It hardly seems like the time of year to be talking about how much money golf courses are taking in, but this winter’s warm weather fueled a bit of overtime for area golf courses.
Open on a weather-contingent basis, area courses were breaking previous marks for the off-season prior to the return of the cold weather.
Indian Springs Metropark in White Lake Township is open for winter golfing, weather permitting, and drew 286 rounds of golf in December. The number is down significantly from the more than 5,000 rounds the course sees in July, its peak month, but it is welcomed.
‘When you look at it, it’s not the same dollar amount, but every little bit helps in this competitive climate because of the way the market has been,? said Jerry Cyr, assistant Park Superintendent for Huron Meadows, Hudson Mills and Indian Springs metroparks, all part of the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority.
‘There’s a core group of golfers who want to play all year. We’re seeing this group that doesn’t want to put their clubs away,? Cyr said.
The customer flow has been good at the course, Cyr said, but the rounds have not been affected by snow as much as it has been by rain.
‘Sometimes even with nice weather, there may have been an inch or two of rain a day earlier- it’s a combination of the two factors.?
The metroparks introduced the winter rounds about three years ago.
The nature of the course is a little different than in the typical golf seasons at local courses because players must walk their round, rather than having the aid of a golf cart.
Consequently, with the desirability of winter golf being less than that of peak summer sessions, the cost has gone down.
Cyr said Indian Springs? rates have gone down to $11 for 9-18 holes and $9 for seniors compared to $22-$26 during the summer.
Also, with grass not growing, Cyr said the upkeep is difficult because divots in the fairways and tee boxes cannot be repaired.
Oakhurst Golf and Country Club was allowing play on the back nine holes earlier in the month. The club saw 100 rounds in December, Head Golf Professional George Bowman said, compared to 300 rounds in November.
Director of Golf at Liberty Golf Course Eric Hiner said this is the first year the course has been available to the public in the winter.
‘This is the first winter we’ve ever thought about being open, but it’s so mild, we would be foolish not to,? Hiner said.
‘It’s pretty surprising how many people are interested in playing this time of year,? he said.
‘Any rounds we do are a bonus,? he added.
‘This time of year, you’re talking about people who really love golf,? Hiner said.