They’re opening! Golf courses ready for first week of rounds
April 1, 2019
This paid piece is sponsored by GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness.
It’s finally time: As long as conditions cooperate, most GreatLIFE golf courses will open this week.
“Our golf team is working hard to get the courses open,” GreatLIFE director of golf Jason Sudenga said. “Trust me when I say this, we want to get the courses open just as bad as you.”
Here’s the latest on the planned openings:
Willow Run Golf Course
The driving range already is open, and the expected opening day for walkers is Tuesday.
“Overall, the golf course came through the winter very well. There was some flooding on holes 2, 3, 4 and 5 during the rain a few weeks back that has kept the front nine closed. The team has been working some long days to get all the mud and debris cleaned up,” Sudenga said.
“On the back nine, we are putting in a new pump station next to the pond by 12 tee box. They are currently installing a new pump and then will finish the cleanup to get golfers and carts down the path. I must say last week I did not think we would get open until the middle of April. We also have a new net up around the back on sides off the driving range. This will be a great addition and will allow us to hit off the grass when the weather allows.”
Bakker Crossing Golf Course
Friday is the expected opening date for walkers, but the driving range opening date hasn’t been set.
“Bakker also wintered well,” Sudenga said, adding that as of late last week there was still some flooding on the course and it was very soft.
“The snow cover will help with the fescue we planted late last summer and fall. All of the moisture in the ground will be great to start the growing season this spring.”
Central Valley Golf Course
Wednesday is the expected opening date for walkers.
“The golf course is very soft, and the crew has yet to get out on the course with all of the snow cover that they had this winter,” Sudenga said. “The course came through very well with little to no winter kill and snow mold.”
Rocky Run Golf Course
Wednesday is the expected opening day for walkers on the front nine.
“Rocky Run had some major flooding with the rain a few weeks back. The water has subsided, and things are looking better every day,” Sudenga said. “The course came through pretty good with minimal damage.”
Worthington Golf & Fitness Club
After a week of solid progress, the course is expected to open Wednesday for walkers.
“Tees and greens looked to have wintered very well. Fairways have a considerable amount of snow mold, but the damage isn’t too severe as of now,” Sudenga said. “ It is extremely soft, and there is still standing water in the low areas. Besides a huge amount of tree debris cleanup, it looks good!”
Fox Run Golf Course
The course is open for walking following major flooding on holes 3 and 7.
“The crew has done a great job of cleaning up and should have all 18 holes open for play this week,” Sundenga said. “ Other than the flooded areas, the course is looking very good. Carts should be ready to go on the back nine.”
Want to make sure you’re in shape for golf season? Here are some easy and effective exercises to get you there.