Golfers who hit the links at Wanaki Golf Course in Menomonee Falls will have to find a new course next year. Wanaki will close after the 2019 golf season.

The course has been operating at a loss for the past decade, according to an announcement from Dale Shaver, director of Waukesha County Department of Parks and Land Use.

Shaver noted that the county's golf courses are not supported by tax money. Instead, they are paid for through golf course fees, cart rentals, concessions and special event fees.

Wanaki, N50 W20830 Lisbon Road, has lost from $41,000 to $243,000 annually for the last decade, Shaver said. Reserve funds that have kept Wanaki afloat have been depleted.

In addition, the course needs "significant infrastructure repairs and upgrades, estimated to cost over $645,000, according to a 2018 projected infrastructure needs analysis," according to an FAQ at www.waukeshacounty.gov/golf.

The FAQ also said that while the decision is not irreversible, changing it would require using tax money.

"I assure you that we have not made this decision lightly, but it is the right decision for the taxpayers of Waukesha County," Shaver said. "While a plan is not yet in place for the Wanaki property, the county is reviewing all available options, including keeping the land as a park or green space. We hope to make a determination on the future use of the property by the end of 2019."

The two other county courses are Moor Downs Golf Course in Waukesha and Naga-Waukee War Memorial Golf Course in Pewaukee.

Debi Eimer can be reached at 262-361-9135 or debi.eimer@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter at @DebiEimer.