In the future, many local linksters will not have to go out of town to play a round of golf as Willapa harbor Golf Course was recently purchased and is undergoing renovations.
The Willapa Harbor Golf course is now owned by Dr. Daniel Hamilton and his wife, Heather Hamilton. The Hamiltons purchased the property from Kosses USA, Inc. (Bong Hyun Back) on July 9, 2021. Heather Hamilton said she will be "the main one overseeing things at the golf course." She offered her time to answer questions from the Herald over the weekend about the purchase of the course, which has been closed for a period of approximately three years.
When it was open, Willapa Harbor Golf Course was a scenic 9-hole course that offered unique looks for each hole. The par 36 course featured 3,004 yards from the longest tees and had a course rating of 39.6 with a slope rating of 112. The course was designed by Walter Fovargue in 1926 and has room for recreational vehicles for any golfers, travelers or avid sportsmen. The course is located at 2424 fowler Road in Raymond.
Herald: Why did you purchase the golf course?
Hamilton: We purchased it because we drive by it everyday on our way home and it was sad to see it fall into disrepair.
Herald: What do you intend to do with the golf course?
Hamilton: I intend to run it as a golf course.
Herald: What kind of shape is the golf course in?
Hamilton: The property will need a lot of work to restore it back to a golf course.
Herald: Why and for how long was the golf course closed?
Hamilton: I am not exactly sure why the golf course was closed, the previous manager said something to me about it not producing enough income and that he was planning to turn it into a farm and campground. I do not know exactly how long it was closed but I think it might have been three years?
Herald: When do you expect it to reopen?
Hamilton: I do not have an estimated date for reopening as I am not sure how long the whole restoration project will take.
Herald: Will it be the same name or do you intend to change it?
Hamilton: When we were under contract for the purchase of the golf course, I went online to create a company to purchase the golf course and saw that Willapa Harbor Golf Course LLC was available as a company name. I then went through the process of creating that company and had the contract assigned to the new company.
Herald: Will you also continue to use the RV park? Is that still open?
Hamilton: The permit to run an RV park is not transferable. We have not applied for a new permit, so we are unable to run an RV park at this time. All of the previous tenants have left with the exception of one couple who say that they will be out shortly. At some point, we would like to reopen the RV park but want to have it available for only nightly, not monthly renters.
Herald: Is there still going to be a sports bar and restaurant?
Hamilton: We anticipate there being a sports bar and restaurant. After the improvements are complete, we would also like to make the clubhouse available as a wedding venue.
Herald: What kind of renovations need to take place on the course, RV park and restaurant/bar?
Hamilton: We have already started improving the clubhouse with cosmetic changes, like painting and flooring. There is a lot of old equipment, a couple of dilapidated trailers and lots of garbage that we are working on getting removed. The course had grass so high that we had to begin by bringing in our hay equipment. We have purchased golf course equipment and are in the process of purchasing additional equipment to help in the restoration project.
Herald: Is fishing available in the South Fork Willapa River from the golf course?
Hamilton: There is already a state maintained fishing spot nearby. We don't anticipate making fishing available on the golf course property at this time.
Herald: Do you intend to make any changes with anything or add anything different with the golf course, RV park, restaurant/bar, etc.)?
Hamilton: Our first goal is to clean-up and fix-up what is already there.
Herald: Is there anything you would care to add about anything?
Hamilton: We have a large family. I gave birth to eight children and about seven years ago we became guardians of six of my nieces and nephews. Three of our children are now married. We have two grandsons and one grandson on the way.