KINGSTON — When Director of Golf Operations Bruce Christy looks back on the last six years at White Horse Golf Club, he thinks of all the anticipation it built.
The club has undergone a change in ownership. The course was restructured to be a little more friendly to golfers of all skill levels.
On March 17, the club will get what Christy considers the “missing link” — the clubhouse opens to the public.
“The golf course is phenomenal and stands on its own,” Christy said. “Now you have the clubhouse to match.”
Built by the Suquamish Tribe as an investment in the local community, the clubhouse is a multipurpose facility featuring a full-service restaurant, meeting space and indoor/outdoor wedding venue. The clubhouse will also create a number of new jobs.
“Our new clubhouse is a place that will bring the community together,” General Manager David Raper said in a press release. “Golf is the focal point, but the new venue will be a place where organizations can hold meetings and charitable events, businesses can hold retreats, families and friends can gather for social events, and locals can enjoy a glass of wine with a delicious meal in a relaxing and friendly environment.”
Overlooking the 18th hole, the 22,000-square-foot clubhouse was designed by DH Briant Associates of Bainbridge Island and constructed by Korsmo Construction of Tacoma.
Golfers and the public can enjoy breakfast and lunch daily with unique menu items created by Executive Chef Thomas Kollasch. The focus will be on fresh, healthy Pacific Northwest cuisine complemented by an array of wine and beverage options, according to information from Port Madison Enterprises, the Suquamish Tribe’s economic development arm.
Meeting rooms can accommodate groups from five to 250 people. Available amenities include audio visual carts, wireless microphones and sound systems. The indoor banquet room can accommodate weddings and receptions for up to 250 people.
The new facility is a big change for large events. In the past, Christy said it had to be a “picture-perfect, postcard day” to cater to large events. “Sometimes there were events where rain was running underneath the tables,” Christy said.
The majority of the golfers come from the peninsula area. During better weather, Christy said the club gets golfers from around the area, many who live between Everett and Seattle.
The clubhouse also brings 22 new jobs. Five positions are full-time managerial and 17 positions are part-time/seasonal, including cooks, servers, bartenders, and banquet and maintenance staff. A job fair held in January attracted more than 200 local applicants. Additional positions may become available throughout the year.
