SEQUIM – The Jamestown S’Klallam tribe will get the keys today to the Dungeness Golf Course – which may soon be known as the Cedars at Dungeness – after signing a contract Friday to purchase the 18-hole course for about $3 million.
The tribe takes official possession on Monday of the public golf course at 1965 Woodcock Road northwest of downtown Sequim, said Ron Allen, tribal chairman.
But, he added that the papers won’t be filed until Wednesday, following the New Year’s Day holiday and the closure of federal buildings on Tuesday because of the day of mourning for former President Gerald Ford.
Jerry Allen, assistant general manager of the 7 Cedars Casino, said he will receive the keys today.
Dungeness will remain one of four public golf courses in Clallam and Jefferson counties.
The course promotes itself as “the driest round of golf in Western Washington,” thanks to Sequim’s relatively low rainfall.
The owners of the Dungeness Golf Course are scattered across the Northwest.
Rick Adell, director of golf and spokesman for the owners, was not available for comment Friday or Saturday.
Improvements to the grounds will swiftly follow, said Ron Allen.
In the first year, the tribe plans to pave cart trails, bring in a new fleet of golf carts, replace maintenance equipment and upgrade sand traps and other aspects of the course, said the chairman.
“People will see visual changes of the property quickly, within the next three to four months,” he said.
The course is likely to get a new name, said the chairman.
A proposal to rename the facility the Cedars at Dungeness will be considered for approval by the 7 Cedars board.
“We want to retain the Dungeness aspect of the name because it’s so well known,” said Ron Allen.
“We also want to make a transition from the 7 Cedars Casino that is part of the resort package .”