In an area known for its coal-mining history, a hidden gem has emerged. The golf course at the
new Suncadia Resort outside Roslyn,
Washington is
well worth the drive from anywhere. The drive is just about 90 minutes east from
downtown
Seattle
over the crest of the Cascade Mountain Range to Exit 80 off of Interstate 90. This stunning resort, which is still being
developed, will be a family retreat and golf mecca in the near future. There are currently two 18-hole
courses at Suncadia, both with mining-related names:
Prospector
and Rope Rider. Only Prospect is currently open - Rope Rider is slated for an opening sometime in 2006.
I recently played the Suncadia Prospect course with some friends from Seattle on a "men's weekend"
getaway when we stayed in
Leavenworth and
played a couple of nearby courses. After playing the
Desert Canyon Course near
Orondo,
Washington high above the Columbia River, the
Suncadia course needed to be spectacular to be the highlight of the weekend. Well, it was truly spectacular.
The setting and scenery, although quite different, far exceeded that of the "green oasis in the sagebrush hills"
that Desert Canyon was. The lush green course created by the Palmer Course Design Company is well-maintained
by the team at Suncadia from the smooth fairways to the intricate bunkers and the young-yet-tight greens.
The signature hole at Prospect is the 10th, with an awe-inspiring view that makes the course feel like
a high mountain meadow. The tees sit high above the fairway and you tee off right at the mountains
surrounding the Cle Elum
valley. It is one
of the greatest holes to be played in Washington State - a perfect way to begin the second nine holes
of an incredible golf course.
For more information on the resort and the courses at Suncadia visit
http://www.suncadia.com. 
