Agostini: Lake Don Pedro is open ... again

Officials at Lake Don Pedro Golf Club, closed for the last three months, asked themselves a question: Why are we closed?

They provided the answer Friday by reopening.

"We found out that keeping it closed was as costly as keeping it open," said Tom Porter, president of the San Ramon-based Deerwood Corp. which owns and operates Lake Don Pedro. "If we're going to spend the same money, why not just reopen and do what everybody wants?"

Lake Don Pedro welcomed back players to its first tee Friday and presented a more cost-efficient and streamlined product. Pro shop manager Martha Hetz said about 100 players turned out Friday, about 80 on Saturday and 70 on Tuesday, as many took advantage of $20 rounds (including cart) Tuesday through Friday and $30 on Saturdays.

"The greens are a little slower right now and running at about an 8 but that will get better," Hetz said. "We didn't water the fairways but maintained everything else during the time we were closed. The fairways I think overall are good. The rain we had in October jump-started the bermuda right about the time we decided to reopen. It was perfect timing."

Deerwood invested about $11 million to revitalize Lake Don Pedro, which opened 21 months ago after being closed for about seven years. Though it unveiled a new clubhouse and condominiums in addition to major improvements on the course, it struggled due to insufficient revenue, high water bills and, of course, a tanking economy.

Porter hinted late last summer, however, that it could open again as early as next spring. Those plans were accelerated last month when officials answered "Why not?" to their own question.

"We kind of put our heads together and opened again with a minimum staff," said Porter, who turned 79 on Monday.

Much has changed at Lake Don Pedro over three months. Staff has been reduced, the condominiums -- a big attraction earlier this year -- have been sold, and the course will be closed on Sundays and Mondays. The restaurant will remain open for lunch only on the days the course is open.

The discounted green fees lured many players back to the foothills over the weekend. But will they return? For now, golfers seem pleased there's a new and cost-friendly option out there.

"We reworked the thing with the water district. That won't have a bearing on whether or not we stay open," Porter said. "We're saving some money and we're happy we're back in operation."

HOLES-IN-ONE -- Daniel Pena, Modesto, 133-yard eighth at River Oaks, Ceres, 6-iron. ... Matthew Sullivan, Turlock, 96-yard fifth at River Oaks, 9-iron. ... George Robbins, Riverbank, 136-yard fourth at River Oaks, 9-iron. ... Jeff Maloy, Oakdale, 100-yard sixth at Oakdale CC, pitching wedge. ... Tom Gilmore, Copperopolis, 135-yard 11th at Saddle Creek, Copperopolis, 9-iron. ... Rick Damelio, Copperopolis, 11th at Saddle Creek, 8-iron.

Bee staff writer Ron Agostini can be reached at ragostini@modbee.com or 578-2302.