northwest golf WSU’s Ridge offers game day golf packages By Guy Generaux Golf and football on the same day? It doesn’t get any bet- ter than that. Palouse Ridge, the heralded new c h a m p i o n s h i p golf course on the State University campus is offering Cougar Football game day packages to kick Photo by Rob Perry Photography off its fall debut to WSU’s Palouse Ridge opened Labor Day weekend. the public. The golf course celebrated a formal grand opening over Labor Day The 7,305-yard layout boasts five sets weekend in Pullman. of tee boxes on each hole to accommo- Cougar football fans can now enjoy a date the high handicapper and challenge round of golf in the morning, followed by the best of players. Standardized USGA a short walk across campus to newly reno- course ratings announced just last week vated Martin Stadium to take in an after- designated a 75.9 to par rating with a slope noon game. On home game days, Palouse of 140, which makes the track among the Ridge will host an 8 a.m. shotgun start. most difficult in the state from the back The $119 golf package includes an 18 hole (crimson) tees. The regular (grey) tees round, power cart, a sleeve of Palouse Ridge have the course at 6,172 yards with rat- logoed Nike golf balls, bag tag and towel, ing/slope at 70.2/126. The golf course is plus lunch provided by the new clubhouse nestled on an expansive 315-acre parcel of restaurant, Banyan’s on the Ridge. WSU land that takes advantage of the gorgeous Alumni Association members can partici- rolling hills views of the Palouse. A new pate at a $109 fee. 7,000 square-foot clubhouse and Banyan’s Designed by renowned Tacoma golf ar- Restaurant are perched at the crest of the chitect John Harbottle, Palouse Ridge is al- property with panoramic perspectives of ready garnering rave reviews from golf me- both the WSU campus and the surround- dia members. Many consider Palouse Ridge ing natural rural landscape. to be equal to Harbottle’s other famous area Game day golf packages are set for Sept. design, the Gold Mountain Olympic View 6 (WSU vs. Cal), Sept. 20 (WSU vs. Port- course in Bremerton. Numerous Harbottle land State), Sept. 27 (WSU vs. Oregon), projects have made the top ten lists of “Best Oct. 18 (WSU vs. USC), and Nov. 8 (WSU New U.S. Courses” in recent years. “I’d defi- vs. Arizona). Weather permitting, the WSU nitely place Palouse Ridge among the top vs. UW match up, Nov. 22, five public golf courses in the state,” notes could be added. Space is limited, sign up Tom Cade, editor of Golfer early. Contact Palouse Ridge at (509) 335- magazine. 4342 for further information or visit www. palouseridge.com.