Woodbridge Golf & Country Club in its 83rd year is prospering in the new millennium with a philosophy that connects the historic with the contemporary while embracing family, fun and harmony.

Woodbridge, California, is a small, historic community whose name has become synonymous with great wine. Adjacent to the Lodi Wine Country, Woodbridge provides a superb setting in which to showcase a classic course that emerged from meager beginnings. The Club's roots are set deep in tradition, dating to March of 1924 when Mr. Claude Holmes and two other gentlemen decided it was time to create a local golf course. Annoyed by the time it took traveling back and forth to Stockton these fellows decided a golf course would look good on the Thompson-Folger Estate along the magnificent Mokelumne River.

With the help of two unemployed horses (Ben and Dick), the partners began the arduous task of clearing land along the northeast portion of the property until it was finally cleared. After a great deal of work the gentleman at last decided the course was ready for play. In pioneering sportsmen style, when beginning a hole, balls were “teed up” upon ordinary doormats on which mounds of sand were erected as to elevate the ball. Upon reaching the putting area, tomato cans had been inserted into the sandy greens to serve as cups. Archaic by today’s standards – Yes, but the spirit of those early days still lives on when you visit this lovely course.

Mr. Holmes did not realize 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 picturesque holes of golf located within The Lake Course, River Course and Middle Course. In addition, at the Club you will enjoy six lighted tennis courts, a brand new swimming pool; lounge, restaurant, driving range and pro shop are available to the members. Plans include a new exercise facility, sauna, larger banquet rooms and other modern improvements.

The founding fathers would be happy to know that their original twenty-three members have now grown to a proprietary membership of greater than five-hundred and fifty. Today they have their own Board of Directors, and enjoy a staff of 80 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 and his loyal staff. Rick is a family man that adores his wife, Christy, and boys Taylor and Jackson. He went on to elaborate that the goal of the Club is to encourage a family atmosphere. Rick worked his way up in the private club business in Palm Springs. He became proficient in the golf shop, greens maintenance, facility management and food & beverage management. He then came to northern California to become the General Manager at Woodbridge Golf & Country Club in October 1993.

“Woodbridge Golf & Country Club is the friendliest club I’ve been associated with. This particular Club has a very nice demeanor about it, unpretentious, relaxed environment in a small town atmosphere with a first-class style. It is unique in this business”. “I am also very fortunate to work with a very strong and very professional department head staff. I love my job!” said Rick.

Mr. Jim Husting, Course Superintendent, will be overseeing the future Master Plan of the entire course. "The River Course will get a great deal of his energy and attention to begin with," says Rick. “Design issues exist that the membership wants to address. Nothing major,” added Rick.” “We are trying to make the River Course even more attractive for the members to play. We intend to level some of the tee boxes, replace a few greens, redesign all the bunkers.” added Rick. In addition there will be future changes to the Lake and Middle Course including new tee boxes, new greens and refurbished bunkers while keeping with the old style charm. This course reconstruction is a project that will certainly add additional value to this classic course.

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. Steve Tiffin; heading up the restaurant is Richard Garcia, Food & Beverage Manager along with Julie Paris who is the Executive Chef. We must not forget Carrie Sterling, employee of thirty-two years who as Office Manager is the bond that insures a smooth flowing operation.

Most people do not realize Woodbridge Golf & Country Club opens their doors to the community and is available to non-members of the Club for events such as weddings, golf tournaments, class reunions, charity events and many others. The key is to find a member who will sponsor your event. “We would be more than happy to talk to you about the possibilities”, says Rick.

When Mr. Holmes and Mr. Herrick teed up their first shots 83 years ago, God was watching over them. He had provided them with the game of golf and now a special place to play the game. I believe there is a saying that God is happiest when his children are at play. I couldn’t think of a better place to do just that. PLAY!

Woodbridge Golf & Country Club - “A magnificent place for the entire family”.

For information concerning membership opportunities at Woodbridge Golf & Country Club, contact Membership Marketing Director, Lynn Nagata at (209) 334-5454 or visit the Club's website at www.Woodbridgegcc.com