Maple Valley's bankrupt Taylor Creek reopens as Links at Olson Mansion

The nine-hole course in Maple Valley that closed in November 2001 reopened a few weeks ago under new ownership as The Links at Olson Mansion.

Jerry Solomon, former owner of Renton Lincoln-Mercury-Jeep-Eagle, purchased the former The Course at Taylor Creek out of bankruptcy for $2.5 million.

Solomon, 57, became intrigued with the property after attending a funeral service at a small church across the street and noticed the for-sale sign.

"I kind of fell in love with it," he said.

He also looked at various 18-hole courses that were for sale, including McCormick Woods, but decided they would be too big an undertaking.

"I wanted to stay semiretired," Solomon said.

Solomon and his wife, Colleen, who attended Kent-Meridian High School with him, are anything but semiretired as they get the operation off the ground.

They have moved into the fourth floor of the mansion. They plan to put in a restaurant, have part of it used as a bed and breakfast and will rent the building for special events such as receptions.

Solomon said the course was well-maintained during bankruptcy so it was able to reopen swiftly.

Many golfers feared the course never would reopen. Solomon said that days after he made an offer, another party also made an offer with the intention of building a housing development.

The par-35, links-style course has been regarded as one of the most interesting nine-hole tracks in the state.

From the back tees it measures 2,727 yards, has a slope rating of 117 (113 is standard) and a course rating of 67.4 (what an expert would shoot for 18 holes).

Greens fees are $15 for nine holes on weekdays and $21 for 18 holes. Weekend rates are $17 and $23. Senior, junior and twilight rates are offered.

In addition to the course and mansion, the property includes a driving range and a putting course that appeals to children. Solomon believes the site also can be a location for one-day "camps" for church and other groups with activities such as basketball in the barn, catch-and-release trout fishing in ponds, and group golf lessons.

These days, shoulder surgery is preventing Solomon from enjoying his new acquisition to the fullest.

He is an 11-handicapper who has been as low as 7 but can only watch others play his course as he heals from a rotary-cuff operation.

"It will be August before I can play again," he said. "I'm torturing myself."