Westport coastal links proposal faces serious questions over wetland impacts

A links course still awaiting a decision

The proposed Westport Golf Links project on the Pacific coast of Washington State is facing renewed scrutiny over its environmental impact. Developers envision an 18-hole Scottish-style links course, but as of October 25, 2026, the scheme has neither final approval nor a final rejection.

Washington's State Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed the proposal and public comments at a special meeting on October 19, followed by an update and ecology presentation on October 21. The State Parks project page explicitly records that no final action was taken. Reporting published by Washington State Standard on October 22 describes strong reservations expressed by several commissioners. Their comments matter, but they are not the equivalent of a formal vote denying the concession.

Location, design and access

The proposed site is Westport Light State Park, 1595 Ocean Avenue, Westport, WA 98595, in Grays Harbor County, USA. Today this is a public oceanfront park known for beach access, dunes and walking routes — not an operating golf course.

Westport Golf, Inc., which approached the state in 2019, proposes a full 18-hole links, a shorter course, driving-range and practice facilities, a clubhouse and an inn of roughly 30–40 rooms. The golf design has been associated with David McLay Kidd, the architect known for Bandon Dunes. Its underlying architectural idea is to use the coastal terrain rather than impose an inland-style layout on the dunes.

Under the proposed structure, the land would remain state-owned while a private developer would build and operate the facility under a long-term concession. Public play is part of the developer's pitch, not an established booking policy. There are no opening dates or tee times to reserve.

Jobs and tourism versus sensitive wetlands

Supporters believe a destination links course could bring golfers, hospitality spending and jobs to Westport. The developer has projected approximately 26,000 visits during the first year, but that figure is a forecast, not independently verified attendance. Plans also refer to trail improvements and habitat management.

Ecological concerns are substantial. State ecology officials told commissioners that the design could directly affect more than 30 acres of wetlands, including highly sensitive areas between coastal dunes. The proponent's idea to create or restore 69 acres of wetlands elsewhere has not convinced the agency that the lost ecological function would be offset. The Quinault Indian Nation has also opposed the project as proposed because of potential impacts on fish habitat.

What happens next?

Commissioners have questioned whether the current design can meet state park protection policies. News reporting suggests that a further decision might come in November, but no firm decision date has been confirmed. The important distinction for golfers is between an architect's ambitious concept and a course that has actually received permission to exist.

Westport is therefore one to watch for golf architecture, not a new tee-time option. The park remains an existing public coastal destination, while the links is still only a proposal.

Sources: Washington State Parks project dossier — https://parks.wa.gov/about/strategic-planning-projects-public-input/projects/westport-light-state-park-planning; Washington State Standard, October 22, 2026 — https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/10/22/proposal-for-golf-course-at-coastal-wa-state-park-draws-furor/. Image: Joe Mabel's 2015 archive photograph of coastal Westport, CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons; it does not depict a completed golf course.