Wanaki Golf Course Has Buyer; Will Remain Open

WAUKESHA, WI — An approved offer on Waukesha County Parks and Land Use’s Wanaki Golf Course will keep the course open under new ownership.

On Tuesday night, the Waukesha County Board of Supervisors voted to authorize the Department of Parks and Land Use to sign the purchase agreement and finalize sale of the property to an affiliate of the Storm Family Group, which has been involved in the local golf industry for 68 years.

The 2020 Waukesha County budget process developed a plan to keep the course open this season while seeking a second party to take ownership of the property by the end of 2020.

“This agreement fulfills the goals we have had all along – preservation of golf in Waukesha County while protecting taxpayers’ investment,” said Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow said in a statement Wednesday. “This sale will allow residents to continue to enjoy a beloved golf course while allowing Waukesha County to maintain operations and fund improvements at its other two courses.”

Despite efforts to increase revenue, Wanaki Golf Course operated at a loss for years, depleting Waukesha County’s golf course reserve fund.

Wanaki Golf Course requires over $645,000 in repair and replacement projects.

Under the sale, the new owner will take responsibility for all improvements and operations of the course. Waukesha County will continue to operate the golf course through the remainder of the 2020 season.

Waukesha County acquired the 150-acre Wanaki property in 1967 after receiving an Outdoor Recreation Aids Program grant. Wanaki Golf Course opened in 1970.