New golf resort coming near the Tri-Cities?

By Cory McCoy, Tri-City Herald

www.tri-cityherald.com/news/business/article312177155.html

    One of the world’s leading golf course designers could soon bring his talents to a sweeping riverfront property 20 minutes from the Tri-Cities. And a Snake River park that was shut down by federal budget cuts could see big benefits from the course as its new neighbor.

The golf course is expected to begin taking shape as soon as developers get approval, potentially as early as this fall. It’s the dream of a group of Tri-Citians who spent their youth enjoying summer days at Levey Park in Franklin County.

The park was one of many in the area closed this year by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers after federal budget cuts left the Corps without the resources to staff the parks. They hope to reopen Levey Park by next summer, but county leaders say it’s fallen into disrepair and needs some help.

When the Gordon family began shutting down winery operations on the hillsides above the park, the group saw an opportunity to showcase the beauty of Eastern Washington and the Snake River. North 44, which is run by Ben Harris and Kennewick Councilman Brad Beauchamp, is partnering with Keith and Jordan Tiegs to transform the picturesque 300-acre property that was once home to vineyards and a cherry orchard. It borders Levey Park and nearly a mile of Snake River shoreline.

North 44, which is run by Ben Harris and Kennewick city councilman Brad Beauchamp, is partnering with Keith and Jordan Tiegs to transform the 300 acres on the Snake River shoreline. They’re partnering with world-renowned golf course designer David McLay Kidd, who is best known for courses that showcase sweeping views on rolling hills and cliffsides. Kidd has designed courses from Bandon Dunes on the Oregon coast to the St. Andrews Links “Castle Course” in his native Scotland.

Right now they’re in the process of applying for a special use permit to start work on the course. The golf course is expected to be open within about two years if they can break ground this fall.

While the vision started as a resort-style course, they want to be clear that this plan is meant to be something the Tri-Cities can enjoy while also showcasing the beauty of the region.  They haven’t settled on plans for including resort accommodations yet, Harris said. The average size of an 18-hole golf course is about 150-acres, according to the U.S. Golf Association. The 300-acre property, was once home to vineyards and a cherry orchard, borders Levey Park and nearly a mile of Snake River shoreline in Franklin County. The Snake River property stretches along a mile of shoreline past Levey Park, which the developers hope to help revitalize.

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