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 RV golfers will appreciate the convenient accessibility of Sun Country Golf & RV Park, located just off Interstate 90 in Cle Elum, Washington. This challenging course is less than an 80-minute drive east of Seattle at exit 78 on Golf Course Road.
Recently expanded to 18 holes, Sun Country measures 5,507 yards from the tips. But don’t be fooled by its length, or lack thereof. Several of the holes are extremely hilly, like the signature 15th hole.
“This gorgeous par 3 measures 164 yards and has a dramatic drop of more than 100 feet to the green below,” explains Jamie Colson, Sun Country’s golf course superintendent. “There’s a pond on the back side of the green and endless scenery that competes for your attention, making this a very fun hole. And, the wind always seems to play a role as well.”
According to Colson, the original nine holes at Sun Country opened in 1973, with the expansion to 18 taking place in the spring of 2009. The current holes, one through 5 and 15 through 18 are from the original nine-hole track. The new holes, six through 14, were designed by golf course architect John Seidel. The result is a very challenging and enjoyable golf course.
John Grant, a first-time visitor to Sun Country, likes the layout immensely. “I thought the course was very scenic and challenging,” he said. “A few of the newer holes, like six, seven, and eight, are very picturesque.”
The first hole is the number one handicap on the course. This par 5 measures only 415 yards, and the fairway is as wide as the Mississippi River. However, when you negotiate the 90-degree dogleg left, you find yourself facing steep terrain with the green perched on a hill. The second hole is more of the same.
In addition to the enjoyable golf course that sits at the 2,000-foot elevation level, Sun Country also offers 14 newly upgraded RV parking spots with 50-amp service, wireless Internet, cable TV, and new bathroom and shower facilities. One of the Evergreen State’s premier angling rivers—the Yakima—is just a stone’s throw away.
For more information about Sun Country Golf & RV Park, visit the website at GolfSunCountry.com or call (509) 674-2226.
Patriot Golf Day
Dan Rooney, a decorated Air Force pilot and PGA professional, always had a kind heart. In June of 2006, his chance to pay it forward and help others arrived. He was on an airplane in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and when the flight landed, the pilot announced that there was an American hero on board, and as a sign of respect, to please remain seated until the flagged-draped casket of Cpl. Brock Bucklin was removed from the plane. Reflecting on this event, Rooney started thinking about his own family and what they would do in a situation like this. During those 30 minutes of sitting on the plane, Rooney knew he had to do something. That “something” turned out to be Patriot Golf Day, which supports the Folds of Honor scholarship program.
Patriot Golf Day is observed around the country on Labor Day weekend, with more than 4,000 golf courses participating. This is the busiest time of the year for golf, and golfers are asked to donate at least $1 to the Folds of Honor Foundation, which provides post-secondary educational scholarships for children and spouses of military service members killed or disabled while serving their country.
More than $2 million was donated last year. In addition to the PGA and USGA, the sponsors include Titleist, Polo Ralph Lauren and Budweiser.
Before becoming a golf professional, Rooney was captain of the University of Kansas golf team. “After graduating, I spent three years as a professional golfer playing on some of the minor tours,” Rooney says. He also has been involved in the development of the Patriot Golf Club in Oklahoma.
For information on the Patriot Golf Club, Patriot Golf Day and the Folds of Honor Foundation, visit patriotgolfclub.com, patriotgolfday.com and foldsofhonor.com.
Rick Stedman is an avid golfer, RVer and writer who lives in Yakima, Washington. Rick writes a weekly golf blog, “The 19th Hole”, which is published every Saturday at rvlife.com. He can be reached at rstedman@gmail.com.
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