David McLay Kidd, the renowned golf course architect, has unveiled plans for River Ranch Golf Resort, a new destination overlooking the Snake River near Pasco, Washington. The project, set to open in August 2027, promises a course integrated with the dramatic natural landscape. Local ownership and KemperSports management aim to create a premier golf and hospitality experience.
On January 21, 2026, River Ranch Golf Resort announced its first golf course, designed by Pacific Northwest resident and architect David McLay Kidd. Located on bluffs above the Snake River near Pasco, Washington, the site features terrain shaped by ancient floods, prevailing winds, and sandy soil ideal for fescue grass. Kidd described the location as a 'unicorn' in a statement, emphasizing its unique qualities. 'When I first set foot on the site for River Ranch, I knew I’d found another unicorn,' he said. 'Set high on a bluff overlooking the last reaches of the Snake River before it joins the Columbia, this site has breathtaking views, great contour as well as sand on which to plant my favorite grass, fescue.' This marks a return to the Pacific Northwest for Kidd, whose career highlights include Bandon Dunes in Oregon and Tetherow in Bend, both established over 25 years ago. The resort's vision comes from a locally rooted ownership group with deep ties to the Snake River area, blending golf, hospitality, and real estate. Planned amenities include guest cottages for overnight stays, a clubhouse with river views, and residential components. The course will open to the public in August 2027, with preview access for members beforehand. KemperSports, experienced in managing top-tier properties like Bandon Dunes, will handle operations. Kidd reflected on his selective approach to projects: 'The older I get, the choosier I become. With probably more courses behind me than ahead, I look even harder for those unique sites and opportunities.' The announcement was highlighted at the 2026 PGA Show in Orlando, Florida, underscoring the resort's potential as a destination for golf enthusiasts amid a surge in high-end developments.
