Antler Springs’ back on track
Antler Springs Golf Course, the quaint and peculiar little nine-hole layout just a few miles north of Chattaroy, is about to do battle with the big boys.
The Stime family, which owns and operates the facility, is hoping to open nine additional holes by the first of July in an effort to upgrade its dollhouse-course image and attract more serious golfers.
The original nine, which opened in the summer of 2001, measured a mere 2,226 yards and was carved out of 35 acres of densely wooded terrain just north of Bear Lake. Two of the original holes feature trees in the middle of greens, and another – a 257-yard par-4 – boasts, perhaps, the region’s longest sand trap, which starts in front of the tee box, winds its way across and down the left side of the fairway and wraps in behind the green.
The new nine, according to Phil Stime, will add more than 3,000 yards to the par-72 course, bringing its total yardage to over 5,200.
The new holes will be intermingled with the original nine, making for a more interesting design.
“The new holes are more open,” Stime explained. “But there’s a lot more water and a lot less sand than there is on the original nine. I don’t want to say they’re easier, because there are some hard holes back there, but it is more wide open.
“Challenging is probably the best way to describe them.”
Included in the expansion project is a double island green that sits in the middle of a large reservoir that will be used to hold water to irrigate the course. The island will also include tee boxes for two other holes.
According to Stime, the reservoir, when completed, will come into play on nearly every one of the new holes.
The Stime family had hoped to have the new holes open in time for a tournament scheduled later this month. But that seems like a bit of a stretch right now.
“The greens are the biggest problem,” Stime admitted. “It all depends on how they fill in and come together.
The family actually opened the new nine holes briefly last fall so regular visitors could get a feel for the character of the new 18-hole layout. Because the new greens were still unplayable, golfers were asked to pick up after hitting their approach shots and move to the next tee.
“It certainly wasn’t in perfect condition, and it won’t be for a while,” Stime admitted. “But the grass has been growing now for some time and we’re in the process of gradually mowing it down.
“It’s just a matter of getting it into golf-course condition.”
As a result of the expansion, several of the old holes have been remodeled and rerouted. But the character of the course has changed very little.
Plans to build a two-story clubhouse have been put on hold, and a small log building is being constructed to handle the check-in of customers.
“It gives the place a more professional look,” Stime said of the log structure that will replace the fifth-wheel trailer that served a makeshift clubhouse when the course first opened. “But it’s not really a landing place for people after they’ve finished their round. It’s more of just a check-in and check-out type of building.”
Tee times at Antler Springs can be made by calling (509) 292-4653. Greens fees, which include a cart, are currently $25 for 18 holes on weekdays and $30 on weekends. The weekend fees, according to Stime, will jump to $35 once the new holes are opened for play, but weekday prices will continue to hold fairly steady because of the special promotions the family intends to implement.
To get to Antler Springs from Spokane, take Highway 2 north past Chattaroy to Westmoreland Road. Head west on Westmoreland for about a mile to Regal Road and then turn north and follow the road to the golf course.