By Susan Thompson | Lake Panorama Times
Royce Shaffer
Q: How did golf operations perform at Lake Panorama National and Panorama West during the 2025 season?
A: Compared to recent years, 2025 saw higher-than-average rounds of golf and record participation in both stay-and-play packages and golf events.
Lake Panorama National hosted a record 65 stay-and-play golf package groups in 2025, welcoming 642 players and generating $127,729 in golf revenue. This compares to a five-year average of 59 groups per year.
A record 35 golf events were held at Lake Panorama National during the 2025 season. These events attracted 3,764 players and generated $188,979 in revenue, marking one of the strongest event years on record.
Rounds of golf remained strong across both courses. As of the end of November, Lake Panorama National recorded 21,735 rounds, while Panorama West recorded 10,005 rounds. For comparison, five-year averages show Panorama West averaging 8,675 rounds per year and Lake Panorama National averaging 20,879 rounds.
Q: What should golfers know about 2026 season golf passes at Lake Panorama?
A: Season golf passes for 2026 are available for purchase at both Lake Panorama National and Panorama West. Anyone who held a 2025 golf pass at either course should have received 2026 renewal forms by mail.
Both Lake Panorama golf courses are open to the public with Lake Panorama Association property owners eligible for discounted golf pass rates. Passes include family, couple, single and junior options. For 2026, single golf pass rates remain unchanged, while couple and family pass rates increased five percent.
To encourage participation and introduce new golfers to Lake Panorama, several discounted golf pass categories are available. A Distance golf pass is offered at Lake Panorama National for singles, couples and families who do not own Lake Panorama property and live more than 18 miles from the golf course. A Junior Executive golf pass is available to individuals age 29 and under, with single, couple and family options; for couple and family passes, both the applicant and spouse must be age 29 or younger. A Special First-Time golf pass is available to golfers who have never purchased a golf pass at either Lake Panorama National or Panorama West.
All golf passes include unlimited golf with tee times bookable up to 30 days in advance, unlimited driving range privileges, and a 20% discount on apparel in the Lake Panorama National pro shop. LPN passholders also receive access to passholder-only events and leagues, discounted tournament entry fees, discounted guest fees, and pro shop signing privileges.
For full pricing and golf pass details, visit the Lake Panorama National Resort website at www.lakepanoramanational.com or call the LPN pro shop at (641) 755-2024.
Q: What payment options are available for 2026 season golf passes?
A: Golf passes for 2026 may be purchased in several ways. Completed forms, available online, along with payment may be mailed to P.O. Box 5, Panora, Iowa 50216, or dropped off at the LPN pro shop, which is now open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Golf passes also may be purchased online through the Lake Panorama National website. Online payments may be made using a credit card or a verified bank account.
In addition, a convenient six-month payment program is available for 2026 passes. Beginning Feb. 20, 2026, and continuing through July 20, 2026, passholders may spread their pass cost across six equal monthly installments. Enrollment in the payment program must be completed by February 13, 2026. Details and enrollment are available on the LPN website.
Q: Will The Captain’s Pick continue operating in 2026, and how did it impact the 2025 season?
A: The Captain’s Pick had a positive impact during the 2025 season, and appreciation is extended to everyone who supported this amenity throughout the year. Community patronage played an important role in the success of the operation.
Lake Panorama is pleased to announce that its relationship with The Captain’s Pick will continue for the 2026 season. After completing a full 12 months of operations, plans are in place to work toward a long-term lease agreement.
Community members are encouraged to continue supporting The Captain’s Pick during the off-season. Winter hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Keep an eye on The Captain’s Pick Facebook page for any changes to winter hours, weekly specials and upcoming events.
Those interested in scheduling an event in 2026 are encouraged to consider The Captain’s Pick. Questions and event inquiries may be directed to captains@lakepanorama.org, where staff can assist with scheduling and adding events to the 2026 calendar.
Q: What lodging options are available at Lake Panorama National Resort, and what are the typical price ranges?
A: Lake Panorama National Resort lodging is located along Karen Drive, just south of the LPN clubhouse. Lodging units are privately owned and managed by Lake Panorama National.
Current lodging options include five two-bedroom, two-bath townhomes, two studio units, and 27 guest house units. The number of townhomes and studios may vary as unit owners enter or exit the management program.
Peak season runs from April 1 through Sept. 30. During peak season, nightly rates begin at $129 for guesthouse units, $159 plus a cleaning fee for studio units, and $249 plus a cleaning fee for townhomes.
Overnight resort guests have complimentary access to the pool and fitness area located at the Lake Panorama National clubhouse.
These lodging options are well suited for out-of-town guests, family visits and reunions. Lodging also supports golf packages, golf outings and other clubhouse events, including weddings.
Lodging reservations may be made through the Lake Panorama National website or by contacting Guest Services at 641-755-2080.
Q: What other amenities are offered at Lake Panorama National?
A: In addition to golf, food and beverage, and lodging, Lake Panorama National offers two recreational amenities that are open to the public — a swimming pool and a fitness area.
The fitness area is available year-round and is located adjacent to the LPN pro shop. The space includes two treadmills, one elliptical machine, one stationary bike, and a weight machine. Access to the fitness area is available for a $5 daily fee.
The swimming pool is expected to open around Memorial Day weekend. Pool access is available with a $5 daily fee or through the purchase of a pool pass. Community members are encouraged to consider a pool pass, as these passes help support the continued availability of the pool.
Discounted pool passes are available to Lake Panorama Association property owners, with rates starting at $135 for a single, $160 for a couple, $185 for a family, and $235 for a grandparent pass. The grandparent pass is available to adults age 55 and older with grandchildren up to age 12.
Pool passes for 2026 may be purchased through the online store on the LPN website.
Q: What is the focus of the capital fundraising campaign, and what improvements are planned at Lake Panorama National?
A: The Lake Panorama National Resort capital fundraising campaign is beginning its third year. Conducted in partnership with Friends of Lake Panorama, the campaign is focused on enhancing the golf experience at Lake Panorama National.
Thanks to donor support, renovations to the forward tee boxes on holes 5, 6, 7 and 8 were completed in fall 2024. In fall 2025, the campaign shifted focus to improvements to the driving range tee box.
The driving range project included removal of a deteriorating railroad tie retaining wall, expansion of the tee box to the west, installation of a new block retaining wall, and the addition of a synthetic grass tee line. These improvements will help protect natural turf and provide a consistent teeing option during periods of heavy use. The project is nearing completion and is expected to be finished in early spring.
Planning for the 2026 capital project is underway, with details to be announced in the spring. Additional information is available on the LPN website.
Q: Are there any personnel changes planned for 2026?
A: Two longtime Panorama West team members will be transitioning into retirement in early 2026. Clubhouse manager Maureen Lubeck will retire after many years of leadership and service. Maureen became manager of Panorama West in 2013 and has played a key role in day-to-day operations and customer service at the course.
Dick Ellis also will be retiring. Dick began working at Panorama West in 1975 and later became manager of the Panorama West operation. After retiring from management in 2013, he continued working part-time, assisting with mowing, equipment maintenance and other tasks. His long history with the organization and institutional knowledge have been invaluable.
The dedication and service of both Maureen and Dick have had a lasting impact on Panorama West, and they will be greatly missed.
Lake Panorama National is currently seeking replacements for both positions with the goal of having staff in place prior to the 2026 season. Job postings are available on the LPN website, and interested individuals are encouraged to complete the online employment application.