Canterwood at Canterwood Golf Club

Canterwood Golf Club sits on a forested peninsula in Gig Harbor, Washington, across Puget Sound from Tacoma. Robert Muir Graves designed the course in the early 1990s as the centerpiece of a residential community, routing eighteen holes through dense stands of Douglas fir, cedar, and madrone. The property's natural topography features moderate elevation changes and the architect preserved much of the native woodland character, creating a layout where holes move through tree-lined corridors with limited views between fairways.

The design emphasizes accuracy over distance, as the tree canopy defines playing corridors and penalizes wayward shots. Graves incorporated strategic bunkering and water features on several holes, though the primary defense remains the forest itself. The greens are moderately contoured and well-protected, requiring thoughtful approach play. The course measures over 7,000 yards from the back tees but offers multiple tee options to accommodate different skill levels.

Canterwood operates as a private equity club serving residents of the surrounding community and outside members. The club maintains a family-oriented atmosphere typical of Pacific Northwest residential clubs, with facilities that include tennis courts and a clubhouse overlooking the course. The setting provides a secluded, wooded environment characteristic of the region's golf courses, where play occurs beneath a canopy of evergreens with occasional glimpses of the surrounding landscape.