The historic ice storm that hit the Canby area over the weekend also left its mark on the Willamette Valley Country Club and its regionally recognized championship golf course.
Though Willamette Valley’s clubhouse and greens were spared, the damage to the course was extensive and will take months to clean up, according to a Feb. 15 letter to members that was provided to The Canby Current, and at least some of the 18-hole course will be forever altered.
“The tree damage is significant,” said the letter from WVCC Board President Pat McKewon and General Manager Alison Cruden. “Our clubhouse and, more importantly, the greens were spared, but the number of trees that fell and the debris left behind will take months to clean up. A few of the holes, as you knew them, are forever different with the loss of some of the trees.”
The country club — like all of Canby — also lost power for several days, making communication more difficult.
Clean-up began Monday with WVCC staff clearing the entrance and parking lot so members can access the club. Work on the course was to begin Tuesday, when staff also planned to meet with the 18-hole course’s architect, Dan Hixson.
The club’s fitness center was to reopen Tuesday, with the driving range and practice facilities opening the following day. The clubhouse itself is also planned to reopen Wednesday, with in-person dining and takeout available. Members are advised to make a reservation.
The golf course will be closed until at least Tuesday, Feb. 23, the club said.
“If we can do better than that, we will, but we estimate having less than 18 holes to play for quite some time,” the letter said.
The club asked members to refrain from going on the course, as there is still the danger of falling limbs and damaged trees that will need to be taken down. Eventually, arborists will be deployed to address these hazards.
“Our staff and members’ safety is our highest priority,” the letter said.
