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PGA grant to fund Meadow Park’s three-hole course

PGA grant to fund Meadow Park’s three-hole course

Meadow Park Director of Golf Erik Haag (second from left), joined by representatives from PGA of America and Pacific Northwest PGA, accepts a $250,000 grant from PGA’s REACH Foundation on June 18, 2024 at Sahalee Country Club in Sammamish, Washington .

Kyle Wall

One of South Tacoma’s longest-standing public golf facilities will soon undergo a significant facelift.

A full-scale project has yet to materialize, but on Tuesday the Tacoma Parks Foundation accepted a $250,000 grant from PGA of America — which, among other things, allowed for the construction of a three-hole programming course at the 108-year-old facility. upgrades.

The PGA Places to Play grant, part of PGA’s REACH Foundation, and the three-hole golf course it will fund are the first steps in Meadow Park’s ‘Reimagination Project,’ a two-year, $40 million renovation , including a new clubhouse, updated driving range and remake of the executive Williams Nine course adjacent to Championship 18.

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Joined by representatives from the Tacoma Parks Foundation, Metro Parks Tacoma and PGA’s Pacific Northwest Section, Meadow Park director of golf Erik Haag accepted the quarter-million dollar check from PGA of America CEO Seth Waugh during the press conference of Tuesday at Sahalee Country Club in Sammamish. .

“This funding is a game-changer for our golf facility and community,” Haag said. “The impact of this subsidy will be significant.”

The planned three-hole expansion extends across the southern perimeter of the property, near the current site, and its construction supports Meadow Park’s vision to expand accessible, affordable golf courses within the community. The current 27-hole facility debuted in 1915 and remains one of the South Sound’s busiest and better played tracks.

The planned three-hole programming course, pictured at the south end of the Meadow Park grounds, moves the driving range north, between a renovated Williams Nine. Kyle Wall

The numerous programs that will benefit from the upcoming addition of Meadow Park’s three-hole programming course, designed to welcome novice golfers to the tee: First Tee South Puget Sound (headquartered, conveniently, in Meadow Park), PGA Jr. League , PGA Family Golf, PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) and Drive, Chip and Putt.

“Meadow Park Golf Course has been ensuring equitable access to its facilities, programs and resources within the community for decades,” Waugh said in a news release. “Places To Play was created to help courses like Meadow Park, who use the game, create a positive, inclusive and welcoming environment for their community.

“It is a great honor and pleasure to partner with the Pacific Northwest PGA Section, Metro Parks Tacoma and the Tacoma Parks Foundation to assist in their ongoing efforts to impact the game and countless lives for generations to come.”

Construction will take two years and is expected to begin before 2026. Meadow Park has yet to complete its entire $40 million “reimagination” plan, although approved improvements include:

  • Renovations of 18-hole championship golf courses and 9-hole executive golf courses

  • Addition of multi-level full-service driving range

  • New multifunctional clubhouse

  • New program spaces

  • Improved practice areas

  • Modernized maintenance facility

  • Extensive parking

The 11th green at Meadow Park Golf Course in Tacoma, Washington, on June 18, 2024. Tyler Wicke

Metro Parks and the Tacoma Parks Foundation are actively working to secure additional state and federal funding.

“(We are) excited about the development of a 3-hole programming golf course designed to introduce the game of golf to new players, teach valuable skills and sportsmanship and provide continued youth programming,” Haag said.

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Tyler Wicke joined The News Tribune in 2019 as sports secretary. A 2021 graduate of the University of Washington Tacoma, Wicke is in charge of the Mariners, drafting and handling administrative duties. Used to be a good golfer, but now he’s happy to get to 80.
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