Cedar Irons Golf Club draws fresh reviews post 7.5M reno

Northeast Tacoma's Cedar Irons Golf Club is getting a second look from local golfers and sports media alike, three months after a $7.5 million renovation transformed the 65-year-old course formerly known as North Shore.

News Tribune sports reporter Jon Manley published a video review of the course on Tuesday, Aug. 4, playing all 18 holes and evaluating whether the upgrades deliver. The review arrives as Cedar Irons settles into its first full summer since reopening all 18 holes on May 1.

What changed

Pacific Northwest golf course architect Dan Hixson led the redesign of the 6,109-yard, par-72 layout at 4101 North Shore Blvd. NE. The renovation, which began in November 2024, replaced a 40-year-old irrigation system, expanded tee boxes, widened fairways and rebuilt bunkers on every hole. All 18 green complexes were either reconstructed or recontoured.

The changes are dramatic. Hole No. 2 stretched from 347 yards to over 400. Hole No. 3 was shortened from a par 5 to a par 4. Hole No. 5 converted from a par 4 to a par 5. Hole No. 17 flipped from a par 3 to a par 4, pushing the back nine from par 35 to par 36. Tree removal and selective pruning opened sightlines across the property.

"We wanted a course that wouldn't be your typical public experience," Hixson told Golf One Media in April. "We added some quirk into the course, built greens that are a little more interesting, and rebuilt every bunker to add some challenge, and yet keep it very playable."

Who owns it

The Puyallup Tribe of Indians purchased the course in 2016. Seattle-based Columbia Hospitality manages day-to-day operations. Kyle Eley, the tribe's chief operating officer, said at the course's May reopening that the renovation "restores the beauty of the property while creating a golf experience that can be enjoyed by longtime Tacoma golfers and those discovering the game for the first time."

The course's original layout dates to 1961, designed by Al Smith.

What it costs

Green fees are dynamic, adjusted by availability, demand and weather. Tee times open eight days in advance starting at 6 p.m. Junior rates run $15 on weekdays and $20 on weekends. Cart rental is $22 per rider for 18 holes. Memberships start at $65 per month. All prices are subject to Puyallup Tribal sales tax (9.5%) and a 5% admissions tax on green fees.