Fish Creek, Wis. (December 9, 2025) – For more than a century, Peninsula State Park Golf Course —one of Wisconsin’s most historic golf destinations— has welcomed golfers to enjoy their unforgettable views and a one-of-a-kind playing experience. Now, the non-profit organization responsible for its care is calling on the community to help ensure this irreplaceable treasure endures for generations to come.
What many visitors and even longtime Door County residents don’t realize is that Peninsula State Park Golf Course operates under a unique arrangement: Peninsula Golf Associates, Inc. (PGA), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization comprised of dedicated local volunteers, leases the property from the State of Wisconsin and manages all operations independently. Every dollar earned beyond operating costs goes directly back into the course.
“People are often surprised to learn that Peninsula State Park Golf Course is operated entirely by a nonprofit,” said General Manager Jason Daubner. “Every dollar we earn is reinvested into the course, but maintaining a 100-year-old property at the level golfers expect uses nearly all of it. Real improvements—storm repairs, upgraded tees, projects that protect this course for the future—are only possible with community support. When you donate, you’re directly shaping the future of this place.”
The 2025 season brought unexpected challenges that tested the organization’s resilience. An April ice storm and an August tornado caused significant damage requiring extensive cleanup—costs not covered by insurance or state assistance.
“Mother Nature reminded us how fragile and precious this place really is,” said Course Superintendent Mike Becker. “We lost trees, hundreds of them, that had stood here for decades. The damage was shocking, and the clean-up project seemed endless. But we also saw something amazing in the response—people who love this course stepping up to help us heal and rebuild.”
Despite these setbacks, the PGA has continued investing in critical improvements, including drainage upgrades, cart path repairs, and the complete reconstruction of the hole 7 green, scheduled to reopen Memorial Day weekend 2026. Planned projects include parking lot repaving, tee box upgrades, and landscape restoration in storm-damaged areas.
“This isn’t just a golf course—it’s a living piece of Door County history,” said Bob Spielman, PGA Board President. “Every improvement we make is an investment in the experience—for the family playing their first round together, for the couple celebrating their anniversary, for the lifelong golfer who’s been coming here for forty years. When people walk these fairways, they’re walking the same ground that golfers have enjoyed since the early 1900s. We have a responsibility to protect that legacy, and we can’t do it alone.”
Organizers emphasize that contributions of any amount make a meaningful difference. Contributors of $500 or more by April 15, 2026 will receive an enhanced PGA membership for the calendar year, which includes golf handicap service (if requested), an annual newsletter and invitations to special PGA golf events and the annual dinner. Additional benefits that come with a $500 contribution include:
- 25% discount on pro-shop merchandise for 2026
- A 10- large bucket punch card for the Driving Range
- A 10-round punch card for the par-3 Short Course
A second household member can receive full membership benefits for an additional $250 ($750 total).
Donations can be made online at the PGA website (peninsulagolf.org) or by mail to: PGA, Inc., PO Box 275, Fish Creek, WI 54212. All contributions are tax-deductible.
About Peninsula State Park Golf Course
Peninsula State Park Golf Course opened in 1921 and is the only golf course located within a Wisconsin State Park. The 18-hole course offers views of Eagle Harbor, the village of Ephraim, and the waters of Green Bay. Peninsula Golf Associates, Inc. (PGA) is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that leases and operates the course under agreement with the State of Wisconsin. Governed by a volunteer board of Door County residents, PGA is dedicated to preserving, maintaining, and enhancing this historic course for the enjoyment of all. The course also features a six-hole short course, driving range, and full-service clubhouse. For more information, visit www.peninsulagolf.org.
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