The Kalispel Tribe based in Usk, Washington recently bid million to purchase the members-only Spokane Country Club. The tribe would merge the golf course and amenities into its Northern Quest Resort and Casino operations. Three other bids were offered on the 117-year old club which is in bankruptcy.
In an informal vote, club members chose M Club Holdings Inc. as their preferred buyer. Headed by golf professional Phil Mickelson, its bid was $2.8 million, the lowest of the four bids. However, Mickelson’s bid would preserve the club’s exclusivity if it can guarantee 250 members will pay $2,000 upfront plus commit to pay $475 a month in dues for three years. The club currently has fewer than 250 members, according to court documents.
Club members selected the Kalispel Tribe as the second choice to purchase the course, clubhouse and other holdings. The other bidders included Woodland Shadows, which offered $3 million and would make the course at least partially open to the public; and a group that included professional golfer and course developer Ryan Moore along with local investors, which offered $2.88 million with intentions of keeping the course semi-private.
Kalispel attorney Lorraine Parlange said the tribe constantly seeks ways to improve and expand its entertainment and business holdings. In the next few years it may face increased competition as the Spokane Tribe moves forward on opening a casino resort.
The money generated by the sale of the Spokane Country Club would pay creditors, including a $1.4 million gender discrimination verdict and related legal costs. The discrimination lawsuit was filed by four female members who said the club reserved the best tee times and tournaments for men and barred women from some areas of the restaurant. The plaintiffs also claimed several male club members tried and failed to use intimidation tactics.
The plaintiffs’ attorney, Mary Schultz, has urged club members to sell to the Kalispels because she said that sale would net about $300,000 more than the Mickelson offer when closing costs are factored in.
