Golf Along the Snake River

River Ranch Golf Resort, a new destination that runs the ridges of the Snake River, 20 minutes from the Tri-Cities Airport, has unveiled plans for a David McLay Kidd golf course.

River Ranch Golf Resort will combine compelling land, memorable golf and warm hospitality in a setting shaped by ancient floods, a historic river corridor and decades of deft stewardship.

rooted in history

The course will meander the land adjacent to the Snake River, taking into consideration the prevailing winds and natural undulations to create an adventurous experience. The 15 th green will draw comparisons to some of the most notable putting surfaces in the world of golf.

“Throughout my professional life, I’ve been so fortunate to get spectacular land to work with,” says Kidd, who started his career at Bandon Dunes in Oregon and just finished the latest course at Streamsong in Florida. “The older I get, the more selective I am with the projects I agree to work on, but when I set foot on the site that will become River Ranch, I knew I had found a unicorn.”

A DMK DESIGN

The first course at River Ranch is designed by David McLay-Kidd, one of the world’s most respected golf architects. His work is celebrated for its strategic integrity, curiosity, and ability to draw the most compelling golf from the land itself. Kidd’s designs lean into fun, playability and various reveals throughout the round that leaves the golfer wanting to not only play it once, but they can’t wait to come back and play it again.

At River Ranch, McLay-Kidd’s design leverages:

  • The dramatic elevation changes of the ridges along the Snake River

  • Prevailing winds that influence play across all four seasons

  • Natural landforms that dictate strategy, shot-making and spectacular green sites

Rather than imposing a vision onto the site, the design allows the land to lead—resulting in a course that challenges accomplished players while remaining engaging and dynamic across a wide range of abilities and conditions.

RIVER RANCH IS DESIGNED TO WELCOME BOTH TRAVELING GOLFERS AND OVERNIGHT GUESTS AS PART OF A FULLY REALIZED RESORT OPERATION. THE COURSE SERVES AS THE CENTERPIECE OF A BROADER HOSPITALITY EXPERIENCE THAT ENCOURAGES LONGER STAYS, REPEAT PLAY AND A MEANINGFUL CONNECTION TO PLACE.

GOLF AT RIVER RANCH IS MEANT TO BE EXPERIENCED OVER TIME—ACROSS CHANGING LIGHT, WIND AND WEATHER—REVEALING NEW DECISIONS AND DIMENSIONS WITH EACH ROUND.

A Destination Golf Experience

A Fully Realized Resort Vision

The course is one element of a comprehensive resort environment, thoughtfully planned to complement the landscape and elevate the overall experience.

  • Integrated real estate offerings

  • Guest cottages designed for extended stays

  • A world-class clubhouse overlooking the Snake River

  • Guest-focused programming and seasonal events

Each component is designed to enhance the sense of arrival, belonging, and continuity.

Opening Timeline & Member Access

  • Anticipated Public Opening: Summer 2027

  • Member Preview Play: Early Access

  • Annual Dues Begin: January 2028

Members will receive priority access to preview rounds before the course opens to the public, offering an early opportunity to experience River Ranch in its inaugural form.

Looking Ahead

River Ranch represents a new chapter for golf along the Snake River—one that honors the land’s deep history while offering a modern, thoughtfully designed playing experience.

This is a course shaped by water, wind, and time—created to endure.