Golf season is getting into full swing in Saskatoon, with the driving ranges at Holiday Park and Silverwood Golf Courses opening Wednesday morning.
The ranges, located at 1630 Avenue U South (Holiday Park) and 3503 Kinnear Avenue (Silverwood), will be open daily from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m., with baskets of balls available until 6:30 p.m.
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“Mother Nature has finally turned the spring page, and golf courses are starting to come along,” said Brad Babyak, recreation services manager with the City of Saskatoon.
“We’re fortunate enough with the nice weather that we can get our driving ranges open.”
Babyak acknowledged that while last year’s ranges opened about five days earlier to coincide with the Masters, a recent snowstorm delayed this year’s start.
However, with spring conditions now holding steady, he’s hopeful the opening of the full golf courses won’t be far behind.
“Staff have started prepping the golf course and the process of getting the greens ready to open to the public,” Babyak explained.
“We remove the ice shields, which are being removed throughout this week, (and) we’ll start removing the flax straw that was put on the greens. And then, depending on how the temperatures look like, we hope to start removing our green tarps next week.”
The city reminded residents that tee time bookings typically open seven days before the courses open, but they’re holding off for now until course conditions are confirmed.
“If Mother Nature co-operates and nighttime temperatures don’t fall too much below zero, we could get the golf courses up in roughly about two weeks,” said Babyak.
An announcement will be made once bookings are available.
Until then, Babyak said, the focus is on getting people back into the rhythm of the game.
“Enjoy the early spring, take advantage of our driving ranges at Holiday Park and Silverwood, and we’re looking forward to the golf courses opening up for the year,” he said.
The city noted that hours are weather-dependent, and encouraged golfers to check in with each course or visit the city’s website for updates.