Origins and Early Design
The original Overlake Golf Club, designed by Frank James, opened its doors in 1927. James, along with his partner William Henry Tucker, was responsible for several notable golf courses, including Olympia Country & Golf Club, Sand Point Country Club, and Jackson Park Golf Course. During its early years, Overlake became a vibrant social and sporting hub for residents of the Eastside and Seattle, many of whom accessed the club by small boat or ferry.
The Impact of the Great Depression
The Club's thriving atmosphere came to a halt in 1935 when the Great Depression forced its closure. The once-bustling course was converted into pastureland for horses and Hereford cattle. This marked a significant shift from its previous identity as a premier golfing destination.
A New Beginning
Norton Clapp later acquired the property, having previously been aware of the course's rich history. Recognizing the desire among local enthusiasts to revive the golfing spirit, Clapp met with community members who sought to establish another golf club. In 1952, he agreed to lease the 132-acre site to the newly re-formed Overlake Golf & Country Club, paving the way for its revival.
Overlake officially opened on June 27th, 1953, and has remained an icon of the Bellevue community ever since.
The Early Years: Repurposed Barn
Since its re-opening in 1953, Overlake Golf & Country Club has undergone several renovations to its Clubhouse. Initially, the Clubhouse was a repurposed barn that had been on the property, complemented by a cozy cottage that often served as a meeting space. Both structures quickly became beloved by the Membership and hosted countless memorable events over the years.
Evolving and Expanding: Clubhouse, Pool, and Racquet Courts
In 1960, the original barn was replaced by a modern Clubhouse designed to enhance amenities for the Membership. This upgrade marked a significant step in creating a more sophisticated environment for socializing and golfing activities.
Following the new Clubhouse, the pool and Cabana opened in 1961. The Members held a luau party to celebrate. To this day, this fun photo from the party showcases our longest-standing Members at the Club! Later in the 70s, a group of Members raised the money amongst themselves to propose and construct the racquet courts, further adding to the opportunities for recreation.
Resilience Through Adversity
Overlake has always demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability. In 1971, a tragic fire destroyed the Clubhouse, but the Members rallied together to create the “Burned Out Ball” at the Holiday Inn, ensuring that the fun continued despite the setback. The original cottage, along with rented trailers, provided the essential services needed to keep the year’s scheduled events intact, without canceling a single one. In August 1972, the new Clubhouse was unveiled at a cocktail reception attended by over 600 jubilant Members.
Recent Enhancements
The evolution of Overlake continues, along with ongoing enhancements to the Club. The latest full renovation, completed in the fall of 2017, combines modern aesthetics with a timeless feel. This transformation has solidified Overlake’s status as one of the premier gathering spots on the Eastside and beyond.
The Perfect Place to Play
Overlake has been a proud host to hundreds of golf events over the years. Our Men’s and Women’s Golf Divisions are some of the most active groups within our Club. We also had the privilege to work with Fred Couples to host the Ernst Championship Tournament at Overlake in 1994, a tournament which he ultimately won. Fred’s photo still hangs on our history wall in the Clubhouse today.
Living and Leaving a Legacy
We are fortunate to have longstanding Head Golf Professionals that have contributed greatly to our culture at the Club. In 2012, we dedicated a clock tower on Hole #1 to Gordy Richards, our first Pro who served for 13 years, Al Mundle, who served for 17 years, and Ron Hoetmer, who served for 28 years. Our current Director of Golf, Mark Sursely, has served for over 14 years.
Creating a Future Together
As we reflect on the rich history of Overlake Golf & Country Club, it’s essential to acknowledge the families that have grown alongside us. Their shared laughter, celebrations, and friendships have woven the fabric of our community, making it a true haven for generations. Our Membership has also supported each other through incredibly difficult times. Together, we will continue to foster a vibrant environment where new memories can flourish, ensuring that the spirit of Overlake remains alive and cherished for years to come.
