"It's pristine. Absolutely pristine. Baker Creek runs through it. That's why you've got the Baker Creek Grill, because the real creek meanders throughout the course. It's a salmon-bearing stream in the fall. The course is green and pristine. It's all ecology safe, no dangerous fertilizers or anything like that. We don't cut a tree down without a reason for doing it. About the only reason we cut down a tee is if there isn't enough light getting on the on green. But when we do cut down one, we plant two. That's what I love is all the old growth firs lining the course."

Don Van Andel

Current president of the BGCC

"The people in pro shop, and the entire staff, they all treat you with the greatest respect. All the waters and waitresses are super people. I have nothing detrimental to say about that club. The club members that I associate with all talk the same way I do. We all think it's best there is. No one has a derogatory thing to say."

Vic Bradbury

BGCC member for 35 years

"There have been a lot of characters over the years. I'm the last one left. I don't think anyone has been out there longer than me - not to my knowledge. ... I have a lot of memories. I certainly remember all the guys from when I caddied. We had a group we called The Herd. They were big gamblers, and they liked to have a lot of fun, even when money was tight. They paid us well, too. That was my only source of income. That was before they had golf carts, of course. But so many great memories out there."

Rick Weihe

BGCC member for 60 years

"For an old course that's modest in terms of length, it's still a challenge. That plus the fact it's kept in such great condition. ... They can't tie it up all the time, but if the tours can get on, they really try to take advantage of it. The membership is very welcoming and accommodating, and a lot of courses aren't. Remarkably, the old course holds up in terms of score, even for the better players. You see some ridiculously low scores at other old courses. But at the Country Club, par is a pretty good score, no matter how good you are."

Bill Hager

BGCC longtime member and 2009-10 president

"I got to play one hole of golf with Bob Hope in the 1970s. I just teed off on old No. 13, which was called Little Jeff. Bob Hope came up in a power cart with a few other people and asked if they could play through. We said of course, but we had already hit our tee shots. We said he could if he played with us and then go through. He did, and it was something I'll never forget. I even had him sign my scorecard."

Steve Hager

BGCC member and author of "the Bellingham Golf and Country Club: Since 1912"

"It's been a great spot for me and also for my family. My kids grew up there. My wife has been very active there. ... My grandkids go down there to swim. It's a good, active spot for us."

Ray Scott

BGCC member for 42 years

"Our superintendent (Dave Bocci) is very talented. He could get any number of jobs. The membership board and the greens committee are strong advocates of taking care of the course. It's our gem and the reason we're all here. Members and management never lost sight of putting it No. 1. They're doing things I think will make this course relevant 50 years from now."

Mike Montgomery

BGCC head golf professional

Reach DAVID RASBACH at david.rasbach@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2271.