Sunday River, Harris Golf close land, sales deal

Golf Course News, Apr 2003 by Rice, Derek

NEWRY, Maine-As expected, Sunday River Ski Resort and Harris Golf finalized their purchase and sales agreement last month, paving the way for construction on the planned 18-hole Robert Trent Jones Jr. course to begin.

At press time, closing on the deal was expected to take place in early May.

The only thing standing in the way now is the weather, which continued to be unseasonably cold well into March. However, that shouldn't delay the course, as construction is slated to begin this summer with a summer 2004 opening date planned.

Harris Golf currently owns and operates two golf courses, Bath Country Club and Boothbay Country Club, as well as Harris Golf Shop in South Portland. The group includes brothers Jeff and Jason Harris, as well as their father, Dick Harris, a Maine golf icon who was principal in the development of Falmouth Country Club nearly 20 years ago.

Jeff Harris said the company is looking forward to building the course because of both the designer and the scenic location.

"The opportunity to build a Robert Trent Jones Jr. course at Sunday River is one that we couldn't pass up," he said.

The course will become the second Jones course in Maine, giving the state a distinction among its neighboring New England states. Jones designed the course at Sugarloaf/ USA, which is also owned by Sunday River's parent company, American Skiing Co. In a statement,Jones expressed his pleasure that the course would go forward.

"I am so pleased to hear that the Sunday River golf course is going to be completed. In the initial design phase we were delighted to find that the terrain was terrific and well-suited for golf with a lot of similarities between the land and nearby Sugarloaf Golf Course," Jones said. "I know this will be a great golf course with fairways that are a little wider, more forgiving and player-friendly. We think it's a great venue and look forward to the first round."

Harris Golf will oversee construction at the course, while Ty Butler in Jones" Charlotte, N.C., office will make occasional visits to the course during the development.

Golf Course News will continue to follow this project as it progresses in our backyard. Look for updates on the construction in future issues.