BOOTHBAY

Buying a country club was never on Southport resident Paul Coulombe’s bucket list.

But when Coulombe — known in part for his contributions to restoration projects in the area — heard hints this summer that Boothbay Country Club was in trouble, he was concerned.

And when he heard the golf course was in danger of closing through a bank-driven “power of sale,” Coulombe took action.

No bids came in at auction Jan. 28, so Coulombe immediately began negotiations. Within days, they had a deal.

The transaction was announced Tuesday. A sale price was not disclosed.

Harris Golf, based in Bath, will manage the course.

“I’ve played this course many times; it’s worth saving,” Coulombe said. “I feel the club is a critical component of our community that attracts both out-of-state visitors and Maine residents. Like the Opera House, library, Cuckolds Light, and YMCA — all local endeavors I have sup- ported in the past — Boothbay Country Club is equally important to our region.”

“We’re thrilled to be involved with the project,” Harris Golf President Jeff Harris said. “Paul’s philanthropic work is well-known here on the peninsula, and his decision to step in and save this important club is evidence of his great love and passion for two things: the game of golf and the Boothbay region.”

The club has a place both in history and in the hearts of golfers far and wide, Harris noted.

“This is a club steeped in history,” Harris said. Francis Ouimet, the winner of the 1913 U.S. Open, held the course record here for many years. The layout is a classic Wayne Stiles design from golf’s Golden Age of architecture. And for generations of golfers from all over New England, Boothbay is full of special memories.”

This special meaning is not lost on Coulombe. Being a golfer himself, he said he knows how important the game is to those who play, and to the community in which the course resides.

“When people plan their summer vacations, they target destinations that will appeal to all members of the family. The Boothbay region has it all, and golfing is part of that equation,” says Coulombe.

And, Coulombe says, it’s not just about regional economics. “I want to introduce the game of golf to as many people as possible. It’s a sport you can play your entire life. I’ll encourage youth programs for children of all ages in the Boothbay area, and will provide qualified PGA pros to teach the game.”

So what’s ahead for the Boothbay Country Club?

“This all happened very fast,” Coulombe said. “The plan for the future is being developed as we speak.”

His biggest goal is to stabilize the club and see it back in running order.

“In this first year, we will concentrate on getting the course, greens, fairways, bunkers into the best shape possible.

“In the coming years, we hope to make more substantial facility improvements so that the amenities of the club match the caliber of the golf. I feel strongly that the Boothbay Country Club can be better, far better, than it has ever been before. It has the right location, and a framework that will allow us to bring world class golf to the Boothbay region.”

Knickerbocker Group President Steve Malcom said he understands Coulombe’s vision.

“I’ve worked with Paul for many years and know he is deeply committed to our region,” Malcom said. “We’re fortunate he has chosen this peninsula as his home. As with Oliver’s at Cozy Harbor and the Pratt’s Island bridge, his goal is always to restore these treasures to their original grandeur.

“The Boothbay Country Club offers yet another opportunity for re-birth and will be a significant economic driver for this region. Paul takes that responsibility very seriously, and hopes his guidance will sustain the club for generations to come.”

lgrard@timesrecord.com