Big changes ahead at Lewis River as new owner takes over

Have you taken a spin yet with ChatGPT?  It can be a fun time when stuck waiting through a frost delay but beware that sometimes it will mistake rumors as facts.  And when ChatGPT gets its facts wrong, it gets them really wrong.  Here’s a good example: In 2015, the Lewis River Golf Course was purchased by the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, who have made significant investments in the course to improve its facilities and amenities.

That would be news to the Tribe!  The course was designed by renowned golf course architect, Ted Robinson. In 2015 Lewis River celebrated its 48th anniversary – by selling absolutely nothing, except for tee times to a dwindling number of patrons.  Veterans and club members at Lewis River had noticed that ownership apparently came to loath making basic investments necessary to properly maintain its product. But nobody was at the door in 2015 looking to pick up a course in decline.

In fact, Lewis River was eventually sold, but not until late 2021, and not to the Tribe.  The new operating entity of the course is owned by Matthew Dumke, a Portland entrepreneur, who hired attorney Will Du Val to turn things around.  What Dumke and Du Val brought to Woodland was everything the Lewis River Golf community had been hoping for: an owner’s commitment to a building a best-in-class golf experience.  Significant resources were dedicated to the operation beginning last season. If you’ve seen the environment in which the land is situated, then you understand why – it is simply a stunning bundle of parcels partially encircled by the Lewis River.

Expected results materialized not long into the 2022 season.  By year’s end, pumps, valves, and carts, among other assets, were replaced or repaired.  A wi-fi mesh network was installed, and two golf pros were hired.  An organizational push to sand and punch greens was initiated and has not let up.  And from September through last month, professional and mature grounds and pro shop crews were assembled with the goal of exceeding all player expectations. Bridges and out-building renovations will be completed in time for the 2023 season.

Off-season players of late affirm that combining knowledgeable people with plenty of support can turn a course around in a single season.

Beyond golf course enhancement, new ownership also re-opened the North Fork Grill to local acclaim. Diners relaxing on the riverside patio will appreciate modern, comfortable furniture as they dine on smoked brisket offerings and barbeque ribs, each expertly prepared in the iconic and historic Lewis River Iron Smoker that resides in the parking lot. One can peruse the current menu and specialty cocktails at lewisrivergolf.com. 

Lewis River Golf will host dozens of events this summer and throughout the entire year, some of which the Woodland community has have never seen the likes of!  We’re promised numerous surprises to come as Lewis River’s committed team continues to bring the course into the 21st century with “OMG!” recreation, entertainment, and outstanding food and beverage offerings. Because OMG! is the minimum threshold standard every employee at Lewis River Golf hopes to imbue upon every guest, patron, and participant.

To give ChatGPT another shot, we asked it, “what does it take to make a golf course the very best?”  No rumors or alternative facts appear in response this time: Overall, to make a golf course the very best, it requires a combination of excellent design and layout, top-notch course conditions, appropriate difficulty level, exceptional customer service, excellent practice facilities, and a range of amenities.

Applied to Lewis River Golf in 2023 we’ve got Check, check, check, check, check, and check.

Lewis River Golf is located at 3209 Old Lewis River Road, five miles east of Woodland Washington.