The club, which dates back to 1898, will now be known as Kalispel Golf and Country Club, with a new logo that features a frog, which, in Indian culture, “represents transformation, renewal and rebirth. It’s proof of health and balance in any ecosystem.” A gastropub, golf simulators, and fitness center updates are also planned.

The Kalispel Tribe of Indians has purchased and renamed the Spokane (Wash.) Country Club, which dates back to 1898, as Kalispel Golf and Country Club, Indian Country Today reported.

The purchase was concluded on December 8 after a lengthy judicial battle largely due to bankruptcy proceedings. The price paid was just over $3 million.

“We’re excited. We’re now the official owners of this club,” said Phil Haugen, a Kalispel tribal member and general manager for Northern Quest Resort & Casino. The course and the resort/casino are several miles apart but visitors to Northern Quest will have the opportunity for “stay and play” packages, which would benefit both properties, Today reported.

One of the first changes is a new logo featuring a frog. “We want to show our Indian cultural history. In the Indian culture the frog represents transformation, renewal and rebirth. It’s proof of health and balance in any ecosystem. That’s one reason we chose the frog,” Haugen said. “This club is transitioning from Spokane Country Club to Kalispel Golf and Country Club. We’re looking at the rebirth.”

The club was purchased with the idea of diversifying tribal businesses. “We bought it to make revenue but I think it’s a great project to express what Kalispel hospitality is,” Haugen said. “Your experience here is going to be matched by no other in the area. That’s Kalispel hospitality. We take great pride in that.”

The club will continue to be primarily membership-based but some nonmember play will be allowed, which would include stay and play packages. A number of key staff members have accepted employment with Kalispel Golf and Country Club, which will help with the transition, Today reported.

Phil’s son, Brandon Haugen, is executive director of economic development for the tribe, and thus deeply involved in changes and upgrades to the property. “The first thing we’re going to take a look at is an enhanced food and beverage experience for members and non-members alike. We have a concept called the ‘gastropub’ which allows us to get very formal, yet in an informal manner, and will cater to the golf demographic as well as to outsiders who want to have a unique experience with food and beverage.”

This concept would include expanded varieties of craft beers on tap, simple food made elegantly, all in a unique state of the art atmosphere. Another upgrade planned before golf resumes in the spring is installing simulators. They allow golfers to train, teach and coach in the winter months all the things one normally does in a normal golf environment. Fitness room upgrades are also planned focusing on golf fitness, Today reported.

Phil Haugen said the tribe was planning to have about 12 golf tournaments in 2016. Some will be just for Native American golfers, while others will be for golfers in general, Today reported.