Golf season up and running

The itch was getting to be too much to bear for some—and it had to be scratched.
Others were feeling it in varying degrees, as well, especially after the dramatic Masters tournament in which Tiger Woods edged a resilient Chris DiMarco.
Well, local golfers were able to scratch that itch as Kitchen Creek kicked off its season last Thursday afternoon.
What’s that? A golf course in Northwestern Ontario opening its tee boxes on April 14? Is this one of the first signs of the apocalypse, or just a favourable sign from the golf gods above?
“Since I’ve been here, this is the earliest we’ve ever opened, for sure,” said general manager and club pro Steve Wood, now in his sixth year at Kitchen Creek.
“Maybe around 25 years ago they might’ve opened a week earlier, but that’s going from some of the older guys,” he added.
So how did the winter treat the 6,424-yard course?
“The greens are as good as they’ve ever been in the spring. There is no real winter kill,” noted Wood. “A couple of tee boxes have some snow moulds, but other than that, this golf course is in as good as shape as I’ve ever seen at spring time.
“We’ve been getting a lot of calls [to see if we’re open],” he added.
About 20 golfers were on hand last Thursday afternoon to go around the front nine (the back nine didn’t open until the weekend), with Ed Bogacki having the distinction of being the first golfer to put a ball in play this season (a good left-to-right drive that landed in the fairway).
Wood is expecting plenty more golfers to be arriving given the club is diving into an aggressive campaign to attract new golfers.
During April, for instance, golfers can try out the front nine for a mere $10. Then in May, they can play all 18 holes for $35, which includes a cart rental.
“We’re hoping to draw as many people in as possible, and make it a fun and enjoyable place with a nice social atmosphere,” said Wood.
“The best reason for people to come here is that it is a little more player friendly, meaning that it’s a little more wide open,” he added. “You’re not going to come here and lose 10 or 15 golf balls, you’re going to come out here and probably play the whole course with just one.
“The course is not super long, but long enough to be challenging, and the condition of the golf course is very good for what you’re paying for,” Wood remarked.
With the special rates that could continue for future months depending on demand, Wood is trying to break an old stereotype that has been inhibiting the growth of this sport in Canada.
“Part of the stigma out there is that golf is a bit of an elitist sport [but] I disagree,” he argued. “In Canada, especially the Prairie area, it really is the most economical sport.
“For what it costs per game in this area is phenomenal, especially for the golf courses that you’re getting to play for that dollar value,” said Wood.
Meanwhile, Heron Landing Golf Course at Couchiching opened its driving range on Saturday afternoon and “is getting close to opening,” general manager Brian Johnstone said.
“A few last preparations” are being made on the 7,074-yard course, which also is offering a couple of specials to attract golfers.
Every Tuesday of the season, for instance, Heron Landing will offer a men’s night special for $25 for a round of golf. And a twilight rate will be given to golfers after 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday for $30, which includes a cart.
“The greens wintered really well, and it’s really nice that we got such an early start,” said Johnstone.
Heron Landing is well ahead of schedule compared to last year, which saw the front nine open on May 17 and the back nine not until June 16.