Waubeeka Golf's Future Depends on Finding Buyer
 The Goffs hope the reduced price will help attract a buyer who will keep the land as a golf course. |
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Waubeeka Golf Links could be carved into housing lots if the business isn't sold soon.
Owner James Goff of Denver on Friday reduced the asking price for the golf course to $3.5 million — less than he paid for it — in hopes of ramping up interest.
If a buyer does not come forward, Waubeeka will be closed at the end of the season.
"It is our hope to find a buyer at this reduced price who will continue to operate Waubeeka as a golf course," Goff said in a prepared statement. "Regrettably, if that does not happen, it is anticipated that the golf operation will close down at year end, and conversion to other uses including housing will be considered."
The golf course was designed by Berkshire course legend Rowland Armacost, his only 18-hole creation, and opened in 1966; Golf Digest gives the public course a four out of five stars.
Alton & Westall Real Estate has been engaged to sell the land. Real estate agent Alan Marden said the course consists of 190 acres broken into three parcels. There are some lots on the land that could be used for housing, he said.
"We hope we can sell it as an ongoing golf course," Marden said, adding that asking price includes not only the land but the clubhouses and equipment. "There is a possibility of a housing component."
The Goffs purchased course in 2008 from the Ed Stawarz Family Trust for $4.2 million and made substantial improvements. Last year, a deal was in the offing to sell the course but it has since fallen through. The course had been on the market for $5 million.
"We had it for sale earlier but a previous deal to sell the property has fallen through, so we are putting it back on the market and at a reduced price," Goff said.
Marden says he hopes to find a buyer "as soon as possible" for all three contiguous parcels. He declined to comment on if there has been recent interest on the property.
"We were pleased to have sold Waubeeka to Jim and Jody and appreciate the opportunity to work with them to find a new buyer," said Marden in the statement announcing the reduction in price. "Our first priority will be to find someone who will keep this outstanding property operating as a golf facility, but it is a challenging environment for the golf world so we must look for all possibilities for appropriate utilization of this spectacular acreage."
Tags: golf, golf course,
