Our Story: The Heart Behind The King’s Course

The King’s Course Resort & Residences was founded by Wenatchee native Mark Smeltzer, whose personal journey from walking away from his Christian faith to returning to Christ in 2020 became the catalyst for a bold new vision. After years of chasing the wrong things, Mark experienced a profound spiritual awakening that reshaped his life, his family, and his purpose.

In 2024, after stepping away from a film project that no longer aligned with his renewed faith, Mark and his wife Shelby committed to a simple but powerful principle: every project they pursue must point people to Jesus. This shift led them to executive produce a pro-life comedy, which in turn opened their eyes to what it truly means to keep Christ at the center of everything they do—from storytelling to business to community impact.

It was during this season that Mark, having rediscovered his love for golf at a local fundraiser, began to imagine something bigger than just a course. What if they could create a place where faith, family, recreation, and community came together in a way that glorified God? What if it was more than a destination—but a movement?

The King’s Course Resort & Residences was born out of that vision. Designed to be a Christ-centered sanctuary, it aims to create safe, joyful, values-driven communities where believers can gather, worship, rest, and connect. It reflects the heart of the early church—not as a building, but as a gathering of believers with Christ at the center.

This is a place where every guest, every family, every child is welcomed into an environment of peace, beauty, and eternal purpose. A place built to reflect the prayer: "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done—on earth as it is in heaven."

Mark believes that now, more than ever, the world needs sanctuaries of faith and refuge—not just for recreation, but for spiritual growth and Kingdom impact. The King’s Course is the next step in that mission.

The journey has only begun. But with the right people, a shared vision, and God’s guidance, this community will be built to outlast us all.

Meet The Founding Team