An approved offer on Waukesha County Parks and Land Use’s Wanaki Golf Course will keep the course open under new ownership. On Tuesday, June 23, 2020, 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 implemented 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. “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. In addition, 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.   

“I am thrilled that Wanaki will continue on as a private sector course,” said County Board Supervisor Timothy Dondlinger who represents District 5 that includes Wanaki Golf Course. “When I introduced the budget amendment last year to sell the course I was hopeful we could find a solution that is a win for residents, the golf community and the County.  I think we found that.” 

Waukesha County’s two other golf courses, Naga-Waukee War Memorial Golf Course, and Moor Downs Golf Course, will remain open. Revenue generated from these courses will be reinvested into the golf course fund to improve the financial sustainability of golf course operations. No tax dollars are used to support either course.  

Waukesha County acquired the 150-acre Wanaki property in 1967 after receiving an Outdoor Recreation Aids Program (ORAP) grant. Wanaki Golf Course opened in 1970. For more information, go to www.waukeshacounty.gov/golf.  

View a PDF of this news release here. 

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