Driving ranges open as golf season nears in Regina

Some golfers in Regina hit the driving range on Wednesday as the first rounds of the year are nearing.

With three of four courses operated by the City of Regina set to open on Saturday, driving ranges were open Wednesday for the first time.

“When you’ve been watching videos for the last six months, it’s nice to think maybe I could try this. It’s great to be out here – the wind isn’t that bad as long as you have the trees behind you,” said Robert Cotterill, who was at the range at the Murray Golf Course.

“Why would you stay home?”

Brian McCartney also wanted to get out onto the range before he planned on playing his first round of the year this weekend.

“(I) just got a new driver and wanted to test it out,” McCartney said. “I have the wind at my back so it should be good.”

The driving range saw a number of people brave the high winds to get their first swings in.

“There were about six or seven guys when I got here,” Cotterill said. “I think people are a little bothered about the wind but hey, it’s Regina.”

“If you don’t play in the wind, you don’t play golf in Saskatchewan,” McCartney added.

The first swings, and a major golf tournament, are also the signs spring has finally sprung in the province.

“I always say Masters weekend tells me golf is here. When I see the azaleas at the Augusta National, I know I have to get outside,” Cotterill said.