Lake Redding Golf Course seeks new operator

REDDING, Calif. — Change is coming to a longtime community, although it might be mainly behind the scenes.

A new operator is being pursued for the Lake Redding Golf Course.

The course has been there for over 60 years. The McConnell Foundation acquired the land when Leah McConnell passed away in 1995 and has leased the operation to private parties ever since.

Jim and Linell Smith have had the 22-acre layout for 15 years and are preparing to retire.

So, what goes into running a golf course, pro shop and restaurant?

“There’s almost too [much] to explaineverything from mow to fertilize, to prepare for winter, prepare for summer, take care of the carts, make sure everything’s okay, repair irrigationit’s just an on-and-on-and-on list. It’s a seven-day-a-week job,” explains Linell Smith, the course’s current operator.

There are no plans to close the course but the search is on for a new operator.

“For all you golfers out there who used Lake Redding Golf Course, please know that our intention is to keep it a public golf course, to find an operator who cares just as deeply as the Smiths have, and to continue to have it be a community amenity that is affordable and accessible,” McConnel Foundation’s CEO Shannon Phillips told KRCR.

If running and maintaining a golf course sounds like something you might like to explore, Cox Real Estate Consultants, Inc.'s Janice Cunningham would like to hear from you.

“We’re very optimistic that we’re going to find just the right person, or people, to run that golf course. When we did this 15 years ago, we had a very nice applicant pool to choose from and we’re hoping that will be the case, again, this year,” explained Janice Cunningham of Cox Real Estate Consultants. “But, yes, in the meantime, if for some reason we don’t find just that right person who loves the golf course and loves the game, we will ensure that it is maintained.”

Maintained, but not operated, if you're interested in leasing the course and business, contact Janice at (530) 245-4600.

She'll be taking proposals until Jan. 9. The Smiths plan to retire on Aug. 1, so the plan is to allow plenty of time for a seamless transition.\

--

To report errors or issues with this article please email the editorial team.