Inside Comments by Steve Turcotte

Cedar Irons course changes

• Sometimes when a course undergoes a re-model, you play them and think to yourself what is the big deal. But with Cedar Irons (formerly called North Shore in Tacoma) you see what the big deal is right from the first tee. The Puyallup Tribe of Indians, which owns the course, pumped millions into the re-model and it has paid off. Holes were re-done, trees were removed, a new state-of-the-art irrigation system was installed and every bunker on the course was rebuilt courtesy of designer Dan Hixson. The course, managed by Columbia Hospitality, looks new and plays new with its improved turf conditions and re-design. I got a chance to play it and it was nothing like the old North Shore.

The front nine had the biggest changes with new holes.  One of the biggest changes is the fourth hole which went from being a par-4 to a par-5 along the hillside. On the back nine, the 17th hole went from a tough par-3 to a short par-4. Those are just a couple of the new looks, there are plenty more for you to see as you make your way around the course. Hixson truly did a great job with the changes he made to the course.

And about the name change. It reflects the character of the renovated layout through the towering cedar trees and “irons” referencing those shots you need to make to score.

If you haven’t played it, get a tee time. It’s well worth it.

Steve Turcotte is editor of Inside Golf Newspaper. He can be reached at sdturcotte@comcast.net.