It’s a sign of spring — and it’s here earlier than usual.
Winnipeg golfers hit the links Friday, with the three city-owned courses opening up for the season 15 days earlier than last year due to the mild weather.
People can now book tee times for the Crescent Drive, Kildonan Park and Windsor Park courses.
“Kildonan and Windsor today, Saturday and Sunday they were booked solid,” said Dave Comasky, the city’s golf operations co-ordinator.
“Sun’s shining and people have smiles on their faces and they’re anxious to play golf. So … it’s great.”
Morning frost delayed first tee times by a couple of hours, leading to some lineups at Windsor Park. But golfers at the course Friday told CBC News that didn’t dampen their spirits.
“It feels good to be out here again,” said Ken Ferland, who’s been golfing for 15 years. “A little frost this morning, but it’s turning out to be nice.”
Ken Seier said he’s been practising for his first tee shot of the spring for a while.
“I’ve been working on my swing (at) the Golf Dome … so this is my first game out. So we’ll see how it goes,” he said.
Pat Jacoby, who’s golfed 40 years, said the mild weather is making a difference on his game.
“There is a very little wind today and the sun is shining,” he said. “You look around and you see a number of people that are lined up.… It’s an hour-and-a-half wait, but it’s worth the wait.”
Joanne Stimpson said she’s “been itching” for the courses to open all winter.
“I golf two different golf leagues, one of them here,” she said. “I can’t wait to start getting out and golfing every day.”
The city will be offering spring rates on green fees until Friday, April 26.
“A lot of golf is the goal, right?” Comasky said. “We want people to come out and have great experience at our courses. So hopefully that’s the case this year.”