A fundraising campaign launched in May 2024 to pay for needed improvements at the Lake Panorama National golf course. Funds raised that year supported the renovation of forward tee boxes on holes 5, 6, 7 and 8. In 2025, direct donations and special events funded significant improvements to the LPN driving range.
As the third year of fundraising kicks off, Guthrie County State Bank (GCSB) officials announced a $50,000 pledge, with $10,000 donated in June. Another $10,000 will be donated each June for the next four years.
Mike Underwood, GCSB president and CEO, said the Lake Panorama National golf course brings people to the area from Des Moines, Omaha and beyond.
“People can’t come here and jump onto the lake, but they can jump onto the golf course,” he said. “The golf course draws people to Guthrie County. Our bank is heavily invested in this community, and it’s important for us to support efforts to bring new people and new business to the area.”
“From the bank’s perspective, the Lake Panorama National golf course is a great recreational amenity that brings new people to Panora and Lake Panorama every year,” said Barry Monaghan, GCSB board chair. “Bringing people here benefits not just the Panora community, but all of Guthrie County.”
A look at the history of the golf course helps tell the story of why donations are being sought for needed updates.
Construction of the golf course began in 1970, funded by Mid-Iowa Lakes Corporation, which issued stock to raise money for the Lake Panorama development. The course opened in August 1971, but it wasn’t long before Mid-Iowa was bankrupt and the course closed. No rounds of golf were played in 1974.
Central Iowa Power Cooperative (CIPCO) purchased the assets of the bankrupt Mid-Iowa Lakes and by 1976 the course was open again. Lake Panorama Association (LPA) bought the golf course in 1977 and operated it until 1982. In 1983, Irv Gerlich leased the course through 1991.
In 1992, CIPCO stepped back in and leased the course until 1997. The Guthrie County REC leased the course until 2004. In 2005, the LPA took over again.
Of the 53 years Lake Panorama National has hosted golfers, 29 of those were while the course was leased.
“During those years, all needed capital improvements were to be done by the lease holders,” Monaghan said. “When someone is trying to make a profit, or at least break even, capital improvements are not high on the priority list.”
Royce Shaffer, Lake Panorama National director of operations, said LPA is in the same situation now as past lease holders.
“The projects identified in our master plan for the course are the right investments, but these simply aren’t feasible through the annual LPN operating and capital budgets,” he said. “As a wholly owned subsidiary of LPA, LPN receives ongoing support from the association. But the LPA also is responsible for the Lake Panorama community’s roads, water infrastructure, dam maintenance and much more, which leaves LPN competing for the same limited resources.”
Shaffer said the capital campaign allows LPN to move forward with priority golf course improvements in a responsible way, without taking away from critical community needs.
Monaghan said the GCSB board is hopeful this $50,000 pledge will give the LPN fundraising campaign new exposure, and encourage other businesses and private donors to support the effort.
The bank was founded in 1931 in Guthrie Center. The Panora location opened in 1998.
“From the time the Panora location opened, the LPN golf course has been a tremendous source of business opportunity for Guthrie County State Bank,” Monaghan said. “Lake Panorama was the reason the bank decided to open an office in Panora. Every move since then has been positive. We see this donation for the LPN golf course as another chance to reinvest in this community.”
NEXT PROJECTS, HOW TO DONATE
In late April, the LPN board voted to continue improvements to forward tee boxes this fall. The tees included are holes 1, 2, 4 and 15. This project would complete the forward tee box work on the front nine, and make a start on work needed on the back nine.
Friends of Lake Panorama is partnering with LPN to raise funds for the capital campaign, which allows donors who itemize at tax time the opportunity to deduct their donation.
Donors contributing $500 or more are recognized on both the Lake Panorama National Resort and Friends of Lake Panorama websites. All donors receive a tax receipt.
Donations of securities (stocks, mutual funds, etc.) are welcome, as are direct IRA qualified charitable distributions.
Direct donations can be made by check payable to Friends of Lake Panorama, and mailed to Friends, PO Box 488, Panora, Iowa, 50216. Donations also can be made through Venmo @Panorama-Friends, or by credit card at friendsoflakepanorama.org.