New owners at Tacoma’s Highlands are making a big difference

When Jack Connelly became the new owner of Tacoma’s Highlands Golf Course, he wanted to be certain that the “gem” of Northwest Par -3 golf courses would remain open for the thousands of men, women and children who have enjoyed the various recreational opportunities offered there since 1931. He also wanted to save it from becoming “just another housing development” in Tacoma’s west end.

All indications are that it will become everything he had hoped for as a neighborhood center with a new feature – McDuff’s Cafe. McDuff’s is now open and the reviews have been terrific so far. McDuff’s serves breakfast, lunch, pastries and a variety of beverages for the golfers and non golfers.

The Connelly family (Jack and wife Angela) is a big one with nine children and the family is heavily involved in many phases of remodeling the facility. Every one of the nine holes has been improved, including new sand in all of the course sand traps. The clubhouse, inside and out, has been remodeled and there is a new activity area adjacent to it with an outdoor fireplace, extensive outside seating, a fire pit and a new water feature behind the ninth green.

A practice putting green and two hitting stations border the area adjacent to the clubhouse, the patio has been expanded, and the side yard allows room for additional tables, chairs and staging needed to enjoy the surroundings during tournaments or special events. New flowers already have been added to its border. The improvements have been noted by hundreds of visitors to the course since the new year and the golfing season, promises to bring a lot of excitement to the “new-look” facility.

“We have an outstanding advisory committee, strong men’s and women’s groups and exciting league team play for all levels,” said Connelly. “Our goal is to be a community center for the residential area, and to have an outstanding course to host some par 3 tournaments. We have started the remodel of the course, remodeled the clubhouse and opening a new Café.

A new logo and new apparel await the golfers who will choose Highlands for their next round and Jack is confident that Par 3 layouts are the favorites-to-be for those who recognize the advantages of playing a short nine in “Half the time, and Twice the fun”.

“We also hope to be a special place for youngsters,” Jack said, “where Mom or Dad bring their children to introduce them to the game. First Tee will have a chapter at the course for disadvantaged children.”                For additional information and questions, the head professional at Highlands is Don Mojean, a longtime Tacoma professional with a history at both Allenmore and Highlands. 

The phone number is 253-759-3622.