WSU to build 18-hole golf course

Washington State University’s Board of Regents approved an $8.4 million plan Friday to build an 18-hole championship golf course in Pullman.

The 315-acre site would replace the existing nine-hole course on the Pullman campus.

The schematic designs were approved and authority was given to put the contract to bid. Now it’s simply a matter of raising the money.

“It’s not going to be tuition money used for the course,” said James Tinney, university spokesman.

WSU President V. Lane Rawlins is gathering a group of private investors to help fund the project, Tinney said.

Construction should begin next spring and be completed by summer 2006.

Talk of expanding the nine-hole course had gone on for years, said Dawes Marlatt, director of golf at the University of Idaho in nearby Moscow.

“It’s a good deal. I think it’s exciting for the community,” said Marlatt, who plans to be in line early to play the new course. “It’s supposed to be a top tier golf facility.”

The course will likely entice some campus visitors to stay longer and dine downtown, said Fritz Hughes, executive director of the Pullman Chamber of Commerce.

“Our board of directors was unanimously in support of an 18-hole golf course,” Hughes said.

The course could also bring collegiate golf tournaments to Pullman. While the school golf team does practice on the nine-hole course, all school tournaments are hosted on surrounding 18-hole courses like those in Moscow, Lewiston and Clarkston.

Also at Friday’s meeting, the regents approved the purchase of Adams Mall in Pullman for $1.5 million. Bids will be sought for a management company to oversee day-to-day operations at the 36,000-square-foot mall.