A Freeland golf course could be in danger of closing.

Holmes Harbor Sewer District filed an unlawful detainer lawsuit in Island County Superior Court on April 4 against Holmes Harbor Golf Course and Paul Lavin, the owner of the LLC. The golf course leases land from the sewer district, which is trying to take possession of the property, according to court documents.

Concerns about the golf course’s uncertain future have circulated in the community. In a press release this week, Lavin reassured people that the business is not going anywhere.

“To defend our rights and the future of this course, we have been forced to take legal action — an unfortunate but necessary step,” the press release stated.

The complaint filed earlier this month by Holmes Harbor Sewer District claims that the tenant, Holmes Harbor Golf Course, failed to pay $7,107 in mowing services in 2024 to the district, which completed this work for the tenant.

In an interview this week, Lavin said the district had previously been providing these services for free until July 2023, when it appeared to have had a change in heart. He was told to mow the rough or pay the district to mow it. This became costly for the golf course, which had to purchase its own mowing equipment and hire the labor to do it frequently.

Though the district did later receive a check from the tenant for mowing expenses, according to court documents, the district is seeking attorneys’ fees incurred in its recovery of the past-due payment. As part of the lease, “failure to pay” is identified as an “event of default,” and the lease terminated on Feb. 28, 2025 instead of being renewed.

Lavin said the lease is supposed to be renewed every five years for a period of 10 years. His attempts to negotiate with the district, he said, have been unsuccessful. As he pointed out in the press release, significant investments have been made to preserve, improve and keep the property operational as a community golf course.

“We’ve poured our time, energy, and finances into this land because we believe in what it brings to Holmes Harbor — not just for golfers, but for the homeowners and families who live around it and enjoy its presence,” the press release stated.

Holmes Harbor Sewer District could not be reached for comment by press time.

As of this week, Holmes Harbor Golf Course remains open.