No Need To Go To Augusta To Play Golf
Deer Park Golf Club Has Everything A Golfer Needs..From The Beginner To The Pro
I don’t think there is a prettier part of the Spokane area than Deer Park. The big secret is Deer Park is also one of the best little towns in the entire area. Just 15 miles north of Spokane, Deer Park has everything necessary for daily living.
Best of all, Deer Park has a top-notch, championship 18-hole golf course. Deer Park Golf Club (DPGC) is part of a large series of subdivisions on the northeast corner of town. As Spokane’s economy has moved up and down in fits and starts over the past two decades, the golf course housing development part of the subdivision has also grown and slowed several times. The one constant has been this outstanding golf course which opened in 1995. Even when the town of Deer Park purchased the course at a 2011 auction, it still managed to stay open.
The other constant has been the presence of a gentleman named Craig Schuh. Back in 1994 and 1995, Schuh did a lot of the work on the fields and the grass planting during construction of the course. Afterwards, he stayed on and worked in many different capacities, gradually assuming more duties until he finally became manager of the club’s operations. Now, he owns and manages the business leasing the facilities from Deer Park.
Why play golf in Deer Park?
Great territorial views of several mountain ranges, including Mt. Spokane, provide a calming setting for your play. We all know when playing golf, being calm and focused is very important! If the course you are playing is not designed properly, you just will not have a great game. Keith Hellstrom was a golf architect with 20 years’ or more experience designing golf courses in the Inland Northwest before he designed this course. He knew all of the problems plaguing Spokane area golf courses before he started this design, so he avoided the same mistakes. This course includes 6,751 yards of great golfing. Par for the course is 72, and there are a total of 18 holes. For the excessively detail oriented golf fanatics, the course rating is 71.7 and has a slope rating of 120 on Blue tees. For most of us, knowing we have a great place to play is probably enough.
What else does the course offer?
Most important for learning golfing skills may be practicing before you get on the course itself. Develop your driving skills from real grass teeing areas, not mats, on the 300 yard driving range, or hone your skills on the oversized chipping and putting greens. Then, go out and wow them! DPGC has two trained PGA professionals, Schuh and Luke Baker, who offer individual, group and junior instruction. Wednesday evenings, Baker runs a golf clinic limited to eight people. Improve your game and be kind to your wallet.
The Pro Shop provides the name brand products everyone needs to enjoy this pastime. You can buy golf balls, bags, tees, clubs and clothes here. Perhaps most important, they also can do equipment repairs. Bang the putter against the ground in frustration, and they might be able to straighten it out!
Divots Restaurant and Sports Bar provides what one friend calls, “The best kept dining secret in Deer Park.” Their goal is to make this a year round culinary destination. Their spacious facility is available for special functions and recently hosted a 50th wedding anniversary celebration. They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner, including a menu from appetizers, burgers and deli sandwiches to great salads and dinner entrees. Prime rib and steak are options for special group parties. Call them for your next big event.
While not a part of DPGC, Deer Park RV Park next door is a great asset. If you need a short term stay or want to park all summer, they can accommodate you, but confirm your reservation early because spaces fill up fast! Some lots are for sale at reasonable prices. Basic charges are: overnight, $35; weekly, $203; monthly, $690. Occupancy basis is three people. Check their website for contact information and other details. Visit http://www.spokanervresort.com/site/rv_rates or call (877) 276-1555.
DPGC’s philosophy is one of service to the community. They are working hard to make it convenient and affordable to play and to excel at this, to some, frustrating game. My friend, Marilyn McDowall, said the three things she likes the most about DPGC are the challenging nature of the course, the friendliness of the staff and players, and the helpfulness of the golf pros. “They really want us to have fun!” McDowall said.
DPGC hosts both Men’s and Women’s clubs. They are inexpensive and help develop your game. They also help establish handicaps and document records important to wider play. The clubs have regular events, and meetings are held at The Divot. Just a taste of some games: Blind draw scramble, Just play golf, Gross/Net (Men’s club of course), Bingo Bango Bongo, Tombstone, Scramble, and Count your putts.
Fundraisers over the year include The Deer Park Rotary Club Golf Tournament, which just happened this past weekend; Birdie for Autism in June, and the Transportation Tournament which raises money for children later in the year.
While those who have not fallen under the sway of computers are welcome to call or visit for tee times, those who like computers can do so online. Sit in your living room with a warm cup of coffee and lay out your summer schedule. What could be more convenient?
And Augusta, Deer Park Golf Club warmly welcomes women!