Kirk Hill, a Post Falls developer and contractor, has purchased the Highlands Country Club, a golf course in Post Falls.


Hill says hes buying the 18-hole, par-72 course through a limited-liability company named Highlands Golf Course LLC from Highlands Country Club LLC, and will change the courses name to Highlands Golf Course.


The golf course has been listed for sale at $4.9 million, but Hill declines to disclose the price that was paid for the property. The course is located at 5600 Mullan, about a half-mile northeast of state Route 41s interchange with Interstate 90.


The 28.5-acre driving range, which is on the east side of the course, includes 18 or 19 acres of developable land where he likely will develop single-family housing and perhaps retirement housing such as patio homes, Hill says. He doesnt know now how many residences he might develop there, and adds, This is going to happen over a couple of years.


Highlands Golf Course LLC will be the third owner of the course, which opened in 1988, says Hill. The privately owned course has been open to the public.


Hill says he plans to reshape and recondition the bunkers, and enlarge some ponds on the 12,425-yard course. Hill says he will hire a club professional, who he anticipates will basically run the operation.


The golf course includes a restaurant that seats about 100 people, and a pro shop, Hill says. He anticipates employing six people year-round and a total of about 30 workers seasonally. Depending on the weather each year, Highlands will close for the season around Thanksgiving and open again in February, Hill says.


Greens fees at the course currently are $27 for 18 holes, but could go up slightly next year, he says.


Hill owns Hill & Co., a Post Falls construction company. Among its projects has been a 65-unit, $3.6 million apartment complex located southwest of Indian Canyon Golf Course, completed in 2003, Hill says.


The course previously was owned by Dave Lowe and other investors in Highland Country Club LLC.