Members at Tantallon were excited when a new management company launched an extensive renovation to the course and clubhouse. Some objected, however, when a small window was added to the grill.

For tradition-tied country clubbers, playing cards, sipping Coronas, and telling stories is best done in the dark. But those days have gone the way of persimmon drivers.

Once the window was installed, Tantallon members saw the light. Now they are on board with the $4 million project, which aims to beef up lagging membership the struggling club.

The project, underway for nearly three years, is capped by a name change. The course is now called National Golf Club at Tantallon.

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Even though you can see the Washington Monument from the 16th tee, location has always been the rub against Tantallon, the centerpiece of an aging housing development in Fort Washington. But things are changing in the southwestern corner of Prince George’s County.

“We saw the bridge coming up, then the National Harbor coming up out of the ground,” said Mike Miraglia, president of Fore Golf Services. “What we need to be is an affordable, private country club, be involved in this part of Prince George’s County which is getting so much revitalization.”

To that end, Tantallon will serve as exclusive golf provider of the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center.

Bunkers, tees, greens, practice facilities, and cart paths have been updated, bringing Tantallon’s appealing, tree-lined layout up to speed. The 43-year-old course is a favorite of many long-time Washington-area players, but has failed to keep pace with the times.

Additions to the clubhouse include a fitness center and Pilates workout room.

Fore studied the renovations of nearby courses Belle Haven and Mount Vernon, both across the Potomac in Alexandria.

Membership had bottomed out at 175 when Fore took over, but is up to 240 now. In an effort to attract more members, to reach its target of 350, Tantallon has reduced initiation fees to $2,500, a figure virtually unmatched in the D.C. area.