Sundoon will be a championship caliber, moderately priced, daily fee facility that will serve the Mid- Columbia region, yet is expected to attract a majority of its play from several nearby markets and from tourists visiting the Columbia River Gorge. Sundoon is only a 75 minute drive from Portland International via Interstate 84, a nationally recognized scenic highway. The course will be situated adjacent to a regional (jetcompatible) airport for private aircraft. Sunny, dry climate and low elevation create year around pleasant playing conditions - a significant marketing advantage in the Pacific Northwest. Award-winning golf course architect, John Fought, immediately recognized the potential for an authentic, old-world, links-style course on this peninsula of sand dunes and rugged rock outcroppings. Except for snowcapped Mt. Hood in the background and consistently dry weather, the dramatic rolling hills and cliffs of the Gorge create a backdrop reminiscent of the famous golf destinations of Scotland and Ireland. This project is a public-private endeavor that is the result of several years of planning, permitting, and exceptionally supportive communities and neighbors. The golf course will be located in Klickitat County, Washington, directly across the Columbia River from the City of The Dalles, Oregon. Both Counties have approved the development of the Sundoon golf course. The City of The Dalles owns land in Klickitat County on which the golf course will be built. The City of The Dalles and Fairway Development Corporation (FDC) have agreed to provide the land and water necessary for the golf course. FDC is more fully described in the SITE DESCRIPTION section. Gorge Golf Associates, LLC, will provide the capital necessary to construct and open the facility. In return for its investment, GGA will receive a 30-year land lease, with two 10-year renewal options, giving GGA the exclusive (transferable) right to operate the facility, for a total of 50 years. By using the ideal and abundant native soil and the natural terrain features of 377 acres, John Fought expects to create world-class holes and shot opportunities for a fraction of the cost typically associated with a golf course of this caliber. GGA will design and build a maintenance building, cart barn, on-course restrooms, and a pavilion to accommodate groups and tournaments. The pro shop will initially be a leased, custom-designed modular structure, without kitchen facilities. Until GGA determines that a permanent clubhouse and kitchen will be profitable, meals will be limited to a gas grill in the pavilion or be catered by an outside service. Beverages and snack foods will be sold in the pro shop.
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