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New Golf Resort will Showcase Sweeping Eastern WA Riverfront Near Tri-Cities by Cory McCoy Tri-City Herald, September 17, 2009

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.

Franklin County, WA -- 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.

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.

"Every place you go on the property gives you a different view and emotions," Harris told the Herald. "We want to come in and put it on the map, I think the land warrants that."

World class golf destination

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.

"We've got 300,000 people right here," Harris said of the Tri-City area's population.

They're likely to open some of the property up to home sites, and have plans for a pro shop, restaurant, bar and more. They haven't settled on plans for including resort accomodations yet, Harris said.

The average size of an 18-hole golf course is about 150-acres, according to the U.S. Golf Association.

He said that between their own plans and the potential for as many as 50 high-end homes on or near the course, the total investment in the area could reach over $200 million.

Related Pages:
Dedication from Vine to Wine by Christy Olsen Field, Norwegian American Weekly, 9/17/9

Tasawik Vineyards is a 7.5-acre, sustainably-focused vineyard in Walla Walla County, Washington, established in 2003 by Erik Dahle and Sara Broetje. Situated on a south-west slope above the Snake River, it produces premium, cool-climate grapes, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese, Syrah, and Viognier.

Key Details About Tasawik Vineyards:

• Location: Located near Fishhook Park, about 18 miles north-east of the Snake/Columbia River merge.

• Terroir & Focus: The site leverages a unique, high-elevation, sloped terroir that provides a distinct environment, focusing on balanced, premium fruit.

• History: The vineyard was hit by a severe hailstorm in 2006 (ruining 90% of the crop) but successfully recovered, with vintages ranging from 600 to over 1,300 cases.

• Name Origin: The name "Tasawik" is derived from the nearby Palouse Indian village located below the vineyard site.

• Partnerships: The vineyard has been used for premium wine production, with some grapes featured in Washington-based blends.