Golf Universe to spread its swings with move to new Kennewick shop

By Jeff Morrow for Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

High costs of maintaining an outdoor golf range, as well as the need to better serve customers, has forced Golf Universe to change its strategy.

Sun Pacific Energy, which owns Golf Universe at 6311 W. Clearwater Ave. in Kennewick, is moving the golf-focused shop about a mile away to 825 N. Edison St., across the street from Kamiakin High School, at the beginning of next year.

The plan means abandoning the location where it’s been for well over 20 years, as well as its 4-acre outdoor driving range and two mini golf courses.

But customers can expect exciting new changes at the new, bigger location, said Jarrod Franson, operations manager for Sun Pacific.

Golf Universe will embrace technology to better serve its customers and provide a wider selection of golf equipment at more competitive prices.

Franson also said there will be a bigger and better club repair shop inside the new store.

“All of this allows more one on one time with the customer with an employee who is certified and trained,” said Franson, who expects the current number of employees (six) to remain the same at the new store.

Golf Universe’s 10-year lease agreement with Adams Enterprises expires on Dec. 31.

Adams Enterprises has not announced any public plans for the Clearwater Avenue property.

New development

Golf Universe will move into a $4.5 million development planned by Craig and Marilee Eerkes. Craig Eerkes has run Sun Pacific Energy, and before that Tri-City Oil, for the past 40 years.

The couple’s son, Chris Eerkes, is the company’s president.