(Photo by Ben Herndon, WSU Today Intern)The recipient of CourseCo’s award for outstanding general manager for 2006, Perisho was born in Wenatchee, earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Oregon, and played on the golf teams in high school and college. Since turning professional has played successfully in local and regional events.
“Bruce is more than just a fine teacher and player. He is an experienced golf business manager with keen sense of community,” said CourseCo president Tom Isaak. “He is a builder of programs and relationships.”
“CourseCo was selected by the University to manage Palouse Ridge, in part because of its reputation for community involvement,” said Mel Taylor, WSU’s director of real estate operations. “We have come to know Bruce as part of the CourseCo team. He exemplifies CourseCo’s commitment to the community and to environmental stewardship.”
The new general manager will be teaming with course superintendent Todd Lupkes, CGCS, (certified golf course superintendent) and assistant superintendent Mike Bednar to execute a business plan that includes high standards in turfgrass conditioning based on best practices in environmental management, golf instruction, linkage with the business community to promote economic development in the region, partnership with university departments in agronomy and other disciplines, and other elements of service to the WSU and larger communities. The course will also be the competitive home of the Cougar’s golf teams under coach Walt Williams.
Perisho’s Eureka course is a fully certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary and was recognized by Golf Digest Magazine and the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) with an Environmental Leader in Golf Award.
“While Michele and I are reluctant to leave Eureka, which we have come to care about deeply, the opportunity to be part of this visionary project is irresistible,“ said Perisho. “Also, it is a move closer to my parents who live in Hayden, Idaho,” he said.
Construction of the new championship golf course began in late spring of2006 on a 315-acre site that includes WSU’s existing 92-acre, nine-hole course and additional university land. It is expected to open by fall 2008.
Designer of the Palouse Ridge course is John Harbottle III, considered one of the top golf course architects on the West Coast. He emphasizes playability and environmental sensitivity in his course designs.
