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Whoever buys the Gettysburg Country Club today will be acquiring more than a nine-hole golf course.
After falling into financial distress last year, the 60-year-old country club racked up a total of more than $3.6 million in debt. The debts range from tax liens to municipal liens to unpaid bank mortgages.
The 120-acre property is being auctioned off at a sheriff's sale this morning for a minimum of $2.9 million.
"I suspect it will probably be in excess of that in order to get all the costs involved," said Deputy Michael Cook at the Adams County Sheriff's Office, which is facilitating the auction.
That's because the buyer will be responsible for all of the country club's outstanding expenses, meaning the country club could ultimately cost no less than $6.5 million.
A large portion of the debts the Gettysburg Country Club has incurred likely stem from a significant renovation in 2006 that included the building of a conference room that seats 70, a ballroom that hosts 250 and a pub that holds 60.
Tennis courts, pools and other facilities were also added, and the members-only club reopened in spring 2007.
For example, the club owes the Gettysburg Construction Company $45,120.
That's pocket change, however, compared to the debt owed to Susquehanna Banks, which foreclosed on the property.
Gettysburg Country Club owes the bank at least $2.9 million.
Other debts include $48,784 to the IRS, $11,687 to the Cumberland Township
Gettysburg Country Club is located within the boundaries of Gettysburg National Military Park and was the site of significant action during the Battle of Gettysburg.
Cook said the country club's buyer will need to provide 20 percent of the property's price at the auction and the balance within a few weeks.
The auction is scheduled for 10 a.m. today at the Adams County Sheriff's Office.
Contact Erin James at ejames@eveningsun.com.
