Boothbay Harbor Country Club drew the curtain on its $50 million makeover with a ribbon-cutting ceremony May 11 before a crowd of 50 well-wishers, media and Boothbay region town officials. On hand to do the honor was Lincoln County homeowner, Gov. Paul LePage, who spoke of the potential economic impact of the country club and the club’s place in the New England golf landscape.

“This is not just the best facility in Maine,” said LePage. “It's a world class facility. The best of the best is right here in Boothbay.”

The makeover is the brainchild and vision of Lewiston-born businessman and Southport resident Paul Coulombe. He bought the club three years ago. The renovation includes a 32,000 square foot clubhouse with two restaurants; Paul's Steakhouse and Grille 19, both open to the public. The 18-month construction phase employed 100 people and was completed by the Boothbay-based Knickerbocker Group. Coulombe hopes to provide up to 80 seasonal and year round jobs and more importantly, create a destination golf resort. The ceremony was the culmination of a four-year journey for Coulombe and his wife, Giselaine.

“I don't think there was one blade of green grass when my wife and I first saw it,” said Coulombe. “She said ‘you’re buying what?’”

According to Boothbay Harbor Country Club, the new clubhouse is the first phase of a larger expansion to eventually include condominiums, retail space adjacent to the Boothbay Common and other yet to be seen attractions.

Since arriving in the Boothbay region in 2008, Coulombe — who made his fortune through the Lewiston-based White Rock Distilleries — has bought a lot of real estate. He owns Oliver's on Cozy Island — a lunch and dinner cafe — and has purchased over two dozen properties in the area. Currently, Coulombe is at the center of a debate to construct a roundabout on Route 27 to improve traffic flow. According to proponents of the $3.3 million plan, the roundabout will improve the visitor experience by reducing the amount of time people will be be waiting to enter town. To detractors, it's a concession to Coulombe and his country club; the new entrance to the golf course is located on the north bound side of the proposed plan.

Despite a few acknowledgments of the shared Republican roots between himself and LePage, the ceremony was largely bereft of politics, with the focus on what Coulombe has deemed an altruistic effort to provide a world class golf destination and economic engine.

“It really doesn’t benefit me directly in any way. It’s not a financial investment per se, but rather one of self-satisfaction,” Coulombe said in prior comments to the Boothbay Register. “I want to come and see everybody enjoying themselves. The country club will become a destination for golfers, which is good for the local inns and restaurants.”

As previously reported, he began redesigning the course shortly after purchasing it. Coulombe has installed a new water recycling system capable of pumping 750,000 gallons per day. The system recirculates water into various creeks around the course which was expanded from 9 to 18 holes in 1999. As an avid golfer inspired by playing at the famed Augusta National in Georgia (home of the Masters), Coulombe wanted to create a challenging course for the serious golfer and take advantage of a picturesque location which affords both a view of the ocean and the White Mountains on a clear day. In addition, the country club will offer resort-type amenities such as a spa and tennis courts. 

Freshly minted Boothbay resident LePage sees himself as a frequent visitor to the country club.

“I'm looking forward to playing golf and hanging around,” he said.

Boothbay Harbor Country Club opens for the season May 18. For more information, visit boothbayharborcc.com