IN BRIEF / THE REGION / FOOTHILL RANCH

Deputies call off search for missing hiker, 56

From Times Staff Reports

December 12, 2006

The search for a 56-year-old man missing for nearly a week has been called off, authorities said Monday.

David Boone, a father of four and a golf club designer whose clients include pros Ernie Els and Fred Couples, is believed to have gone hiking in the foothills near his home, an area known for freezing nightly temperatures and a mountain lion population, said Orange County sheriff's spokesman Jim Amormino.

Bloodhounds and a search team have canvassed the area to no avail.

"The more time that goes on, the chances of him being found safe and sound diminishes," Amormino said. "I hope he is OK, but if he is up in the canyon, it would be hard for somebody to survive."