Mild temperatures and recent high winds have contributed to several area golf courses opening sooner than expected.
A check of area courses last week gave no indication that courses would be ready this week. But winds played a major role in drying up the saturated areas.
Island Pine Golf Course in Atwater, Benson Country Club, Oakdale Country Club in Buffalo Lake, Koronis Hills Golf Club in Paynesville and Olivia Golf Club all opened Tuesday.
Opening today is Eagle Creek Golf Club and Valley Golf Course in Willmar and Little Crow Country Club in Spicer.
"I was just out there and the greens look like mint," said Eagle Creek general manager and professional Joel Jacobson late Tuesday afternoon. "I can't believe the greens are in that great of shape. The rain over the weekend really firmed everything up.
ADVERTISEMENT
Eagle Creek, an 18-hole semi-private course, opens at noon today and will be open from 7:30 a.m. until dusk before Memorial Day.
"Wednesday's aren't usually a big day for us," said Jacobson, "but if people look at the forecast for the upcoming days, they might want to play today."
Rain and cooler temperatures are forecast for Thursday and Friday.
Eagle Creek is also offering a 2-for-1 greens special through the end of May. The special is only valid before 11 a.m.
Several other courses in the area are projected to open this weekend, barring inclement weather.
See list of openers on Page B-3.
- Scott Thoma and Jesse Fuchs
