ORONO – A $3 million offer by Harris Golf Inc. to purchase Penobscot Valley Country Club was approved by a vote of the membership at the club Friday night.

“I am pleased with the result,” said club president Paul Rudman. “The membership overwhelmingly approved [the sale].”

Technically, the club was purchased by Penobscot Golf Holdings, LLC, which is owned by the Harris family. The purchase, led by Harris Golf president Jeff Harris, includes the 18-hole golf course on Route 2 designed by world renowned golf course architect Donald Ross and opened in 1924, the new clubhouse and the maintenance buildings and the associated equipment.

Rudman said Harris spoke to the members after the vote.

“He has some great ideas,” said Rudman. “We’re looking forward to him working on our course.”

Part of the sale agreement calls for Harris Golf to spend, starting in 2008, at least $500,000 over a three-year period for renovation of the course.

Also, the facility must remain a private or semi-private golf course for a minimum of 15 years, the Harrises will use the Penobscot Valley Country Club name for a minimum of five years.

Harris stated earlier this month his plan to return the golf course to its original Ross design, including enlarging the greens, rebuilding bunkers and removing some trees.

“I’m excited for the future,” said Rudman.