Modesto City Council soon could approve rebuild of Dryden Park golf clubhouse
A project to rebuild the Dryden Park Golf Course clubhouse has gained momentum and could be under construction in the spring.
The original clubhouse suffered flood damage in 1997 and was heavily marred by fires in 2000 and 2020. The structural damage from the flooding and the fire 25 years ago was repaired. But the Aug. 4, 2020, fire — apparently caused by a campfire next to the building — destroyed the kitchen, dining space and contents of the clubhouse.
It was soon decided the facility needed to be replaced. A modular building has served as a temporary pro shop for the 18-hole course.
In November, the City Council’s finance committee approved plans and a $9.28 million construction contract with Diebe Construction of Lodi. The location for the new clubhouse would be up the hill on a bluff above the Tuolumne River flood zone.
According to a city report, the modernized clubhouse will be twice as large, featuring outdoor patio dining, a larger pro shop, upgraded kitchen and expanded restaurant areas. The facility will accommodate the needs of golfers but also will be available for weddings and other social events.
Toby Wells, director of engineering services, said the City Council is expected to consider the project Dec. 9. If approved, the clubhouse could be completed in early 2027.
“We are excited to provide this amenity back to the community,” Wells said.
The city has $4.62 million in insurance proceeds to fund about 35% of the $12.9 million project. Other funding sources include money from the American Rescue Plan Act, the city Golf Fund and $2.67 million in Measure H funding from the Dr. Martin Luther King Park renovation project, which was freed up when bids were lower than anticipated.
A $4.93 million loan from the city Water Fund will cover the remaining costs. Golf revenues will repay the Water Fund loan with interest over 10 years.
City staff recommended a $5-per-round increase in green fees to help with loan repayment. The city also is leaning toward a “dynamic pricing model” to increase revenues from Dryden Park, based on the theory that golfers play more when given options of optimal tee times and price.
In addition to clubhouse construction, the costs for design, engineering, course improvements, administration and contingencies drove the project cost to $12.9 million.
This story was originally published December 2, 2025 at 5:53 PM.
