a large field of prominent players, including Arnold Palmer, Billy Casper, Bob Rosburg, Lionel Hebert, Don January, and Julius Boros. The event was co-sponsored by the American Cancer Society and 25,000 local residents came out to watch the action. Photograph ordered by Tom Hill, Doric Tacoma Motor Hotel, to be displayed on easels throughout hotel. (TNT 9-19-60, p. 14)

Golf--Fircrest--1960-1970; Golfers--Fircrest--1960-1970; Sports spectators--Fircrest;

Publicity photo for the Fircrest Golf Club, ordered by the Tacoma News Tribune society pages. Five committee members pose in oriental garb advertising a night of "Mandarin Mischief", a dinner with an oriental theme followed by dancing and games. Photograph taken at the home of Arla (Mrs. Gordon) Rohrs at 707 Alta Vista Place, Fircrest. The committee members are, left to right, Arla Rohrs, Edith (Mrs. Harold) Tollefson, Mrs. Gordon Dowling, Alice (Mrs. John) Tollefson and Irene (Mrs. Elmer) Alskog. (TNT 10/11/1959, pg. D-5)

Fircrest Golf Club (Fircrest); Rohrs, Arla--Homes & haunts; Rohrs, Arla; Tollefson, Edith; Tollefson, Alice; Alskog, Irene;

Douglas Fir Plywood Association conducted its 22nd annual meeting in June, 1958. Members met in Gearhart, Oregon, and enjoyed playing in a golf tournament. Four golfers appear to be adhering to the sign, "Please replace divots," as they examine a chunk of displaced grass. Photograph ordered by Douglas Fir Plywood Association.

Golf--Oregon--Gearhart; Golfers--Oregon--Gearhart; Signs (Notices); Douglas Fir Plywood Association (Tacoma);

The golf course at the Tacoma Country and Golf Club. The sky seems striped with clouds as several golfers try out their skills on the green. In 1894, golf was introduced to Tacoma by a small group of displaced Scotsmen who negotiated to lease 280 acres of prairie land in Edison (now South Tacoma.) By 1904, the club made plans to relocate and the R.B. Lehman farm on the eastern shore of American Lake was purchased. This purchase, along with some adjacent property, gave the club 237 acres to stretch out on. This became the first permanent home of the Tacoma Country and Golf Club, the oldest continuing country club west of the Mississippi. ("A History of Pierce County, Wa." vol. 1)

Tacoma Country & Golf Club (Tacoma)--1950-1960; Golf--Tacoma--1950-1960; Golfers--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Swimming area at American Lake, part of the Tacoma Country and Golf Club. The club purchased this property on the eastern shore of American Lake in 1904. Originally, members were issued deeds to 25 foot lots along the lake front where they could set up tents and escape the city's summer heat. As time passed, the tents gave way to homes, greens and the clubhouse. The lake still remained a favorite "Ole Swimmin' Hole" for a quick refreshing dip. A dock reaches out into the lake, topped with a life guard stand. Boats are also tied up to the right of the dock. ("A History of Pierce County, Wa." vol. 1) TPL-8640

Tacoma Country & Golf Club (Tacoma)--1950-1960; Water holes--Tacoma--1950-1960;

This photograph shows the clubhouse of the Tacoma Country and Golf Club on American Lake as it looked from the lake side of the building in September of 1956. It was built in 1910 from plans by the architects Russell and Babcock to replace the original clubhouse which was destroyed by fire. By 1956, it was known as "The Grand Old Lady". Its most prominent feature was a spiral staircase in the entry hall, which appears in many wedding and party pictures of the time. A fire gutted the structure in 1961. TPL-5740 ("A History of Pierce County, Wa." vol. 1)

Tacoma Country & Golf Club (Tacoma)--Buildings; Clubhouses--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Swimming area at American Lake, part of the Tacoma Country and Golf Club. The club purchased this property on the eastern shore of American Lake in 1904. Originally, members were issued deeds to 25 foot lots along the lake front where they could set up tents and escape the city's summer heat. As time passed, the tents gave way to homes, greens and the clubhouse. The lake still remained a favorite "Ole Swimmin' Hole" for a quick refreshing dip. A dock reaches out into the lake, topped with a life guard stand. Boats are also tied up to the right of the dock. ("A History of Pierce County, Wa." vol. 1) TPL-8640

Tacoma Country & Golf Club (Tacoma)--1950-1960; Water holes--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The entrance drive to the exclusive members only Tacoma Country and Golf Club, located on the shores of American Lake. The club relocated to this location in 1904. It is the oldest continuously operating Country Club west of the Mississippi.("A History of Pierce County, Wa." vol. 1)

Tacoma Country & Golf Club (Tacoma);

The golf course at the Tacoma Country and Golf Club. The sky seems striped with clouds as several golfers try out their skills on the green. In 1894, golf was introduced to Tacoma by a small group of displaced Scotsmen who negotiated to lease 280 acres of prairie land in Edison (now South Tacoma.) By 1904, the club made plans to relocate and the R.B. Lehman farm on the eastern shore of American Lake was purchased. This purchase, along with some adjacent property, gave the club 237 acres to stretch out on. This became the first permanent home of the Tacoma Country and Golf Club, the oldest continuing country club west of the Mississippi. ("A History of Pierce County, Wa." vol. 1)

Tacoma Country & Golf Club (Tacoma)--1950-1960; Golf--Tacoma--1950-1960; Golfers--Tacoma--1950-1960;

This photograph shows the clubhouse of the Tacoma Country and Golf Club on American Lake as it looked from the lake side of the building in September of 1956. It was built in 1910 from plans by the architects Russell and Babcock to replace the original clubhouse which was destroyed by fire. By 1956, it was known as "The Grand Old Lady". Its most prominent feature was a spiral staircase in the entry hall, which appears in many wedding and party pictures of the time. A fire gutted the structure in 1961. TPL-5740 ("A History of Pierce County, Wa." vol. 1)

Tacoma Country & Golf Club (Tacoma)--Buildings; Clubhouses--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The Clubhouse at the Tacoma Country and Golf Club. In June of 1909, a fire that started in the servant's quarters burned the original clubhouse to the ground. This regal building, known as the "Grand Old Lady," rose in its place. It was best remembered for its gracious spiral staircase in the entrance hall, shown in many wedding portraits. A fire gutted this structure in 1961. TPL-5741 ("A History of Pierce County, Wa." vol. 1)

Tacoma Country & Golf Club (Tacoma)--Buildings; Clubhouses--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The Clubhouse at the Tacoma Country and Golf Club. In June of 1909, a fire that started in the servant's quarters burned the original clubhouse to the ground. This regal building, known as the "Grand Old Lady," rose in its place. It was best remembered for its gracious spiral staircase in the entrance hall, shown in many wedding portraits. A fire gutted this structure in 1961. TPL-5741 ("A History of Pierce County, Wa." vol. 1)

Tacoma Country & Golf Club (Tacoma)--Buildings; Clubhouses--Tacoma--1950-1960;

The entrance drive to the exclusive members only Tacoma Country and Golf Club, located on the shores of American Lake. The club relocated to this location in 1904. It is the oldest continuously operating Country Club west of the Mississippi.("A History of Pierce County, Wa." vol. 1)

Tacoma Country & Golf Club (Tacoma);

On May 1, 1951, to mark the opening of the summer season at the Fircrest Golf Club, 1000 Regents Blvd., the club's women came dressed in costume. Four of the weird, wonderful and well dressed women seen at the links were: (l to r) Mary E. (Mrs. Frank H.) Murray, as a jailbird; Laura E. (Mrs. Roy L.) McGinn, pioneer woman; Freida (Mrs. Ben) Rome, Hindu; and Louise (Mrs. Frank) Severson, as Daniel Boone. First prize for best costume went to Mrs. M.C. Thompson who came dressed as a Fiji islander, complete with grass skirt. (Ordered by the Tribune.) (TNT, 6/6/1951, p.D-1)

Fircrest Golf Club (Fircrest); Golfers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Golf--Tacoma--1940-1950; Murray, Mary E.; McGinn, Laura E.; Rome, Freida; Severson, Louise; Costumes

Allenmore Golf Open party. Oscar (Ocky) Eliason and Ken Tucker shot identical 70-66--136s on the first day of the 1950 Allenmore Golf Open Tournament. Ocky Eliason (left), unattached Tacoma professional, is grasping the Steve O'Brien trophy. John H. ("Big John") Anderson, Mayor-elect and an ardent golfer, is seen second from the left. Ken Tucker, Everett Golf and Country Club professional, is second from the right, and Al Buhre, a veteran Tacoma amateur is on the right. Elaison and Tucker would battle it out for top money of $200 and the trophy in an 18-hole playoff. Ordered by the Tacoma Athletic Commission, Mr. Metcalf. (TNT, 5/17/1950, p.36)

Golf--Tacoma--1950-1960; Allenmore Golf Club (Tacoma); Awards; Anderson, John H.; Golfers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Eliason, Oscar; Tucker, Ken; Buhre, Al;

Allenmore Golf Open party. Following the first day of play Oscar Eliason and Ken Tucker were tied for first place in the 17th Allenmore Open Golf Tournament. Tied for third place were Chuck Congdon and Bob McKendrick. Al Buhre was in fifth. Several of the players are seen with some of the prizes given. Ordered by the Tacoma Athletic Commission, Mr. Metcalf. (TNT, 5/17/1950, p.36)

Golf--Tacoma--1950-1960; Allenmore Golf Club (Tacoma); Awards; Golfers--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Dinner party honoring Alexander Baillie at Tacoma Country & Golf Club, Tribune, E. Knight. Alexander Baillie was one of the founders of the Tacoma Country & Golf Club in 1894 and was the club's first president. He is seen in the upper left corner next to Reno Odlin, then president of Puget Sound National Bank, holding a microphone as part of his toastmaster duties. The banquet held in his honor was expected to draw more than 150 guests.

Tacoma Country & Golf Club (Tacoma); Country clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Baillie, Alexander, 1859-1949; Odlin, Reno, 1897-1979; Banquets--Tacoma--1940-1950; Men--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Dinner party honoring Alexander Baillie at Tacoma Country & Golf Club, Tribune, E. Knight. A view of the banquet room at the Tacoma Country & Golf Club on October 22, 1948, where more than 150 guests were gathered in honor of Alexander Baillie, the venerable Scotsman who was the first president of the golf club. He is seen near the wall between the middle two sets of draperies next to banker Reno Odlin who is holding a microphone. Most of the assembled men are wearing tuxedoes, seated at tables decorated with candles and flowers.

Tacoma Country & Golf Club (Tacoma); Country clubs--Tacoma--1940-1950; Baillie, Alexander, 1859-1949; Odlin, Reno, 1897-1979; Banquets--Tacoma--1940-1950; Men--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Professional golfer Cary Middlecoff autographs golf balls at the Tacoma Open Tournament held at the Fircrest Golf Club. On Sunday, September 20, 1948, P.G.A. history was made when Cary Middlecoff and four other professional golfers all completed the 72-hole tournament tied at 274 strokes. With the top cash prizes still unclaimed, the five played another round of 18-holes on Monday. Still no winner! In a sudden death 19th-hole, Ed "Porky" Oliver, who played out of Seattle's Inglewood Country Club, beat Middlecoff by one stroke. Middlecoff, whose name was usually prefixed by "Dr.," was a graduate of the Tennessee College of Dentistry (1944) and first practiced dentistry in the U.S. Army where he filled 12, 093 teeth in 18 months. He would go on to win the U.S. Open twice and the Masters once. (TNT 09-21-1948 p.8) ALBUM 9.

Golf--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fircrest Golf Club (Fircrest); Golfers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Contests--Tacoma--1940-1950; Middlecoff, Cary;

Tee Box on Hole #1, Tacoma Open Golf Tournament at Fircrest, Tacoma Athletic Commission, Bob Sanders. The Tacoma Open Golf Tournament, sponsored by the Tacoma Athletic Commission, was a four-day event, held at the Fircrest Golf Club. The tournament attracted a large gallery. Eighteen holes were played each day. A Stag and Doe gathering was held at the Tacoma Athletic Commission headquarters for cocktails, dinner and presentation of prizes at the Top of the Ocean. (TNT, 9/17/1948, p.14; 9/18/1948, p.6) TPL-9822

Golf--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fircrest Golf Club (Fircrest); Golfers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Spectators--Tacoma; Contests--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Tacoma Open Golf Tournament at Fircrest, Tacoma Athletic Commission, Bob Sanders. A group of people stand near the registration point for the Tacoma Open Golf Tournament held at the Fircrest Golf Club in September of 1948. 112 contestants entered in the tournament. A score of 150 or better was needed to keep in the running when the field was cut the second day of play which left 10 amateurs and 41 pros remaining. (T.Times, 9/18/1948, p.6)

Golf--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fircrest Golf Club (Fircrest); Golfers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Spectators--Tacoma; Contests--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Tacoma Open Golf Tournament at Fircrest, Tacoma Athletic Commission, Bob Sanders. The crowd of spectators is spread out along the 18th fairway at the Fircrest Golf Club during the Tacoma Open Golf Tournament in September of 1948. Some of the entrants in the tournament are seen at play on the fairway. (Additional information provided by a reader)

Golf--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fircrest Golf Club (Fircrest); Golfers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Spectators--Tacoma; Contests--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Tacoma Open Golf Tournament at Fircrest, Tacoma Athletic Commission, Bob Sanders. A young man announces the play during the Tacoma Open Golf Tournament from the roof of one of the buildings at the Fircrest Golf Club. Bleacher seats were placed at vantage points for spectators to watch their favorites come in off both nines. The five way split from Sunday's play was broken on September 21st when Ed Oliver of Seattle won the five-man playoff and won the $12,500 Tacoma Open Classic. (T.Times, 9/21/1948, p.10) TPL-6255

Golf--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fircrest Golf Club (Fircrest); Golfers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Spectators--Tacoma; Contests--Tacoma--1940-1950;

18th green at the Fircrest Golf Club. Tacoma Open Golf Tournament at Fircrest, Tacoma Athletic Commission, Bob Sanders.The Tacoma Open Golf Tournament opened at the Fircrest Golf Club for a four-day event starting September 17, 1948. The tournament attracted a large gallery and people can be seen here following the players to the next green. A $12,500 purse would go to the winner. (TNT, 9/17/1948, p.14)

Golf--Tacoma--1940-1950; Fircrest Golf Club (Fircrest); Golfers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Spectators--Tacoma; Contests--Tacoma--1940-1950;