An offer from the Cowlitz Indian Tribe to purchase Tri-Mountain Golf Course seems to be an ideal solution to a controversial issue.
The tribe would expand its entertainment offerings in north Clark County; the county government would be rid of a struggling enterprise; and local golfers would retain access to one of the few public courses in the area. Accepting an offer for the course near Ridgefield should be as simple as a tap-in putt.
Clark County’s relationship with the 132-acre property has been complicated. The Port of Ridgefield began construction of the 18-hole course in 1994 but could not afford to continue. Clark County took over in 1997 and issued nearly $8 million in municipal bonds to complete the course, finish a clubhouse and provide other improvements.
In recent years, the facility has been managed by Arizona-based Troon Golf LLC, but Troon’s contract is set to expire at the end of this year. With revenue growth failing to keep up with expenses (there was a 46 percent decline in net income for 2022), it is time for county officials to reevaluate its operation of the course.
That led the Clark County Council to announce plans to put the course up for sale. It also led to questions about the future of the land while generating opposition from local golfers. Several Clark County golf courses have closed in recent years, leaving limited options and leading to frustrated golfers. As one of numerous letters published by The Columbian exclaimed, “Selling the land that belongs to the public is shameful.”
The need to balance fiscal responsibility with a desire to provide public recreation creates a conundrum for the council. As Chair Gary Medvigy said in September: “The main issue is this: Does the property get a 10-, 20-, 30-year restriction or none at all to be kept as a golf course? Of course, restrictions like this would diminish the sales price.”
Clark County set the minimum bid requirement for the property — which includes a pro shop, commercial kitchen, offices, dining area and driving range — at $3.525 million. The Cowlitz Economic Authority offered two bids — one for $3.6 million, or one for $5 million with the caveat that the golf course requirement would expire after five years.
County officials wisely rejected the higher bid but are considering the $3.6 million offer with the provision that the golf course would remain. That bid will be discussed at a public hearing that has yet to be scheduled. In a statement, Cowlitz officials said, “The sale of the property offers compelling opportunities, and we look forward to participating in discussions about the best potential outcomes for its future.”
The golf course sits 2 miles south of the tribe’s ilani casino and resort. Purchase by the Cowlitz would allow for golf to be included in vacation packages and other connections to the casino; it also would enhance the tribe’s links to the business and recreation communities of north Clark County.
A sale also would present a reasonable economic outcome for the public. Although the county is deeply invested in the golf course, it would not be fiscally prudent to continue expenditures with few prospects for increased revenue. When other county services are facing budget cuts, a costly golf course is not a priority.
Most important, however, is that Tri-Mountain would remain as an attraction for golfers from Clark County and beyond. Despite initial concerns about the future of the course and potential development of the land, the Clark County Council appears to have hit a drive right down the middle of the fairway.
