Golf club course is a hidden gem

Wahkiakum County is home to many cultural and geographical gems hidden in plain sight; unknown to many who routinely pass through on their way to the ocean or live in the area but are unaware.

One of them is Skyline Golf Course, founded in 1965, which sits behind Moore's Auto Shop on SR4 and hosts nine holes of challenging yet gratifying golf overlooking the Columbia River.

Besides its rich history, the course fosters a community of club members who not only enjoy the incredible landscape, but contribute to its vitality for the rest of the region to enjoy. Course volunteer Shannon Moore is one of many club members, past and present, who selflessly dedicate themselves to maintaining Skyline's operations.

"One of the reasons why I started playing golf here when I was the Cathlamet postmaster was that Roy Laberge, the pharmacist in town, invited me to play," Moore explained.

Moore was then introduced to Skyline's founding family members and befriended the late Ralph Rodahl and his surviving wife Juanita and children Kim and Randy. Even in 1965 when the Rodahls began construction on the golf course, friends and family were involved.

"I always told Ralph I would come and help him out...Most everyone who plays golf up here gives back to the course. From picking up debris to raking sand traps to mowing," Moore added. "I always enjoy golfing here and I want something like this to be available for other people. If the little things I do can make that happen, that's good."

Skyline's operations used to be managed by individuals who leased the course, and there have been at least three including local Wayne Cochran and his late wife Kay. Now the responsibility has fallen back on Randy Rodahl and his sister Kim and husband Robin Herren who balance course management with other jobs. With the help of club members and volunteers like Moore, Skyline is an experience for individuals, families, couples and the high school golf team to enjoy.

On Wednesday, Skyline will host its first Men's Club event of the season which runs through Fall. Men's Club is an opportunity for men 18+ to socialize and play golf each week in a rotating scramble format with cash prizes. To participate or learn more about Skyline's rates, call the clubhouse at 360-849-9320. For driving directions, turn onto Boege Road (look for the big Skyline Golf Course sign) off of SR4 and take a right on Clover street to head up the hill and turn on to Randal Drive.