LDP Country Club closes its doors

September 21, 2009 – © Foothill Express

The doors of the Lake Don Pedro Golf and Country Club have closed due to a dwindling economy and forces beyond its control.

Owner Tom Porter said losses of approximately $3 million, or $5,000 per day, made closing of the Lake Don Pedro Golf and Country Club the only viable alternative.

Although the rolling hills remain green and beautiful, the doors to the facility remain locked, at least for now.

Closing the course has been a major disappointment to many people, including Porter.

Although a tough economy certainly heads the list of reasons for the closure, both Tom Porter and his daughter, Coralaine Porter, agreed that the golf course faced many additional challenges outside their control.

According to Coralaine Porter, rapidly rising water rates and the 138 acres that must remain green became the proverbial “straw that broke the camel’s back.” Approximately 20 employees have been laid off due to the country club’s closure.

When he purchased the Lake Don Pedro Golf and Country Club 18 months ago, Tom Porter was committed to making it extremely valuable to the residents of the area, investing approximately $11 million.

He estimated that between 10 and 20 percent of the Sierra foothills, from Sacramento to Merced, visited the Lake Don Pedro Golf and Country Club to golf, have lunch or dinner or play cards at the facility.

The Porters still believe that the golf course will provide that environment in the future. Tom Porter said he remains dedicated to reopening the course as soon as the economy recovers.

He remains optimistic about the future.

“The people are wonderful here,” Mr. Porter stated. “It would be nice if the community could get together and solve their school, homeowner and water district problems.”