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Since Tina and Brandon Wong joined Egypt Valley in 2018, the couple and their sons Nolan and Alex have found a bounty of fun and friendship at the Club. From the Fall Festival to the Three-Hole League on Tuesdays, keep reading to learn more about the Wong family and what they love about the Club!

Tina—who grew up in Jenison and has a twin sister who also lives in Grand Rapids—has a background in psychology and master's degree in school counseling. She worked as a school counselor up until she had the couple’s first child, with her most recent role being a middle school counselor in the Rockford Public School system. And though she’s not formally working in the capacity she used to, Tina is still very involved at her son’s schools and can be found volunteering on the PTO, working periodically as a substitute teacher and filling in for the school counselor when needed.

“When it comes to extracurricular activities, I feel like all I do is drive around,” Tina joked. “I read something that said ‘My kids are living their best life and I’m just along for the ride’ and that’s pretty much true!”

Brandon—who grew up in Grand Rapids and works as an anesthesiologist—attended Hope College for undergrad, University of Michigan for medical school and completed his residency at University of Minnesota before returning to GR. It was during this residency that the couple met after being set up by Brandon’s dad and Tina’s mom. When he’s not at work, Brandon also serves on the Board of Directors for Camp Roger.

When it comes to golf, Tina took a few lessons during college but always looked at the sport through a recreational lens. At the Club, Tina participates in the Three-Hole League on Tuesdays.

“A couple years ago, a group of friends and myself would go out on Tuesdays and we kind of joke that we were doing a three-hole league before there was one,” Tina shared. “We’d play three or four holes—sometimes two—and then come in for dinner.”

Brandon was introduced to the game at age eight, with his family being life-long members at Cascade Country Club. He continued to play often through high school and medical school, and when he was able to find time during his residency. And though he hasn’t played as much as in the past, he always tries to get out on the course a handful of times during the summer, especially alongside sons Nolan and Alex.

“We really enjoy the walk-on family course because of our busy schedule,” Tina shared. “We love the idea that we can just walk on and don’t have to rush because it’s a time meant for families. We try to get out whenever we can!”

The Wong’s children also take part in a number of extracurriculars at the Club, from swim (formerly) to travel tennis and golf (presently). The Wong's are also excited about the renovated Driving Range at the Club, and enjoy spending time at the pool during the summer months.

“The kids have friends there and I enjoy it because it's like social hour for me, as well!” Tina said. “I can strike up a conversation with whoever is there and sometimes we'll do lunch or dinner out there at the pool.”

The friendly staff are a huge part of the Club’s draw for the family, along with certain social events.

“The Fall Festival is definitely the highlight for our family,” Tina said. “My husband actually blocks off time from work to make sure that he can attend when that day comes.”

When it comes to hobbies, Tina enjoys baking and cooking, while Brandon is a big fan of Bourbon and tastings—done locally and in Kentucky. The family loves visiting family and traveling when time allows, along with Brandon and the kids going early morning fishing on the weekends.

Ultimately, the family is grateful to have a refuge like Egypt Valley so nearby their home.

“We just feel fortunate that there's a place near us like the Club, and one with such beautiful and well-maintained courses that we as a family appreciate so much,” Tina said.

One thing about the Wongs that other members might not know is that Brandon is Jamaican and Chinese, while Tina is Polish and Dutch!

If you see the Wong Family around the Club, be sure to say, “Hello!”