A plan to rebuild the Dryden Park Golf Course clubhouse in Modesto is moving forward and may start construction as soon as spring. The original clubhouse, which was damaged by a flood in 1997 and suffered major fires in 2000 and 2020, has been replaced by a temporary modular building serving as the pro shop.
The most recent fire on August 4, 2020, destroyed key areas of the clubhouse, including the kitchen and dining space. This led city officials to decide that a new facility was needed.
Last month, the City Council’s finance committee approved plans for the new clubhouse and awarded a $9.28 million construction contract to Diebe Construction of Lodi. The proposed location is on higher ground above the Tuolumne River flood zone.
According to city reports, the new clubhouse will be twice as large as its predecessor and include outdoor patio dining, an expanded pro shop, upgraded kitchen facilities, and larger restaurant areas. It is intended not only for golfers but also for events such as weddings and social gatherings.
Toby Wells, director of engineering services for Modesto, said that the City Council will review the project on December 9. “We are excited to provide this amenity back to the community,” Wells said. If approved, construction could be completed by early 2027.
Funding for the $12.9 million project comes from several sources: $4.62 million in insurance proceeds will cover about 35% of costs; additional funds come from federal American Rescue Plan Act money, the city’s Golf Fund, and $2.67 million from Measure H funding originally set aside for Dr. Martin Luther King Park renovations after those bids came in lower than expected. The remaining amount will be financed through a $4.93 million loan from Modesto’s Water Fund, which will be repaid with interest over ten years using golf course revenues.
To help pay off this loan, city staff have recommended raising green fees by $5 per round and considering a dynamic pricing model that adjusts prices based on tee times and demand.
The total cost includes expenses beyond construction such as design work, engineering services, course improvements, administration costs, and contingencies.
