Maxwelton Braes Open For Business

After a winter and spring of speculation and uncertainty, Maxwelton Braes Golf Course will be open this summer after all.

Paul Becker, a Baileys Harbor native who learned how to play on the course, has signed a lease with Baylake Bank to operate the course through the summer.

“I grew up playing that course,” he said. “It has a special place in my heart.”

Becker, a 1971 Gibraltar High School graduate, sold his interest in Hidden Glen Golf Club in Cedarburg at the end of last year. He was the founder, and PGA golf pro at the club for 11 years. He has also served as Director of Golf for Blackwolf Run and Whistling Straights in Kohler, Wisconsin and Assistant Executive Director of the Wisconsin State Golf Association.

He assumed day-to-day management of the course May 5, and expected to have the course open sometime the following week.

Baylake Bank foreclosed on the previous owners of the course last November, and the future of the course has been in limbo ever since.

“Baylake Bank is proud to have someone of Paul Becker’s caliber to maintain and operate this historic piece of Door County,” said Rick Hearden, Baylake Bank Senior Vice President. “We are confident in Paul and his ability to enhance the course – which is terrific both for local golfers, and for potential buyers who are interested in purchasing the property.”

Becker said his first priority is to maintain the course and keep it a valuable asset for the bank as it continues its search for a buyer. Plus, he wants to have it open for the people and visitors of Door County.

“Banks and lenders really don’t know what to do with something like this when they assume ownership, and they don’t want to be in the business of operating a golf course,” he said.

The course is listed for sale by Links Capital Advisors for $2.75 million.