Salish Cliffs taking shape, getting ready for opening

At a time when course closures across the county out number new openings by as much as three to one, the Pacific Northwest will welcome another golf course this spring with the opening of the Salish Cliffs Golf Club, part of the Little Creek Casino in Shelton, Wash.

The course, designed by Gene Bates, was set to open years ago but construction slowed. Last year, work at the course heated up and now, Salish Cliffs is expected to open this spring.

The course will play to 7,300 yards and par-72. A total of 16 of the 18 holes are encircled by trees, giving golfers the feeling that they are the only ones playing the golf course. Two of the par-5 holes will be monsters, with those two checking in at over 600 yards from the tip.

The clubhouse sits in a deep ravine and will boast 360-degree views of the nearby Kamilche Valley.

For more on the golf course, see www.little-creek.com.