Golfers themselves may not handle winter without golf very well, but the Paddle River Golf Course (PRGC) made it through just fine.
Tracey Pess, manager and greens keeper at PRGC, said most golfers long for the smell of fresh cut grass, and the look of the course first thing in the morning.
“Everybody is tired of being cooped up all winter, they get the itch,” he said. “People who golf want to get out there early.”
Pess added some golfers travel during the colder months but others like himself, stay put.
“The common person that has to work for a living and can’t get away is very anxious to get out here,” he said.
The early birds were out this year and memberships were already sold before the snow had a chance to melt.
“We got quite a few of them.” Pess said.
As for the course itself, the winter had little impact.
“The course wintered well, I thought last year was the best I have ever seen it, but this year was even a little bit better,” Pess said.
The course is currently dry, and in need of rain, but that hasn’t stopped the golfers from doing what they do best.
PRGC opened on April 13, which is considered early when compared to past years.
“We opened probably a week earlier than we normally do,” Pess said, adding it was the warmer, drier, earlier spring that helped contribute to the early start to the season.
“The warm spring time, the lack of snow, that pretty much dried the course up a little quicker than other years,” he said.
Since opening, the course has remained busy.
“We have been busy ever since,” Pess said. “It’s been a great spring so far.”
What surprised Pess was the number of youth trying out the sport.
“When you come out here after school, the amount of kids that are out here, we probably have at least 20 of them every night,” he said. “That’s what we’re here for is the kids, the seniors, and the beginners.”
Pess said seeing kids enjoy the sport is great.
“It’s great to see them out there, you have to start somewhere and this is the course to start,” he said, adding they offer after school classes to interested youth.
“I have junior lessons starting on May 21, usually after school,” Pess said. It costs $2 per student.
“We just hit a bunch of balls and give them some lessons,” he added.
On July 8, the course will be hosting their young and old tournament.
“You have to be 55 and older, or 16 and under,” Pess said. “It’s always been the biggest tournament we have ever had.”
Pess emphasized on signing up early for tournaments.
“To get people signed up earlier, so you know there is going to be the interest in the tournament,” he said, adding it helps for ordering meals, and preparation for the event.
“If you are interested, just call down to the proshop and leave your name,” Pess added.
Every other night of the week, the course offers something different. Mondays are Ladies’ Nights, Wednesdays are Men’s Nights, Thursdays are Senior’s League and Junior Lessons, and Fridays are Couples’ Night.
Mariet Kosterbok, proshop manager, explained the specials they have for Mother’s and Father’s Day.
“On Mother’s Day, mothers play for $1 a hole, and Father’s day, the dads play $1 a hole,” she said.
Pess added they can play nine or 18 holes.
The course also hosts functions for families or businesses. For more information call PRGC at 674-5059.
