Woodbridge Golf & Country Club is located in the small, historic community of Woodbridge just north of Lodi, California, and “it’s a good place to live.” The club became the brainchild of Mr. Claude Holmes, and two other gentlemen back in March 1924. Traveling back and forth to Stockton was too time consuming, so these fellows decided a golf course would look pretty good on the Thompson-Folger estate along the Mokelumne River. With the help of two unemployed horses (Ben and Dick), shovels, rakes, lawn mowers, brooms and wheelbarrows, the land along the northeast portion of the property was finally cleared, and on the third Sunday, about 2:30 in the afternoon, the determined trio decided the course was ready for play. Tomato cans had been inserted into the sandy greens to serve as cups, and balls were teed up on mounds of sand and driven off ordinary doormats. With a mighty swing that Babe Ruth would be been proud of, Mr. Em Herrick started a rich history that has lasted for seventy-nine years. Mr. Herrick and Mr. Holmes didn’t know it then, but Woodbridge Golf & Country Club would mature into one of the most beautiful private golf clubs in Northern California. This club features 27-holes of golf; The Lake Course, River Course and Middle Course, nine tennis courts (six are lighted) a swimming pool, sauna, lounge, restaurant, driving range and pro shop. Little did the founding fathers know that the original twenty-three members would grow to a proprietary membership of six-hundred, have their own board of directors, and enjoy a staff of 75 dedicated employees. General Manager, Mr. Rick Morgan answers to the eleven-member board. I had the opportunity to sit down with Rick last week and found him to be gracious, a true professional, and just a nice guy. Rick loves his job and is very proud of Woodbridge Golf & Country Club, and his loyal staff. Rick is a family man that adores his wife, Christy, and boys Taylor and Jackson. Ricks career accomplishments include a stint with the Toronto Blue Jay’s organization that ultimately changed his focus toward the future. Rick became an accomplished golf professional working his way through the ranks, beginning as a cart boy in charge of running the range to eventually becoming an Assistant General Manager. “Rick decided he wanted to become a General Manager and took the job at Woodbridge Golf & Country Club in October 1993. His grass-roots level of education has proven to be extremely valuable. Rick has at one time or another attended to just about every task that is attended to at a country club, giving him a distinct advantage among others in the industry.

“Woodbridge Country Club is the friendliest club I’ve been associated with…..this particular club has a very nice demeanor about it, an unpretentious, relaxed environment, a small town atmosphere with a first class style. It is unique in this business. The members make me feel comfortable, and I am fortunate to work with a very strong board of directors. I love my job!” said Rick.

We are lucky to have the strongest Superintendent in the Valley, Mr. Jim Husting, He knows the valley well and what it takes to manage a course in the summer and keep it playable.” added Rick

Rick indicated the membership is in the process of developing a master plan for the whole golf course. “Most of the energy is going to be focused on The Lake Course because it was the nine that was built to accommodate housing.” There are some design issues the membership wants to address. “Nothing major,” added Rick. “Upgrading it a little bit and making it a little longer to keep up with technology. We are trying to make the Lake Course more attractive for the members to play. We intend to level some of the tees, replace a few greens, replace all the bunkers, add a few fairway bunkers and dredge and line all our lakes. Neil Meagner is the designer and is doing a fantastic job.” I hope we are invited back when the task is completed!

Mr. Bob Vocker is the Head Golf Professional. I’ve always enjoyed his company and outstanding personality. His noble assistants are Mr. Bob Lunn, Mr. Austin Hamrick and Mr. Joey Trull. Every time I visit Woodbridge, they treat me with professionalism and kindness. The head pro at the tennis facility is Mr. John Penero; heading up the restaurant is Mark Norman, Food & Beverage Manager along with Bill Maples who is the Executive Chef. We must not forget Carrie Sterling, employee of twenty-eight years who as Office Manager is the glue that insures a smooth flowing operation.

When Mr. Holmes and Mr. Herrick struck the first tee shot 79 years ago, God was watching over them. He had provided them with the game of golf. I also think he had a hand in the making of Woodbridge Golf & Country Club, “A good place to live.

For information concerning membership, opportunities at Woodbridge Golf & Country Club contact Lynn Nagata at (209) 334-5454 or Email:
wgccmembership@inreach.com