Salem Hills sold to farmer

March 3, 2016 at 12:05a.m.

By BRIAN DZENIS

SALEM

A former member of Salem Hills Golf Course and Country Club became the new owner on Wednesday.

Inside the course’s restaurant, Salem corn farmer Ray Bricker purchased the golf course for $880,000 at a public auction hosted by Kiko Auctions. According to auctioneer Rusty Kiko, Bricker was among four bidders for the course.

Eleven potential bidders expressed interest in the course, Kiko said. Bricker’s bid of $810,000 bid went once, twice and the course was his. The fees totaled $70,000.

According to Kiko, the tax appraisal of the course was assessed at $2 million.

“It was about what I expected,” Kiko said. “Of course, you always want more money,”

Bricker did not want his identity revealed at the auction and Kiko would not disclose his name, but former members who packed the restaurant to witness the auction identified the buyer.

“He used to come here to the restaurant,” said Jack Russell, a former member and pro shop employee at the course.

Bricker and his associates declined comment.

Even with a familiar face taking over, the fate of the course remains uncertain. According to members who tried to speak with the buyer and Kiko, Bricker would not reveal his intentions for the property.

“I hope it stays a course,” said former member Bill Green of Alliance. “I don’t want to see another cornfield.”