Wanaki Golf Course To Close At End Of 2019 Season

WAUKESHA COUNTY, WI — Citing mounting repair costs and losing money, Waukesha County Parks officials say they will close the Wanaki Golf Course once the 2019 season ends.

In spite of efforts to increase revenue, the golf course has 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 officials said.

“While the decision to close Wanaki Golf Course is emotional, it’s the only way to continue to offer any golf programs for residents,” said Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow in a statement to Patch. “Our staff has worked for years to bring in more revenue to keep the course open, but we’ve run out of options.”

Waukesha County officials say that since 2001, Wanaki Golf Course has lost between $41,000 and $243,000 per year. In recent years, Waukesha County officials say they have tried a lot of different things based on recommendations provided by the National Golf Foundation to increase efficiency in operations and revenue, but could not offset losses.

“Waukesha County is grateful to the golfers, coaches, and high school teams who have supported Wanaki Golf Course for decades,” said Director of Parks and Land Use Dale Shaver. “All agreements made for the 2019 season will be honored and we will do our best to accommodate displaced teams in 2020.”

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.

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.