A proposed golf course at Westport Light State Park on Washington’s Pacific coast is facing renewed scrutiny as state officials consider plans to transform part of the public recreation area into a Scottish-style links golf destination.
The project, known as Westport Golf Links, would introduce an 18-hole course designed by internationally recognized golf architect David McLay Kidd, along with associated hospitality and recreational facilities.
Supporters argue that the development could attract tourism, create jobs and support the economy of the coastal community. Environmental organizations, however, warn that construction could affect sensitive wetlands, wildlife habitats and public access to existing recreational areas.
The disagreement was brought before the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission during a special public meeting on October 19, 2026, in Aberdeen.
No final decision was scheduled for that meeting, leaving the project’s future dependent on additional environmental and regulatory steps.
Westport Golf Links Proposal Would Bring Scottish-Style Course to Washington
Westport Golf initially approached Washington State Parks in 2019 with a plan to develop and operate a links-style golf course within Westport Light State Park.
The proposal would establish a long-term concession arrangement allowing the developer to manage the course and related facilities on state parkland.
David McLay Kidd, whose previous work includes the original Bandon Dunes course in Oregon, was selected to design the proposed layout.
The Washington coast offers natural terrain resembling traditional links golf destinations, with sandy dunes, coastal winds and proximity to the Pacific Ocean.
Additional facilities have been proposed outside the park boundary, including a clubhouse, restaurant, guest accommodations, parking and maintenance areas.
The proposal has changed during years of planning, and final construction details remain subject to the approval process.
Environmental Groups Raise Concerns Over Wetlands and Public Access
The project has drawn opposition from organizations concerned about the environmental consequences of building a golf course on coastal public land.
The Surfrider Foundation, through its Keep Westport Wild campaign, argues that construction could threaten sensitive dune habitats, wetlands, coastal water quality and existing public recreation opportunities.
Westport Light State Park is already used for walking, surfing, fishing, wildlife observation and access to the Pacific coastline.
Opponents worry that converting portions of the property to golf operations could change how visitors use the park.
Water availability and the possible effects of fertilizers, herbicides and other golf course maintenance activities are additional concerns.
Environmental groups have also questioned how the development would respond to coastal hazards, including erosion and rising sea levels.
These concerns form part of the ongoing debate over whether commercial recreation can be accommodated while maintaining the park’s environmental protections and public purpose.
Golf Developers Highlight Potential Economic Benefits
Supporters see the proposed golf course as an opportunity to strengthen Westport’s tourism economy.
According to information published by WA Golf in April 2025, the privately financed project was estimated to require approximately $30 million in investment.
The development’s backers believe a destination golf course could attract visitors from across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Additional tourism could increase demand for local hotels, restaurants and businesses while creating employment during construction and ongoing operations.
Developers have also outlined environmental restoration proposals, including native vegetation management, wetland improvements and the use of treated wastewater for irrigation.
WA Golf’s project coverage describes plans for nearly 70 acres of enhanced or created interdunal wetlands and additional off-site habitat restoration.
Those measures remain proposed commitments rather than completed environmental improvements.
Whether they would adequately address the project’s potential impacts is a question for the environmental review and permitting process.
October 19 Public Meeting Gives Residents an Opportunity to Respond
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission held a special meeting at Aberdeen High School on October 19 to review the development proposal and receive public comments.
The scheduled session included presentations from Westport Golf Links and State Parks staff, followed by testimony from members of the public.
The meeting followed an earlier September 9 workshop in which commissioners questioned project representatives and requested additional information.
State officials made clear before the October session that no final action would be taken at the meeting.
The continued review reflects the project’s complicated planning history and the different expectations surrounding the future of Westport Light State Park.
Previous Legal Dispute Adds to Development Questions
Environmental and land-use concerns surrounding the property predate the current golf course proposal.
In March 2024, Friends of Grays Harbor and the Grays Harbor Audubon Society filed a lawsuit challenging aspects of the proposed development.
Their complaint raised questions about earlier land agreements and restrictions intended to protect wetlands.
Those agreements originated from disputes involving previous development plans for the same coastal property.
The state acquired land associated with the earlier proposal in 2015.
The developer has since reported a February 2026 court ruling concerning the plaintiffs’ standing to enforce a particular conservation restriction.
The history demonstrates the legal complexity of developing golf facilities on environmentally sensitive public land. Any current legal restrictions and remaining permitting requirements will need to be considered as the project moves through review.
What Happens Next for the Westport Golf Course Proposal?
Washington State Parks has outlined a process requiring completion of the environmental impact review and other necessary regulatory steps before the commission formally considers whether to authorize the development.
The City of Westport has been overseeing the environmental impact statement process in coordination with State Parks.
The draft environmental impact statement was released for public review in 2025, with comments received from organizations and community members.
The proposal must also address applicable permits and conditions associated with the land.
As of October 22, 2026, the available official information does not establish a final development approval or construction start date.
For supporters, the project represents an opportunity to create a distinctive coastal golf destination designed by one of the sport’s leading architects.
For opponents, it raises questions about the protection of wetlands and continued public access to state parkland.
The next stages of the review process will determine whether the proposed Westport Golf Links course can move closer to construction and what conditions might apply to any approval.