Poisoned greens close Swinomish Golf Links
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June 13, 2018
LAST PUTTS FOR AWHILE – All 18 greens at the Swinomish Golf Links are being replaced. Work started Tuesday. The course is closed until the project is complete. At least two criminals sprayed a Roundup-like chemical on 16 greens in mid-May. The investigation is ongoing, led by the Swinomish Tribal Police Department. Their TipLine number is 360-588-2770. Callers can remain anonymous if they desire. The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community is providing the award. – Photo by Ken Stern
Monday the Swinomish Golf Links closed so repairs to the course’s greens could begin. The course is owned by the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community. Its Chairman, Brian Cladoosby, said “Because of the actions of an individual or individuals, a golf course that is enjoyed by many residents, starting today, will be shut down for a period of time, to be determined, for the tearing up of all 18 greens and replacing them with sod.”
Sometime in late mid-May at least two people systematically sprayed a “Roundup type chemical” on 16 of the 18 greens, said Wade Iacolucci, director of golf for the course. The lab analysis came Monday, also. The chemical is glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup. “That was the best case scenario for us,” said Iacolucci. “That was good because it only kills the grass it comes in contact with.”
He reported that sodding the greens has started with the renovation of green four.
The financial loss will probably be over $300,000, Iacolucci estimated. The course closing comes at the start of the peak season, reducing revenues, he said. Staff will lose wages from time reductions or layoffs.
Iacolucci was appreciative of club members and users. “We are really fortunate for all the guys that support the club. They have been such advocates for us,” he noted.
The Swinomish Police Department is leading the investigation. While the department is researching all leads as to who is responsible for the damage done to the course, there are not any new developments, Police Chief Lou D’Amelio said Monday. Cladoosby echoed that, saying only that the investigation continues.
“I want to reiterate that although there is speculation that this is a ‘hate crime,’ there is nothing that excludes other possible motivations for the crime. Swinomish PD investigators are keeping an open mind and exploring all theories and evidence,” D’Amelio wrote in an email to the Weekly News. The FBI has not been brought in to this investigation.
The golf course is under the jurisdiction of the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office, though the address and the buildings are Anacortes.
The reward for information leading to an arrest is $10,000, offered by the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community. The TipLine number is 360-588-2770. Callers can remain anonymous if they desire.
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