Beyond Expectations. The History of TCC
On November 15, 1912, at 8 am, Tualatin Country Club was formally incorporated, marking the inception of a cherished institution. Among its esteemed charter members were luminaries such as Jonah Wise, Isaac White, M. Sichel, I. Lang, M.S. Hirsch, Henry Ottenheimer, Julius Meier, and Colonel Cecil Bauer. The founding document articulated the club's noble purpose: the promotion of members' physical and social welfare, devoid of profit motives.
With its establishment, Tualatin Country Club became the second oldest club in Portland and the fourth oldest in Oregon, testament to its enduring legacy.
Initial plans outlined a membership cap of 100, with renowned architect Morris Whitehouse tasked with designing the clubhouse.
Colonel Cecil Bauer served as the club's inaugural president.
Following the conclusion of the land sale in 1916, a dynamic trio—Jonah Wise, Roscoe Nelson, and Chandler "Chan" Egan—assumed the mantle of designing Tualatin Country Club's second nine. Tasked with crafting the course's layout and enhancing the original nine, Egan embarked on his inaugural foray into nine-hole design, marking his debut in Oregon's golfing landscape.
Ma and Pa Johnson were the original caretakers of the property for almost 30 years. Ma was known for her excellent cooking including her famous Chocolate Cake. She would pick native mushrooms on the property, and they would be in most of her dishes. They had 2 children who also worked at the club originally as caddies. Grace eventually became a waitress and Ivan the golf pro for many years. Ivan was the Tournament chair for the Oregon PGA.
From the early beginnings of TCC, women were always welcome and a key element to the Club's success. Women were active on the golf course, enjoyed many social functions, even tennis, back when we had courts. In 1947, they were asked to form a Women's Club and the Women of Tualatin was born. Sylvia Campf was elected to serve as the first Women's President at TCC.
In 1969, following partial damage from a fire in 1968, TCC opted to construct a new clubhouse in homage to its rustic heritage, characterized by a distinctive northwest architectural style featuring a flatter roofline, unpainted interior wood paneling, and abundant windows and skylights.
In 1992, Bob Cupp and John Fought embarked on a transformative journey at Tualatin, reengineering the course for the modern era.
The Nelson family has been a cornerstone of Tualatin Country Club since its founding. Roscoe C. Nelson, one of the original members, played a pivotal role in establishing the club's early vision. Over the years, the Nelson legacy continued, with three generations of the family serving as Club President. Their leadership has helped shape the club's enduring commitment to community and excellence.
Elevating Golf and Work Culture: TCC's Award-Winning Progress; Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future: TCC's Modern Milestones