Cecelia's sold at auction
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Cecelia’s Golf Course in Bradford Township is expected to open this weekend despite being sold at sheriff’s auction Wednesday. Community Bank in Delavan, which foreclosed on the property last summer, bought the property back for $721.900.
JANESVILLE — Golfers should be able to hit the course at Cecelia's this weekend.
But behind the scenes, the course's future still is being worked out.
Cecelia's Golf Course, located east of Janesville on Emerald Grove Road in Bradford Township, was sold in a sheriff's auction Wednesday morning at the Rock County Courthouse.
Community Bank, 820 East Geneva St., Delavan, had foreclosed on the property this summer. The bank bought back the property for $721,900.
The big crowd at the sheriff's sale might have indicated that several parties are interested in the property.
But nobody bid.
Community Bank Executive Vice President Scott Zimmerman this morning would not say exactly who might buy or manage the course. Zimmerman expects it to be open for business this summer.
"Steps are being taken to open the course as early as this weekend," Zimmerman said. "Golfers can expect leagues and open golf to continue."
The golf course drew crowds last winter. But golfing wasn't necessarily part of the discussion.
Residents in early 2008 packed the tiny Bradford Town Hall to debate a residential development proposed for the site.
Former course owner Mike Kerig and two other parties had applied for rezones and a conditional-use permit to add nine holes to the nine-hole course. The plan included building 52 homes on lots smaller than 1 acre to create a "golf community."
At a public hearing in January 2008, many residents spoke against the proposal, saying the expansion would consume farmland and change the rural nature of the township.
Others spoke in favor of the plan, saying landowners have the right to sell their land.
At the time, Kerig said the expansion was vital to the survival of the golf course.
Zimmerman said it's not up to the bank to work on future development plans. That would be up to the new owner or lessee, he said.
"The bank is hopeful a new owner or potential tenant will make improvements and upgrades to the course," Zimmerman said.
Mar 21, 2009 at 4:13 p.m.
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They are open. 608-754-8550
Mar 16, 2009 at 12:11 p.m.
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Cecelia's Golf Course is OPEN today (3/16) for play!
Mar 13, 2009 at 10:20 p.m.
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At the end of last year it was in great shape. The former owner did a lot of work and had great greens and fairways. Benches and ball washers were another story. unfortunately the last two years of wet weather had to hurt all courses. There will be some others in the area under financial duress this year.
Mar 13, 2009 at 2:29 p.m.
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Synergy- yep..I agree.Hopefully this will remain open and improving somehow.
Mar 13, 2009 at 1:31 p.m.
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Its a shame that course finally was showing some hope of a decent course. The tee boxes were getting better and the fairways were actually green, not hard like concrete.
Mar 13, 2009 at 11:36 a.m.
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Republicans have never been outstanding readers.
Mar 13, 2009 at 7:47 a.m.
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Look at the fourth paragraph. The bank bought it.
Mar 13, 2009 at 6:37 a.m.
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Who bought the place? Did Obama break down and spend some of the Fannie Mae money he made at several others expense or what??
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