RV Life - Back Issues

Golfing Paradise

RV golfers visiting the Evergreen State this spring and summer might want to pencil in a stop at Spokane RV Resort at Deer Park Golf Club. Though the name’s a mouthful, you won’t be disappointed with the golf course or RV park. Located just 17 miles north of Spokane in the eastern portion of the state, this RV and golfing paradise gets more popular with each passing year.

The first time I visited Deer Park a few years ago, I met Glenn and Peggy Browne, full-time RVers for a dozen years. They had discovered this slice of heaven a few years prior. “This is like a dream come true,” said Glenn. “We’ve traveled all over the country and haven’t found anyplace like this. In fact, we just traveled more than 1,600 miles from Arizona to get here.”

Part of Deer Park’s appeal is the proximity of the RV spaces to the 18-hole championship golf course. All of the 161 RV spaces lie within 200 feet of the course, with many located right next to fairways. According to head PGA pro Craig Schuh, there are no less than 10 other fine golf courses within a 45-minute drive of Deer Park.

Built on a former apple orchard, Spokane RV Resort at Deer Park Golf Club offers wide fairways and large greens. “We’ve created some fine holes here at Deer Park,” said Schuh. “Five lakes and two streams are some of the obstacles golfers must consider.” Also available are a 300-yard grass driving range, and putting and chipping greens.

In addition to the 6,751-yard, par-72 golf course and RV park, the resort offers a host of other amenities. For example, there’s a 3,400-square-foot pavilion that offers a big screen TV, kitchen facilities, a small dance floor, barbecue area, a 25-foot by 58-foot outdoor pool, a hot tub, shower and laundry facilities along with a 9-hole putting course. Visitors will be impressed with the laundry facilities where thoughtful design measures include several computer ports available for those wishing to catch up on e-mail or check out the weather back home.

If you don’t feel like cooking, Divot’s Grill and Sports Bar at the Clubhouse is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Outdoor dining is especially nice, with Deer Park’s natural beauty and 360-degree panoramic view taking center stage.

Of special interest to golfers is the half-price green fees offered after noon during the week, said Schuh. That same special is extended during the weekend, but only after 3 p.m. on the 18-hole rate. Green fees are $24 for a round of 18 for youngsters under 62. For those 62 and up, the fee is $20. According to Schuh, the golf course, which was built in 1995, averages nearly 30,000 rounds of golf a year.

When the RV park was built in 2000, Schuh said, “We definitely tried to think of everything the RVer would want. We feel our developers have created the finest RV and golf resort in the Pacific Northwest, geared for golfers who love to RV and RVers who love to golf.”

Spokane RV Resort at Deer Park Golf Club offers group rates to parties with 10 or more rigs. RV spaces can accommodate any size vehicle. All spaces offer full hookups on a concrete pad measuring 35 feet by 100 feet. The fee of $28 to $33 per day includes cable, sewer, electricity and dump station service. Weekly and monthly rates are also available. Depending on the time of year, weekly fees range from $165-$195. Likewise, monthly rates run from $545 to $645, also depending on the time of year and size of RV.

For more information on Spokane RV Resort and Deer Park Golf Club, call toll free at (877) 276-1555 or visit online at www.spokanervresort.com.

The 19th Hole (and a few chip shots)

Recently, South African golfer and two-time PGA tour winner Rory Sabbatini donated the military camouflage pants he wore during a tournament to the World Golf Hall of Fame in St. Augustine, Florida. Sabbatini received PGA Tour approval to wear the pants during The Players Championship tournament as a public show of support for U.S. troops serving overseas.

In addition, he is donating $250 for every birdie and $1,000 for every eagle he makes this season to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, which benefits families of U.S. soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. “It’s out of respect for the men and women serving the country,” said Sabbatini. “They give us the opportunity to play out here.”

Sabbatini’s wife, Amy, has family ties to the military, giving this cause added significance. Her father served in the Army during the Vietnam War and both of her grandfathers served in World War II; one in the Air Force and one in the Navy.

A side note to this story is the fact that Rory and Amy Sabbatini are avid RVers. After purchasing their first RV a few years ago, the couple recently upgraded to a custom-built RV. Last month, the Sabbatinis took possession of a 45-foot land yacht Millennium Prevost. A few of the amenities include a king-size bed, dash-mounted GPS with CD player and stacked Bosch 240-volt washer and dryer. “Traveling by RV is like being at home, and it’s more relaxing than flying and staying in hotels,” said Rory. “You don’t find yourself getting stressed out.” Sabbatini finished 16th on the 2004 PGA Tour money list with more than $2.5 million in earnings.

While on the road for 30-35 weeks during the PGA Tour, the Sabbatinis travel with their infant son, Harley, and a pair of dachshunds, Chloe and Zoe.