Some Regina golf courses will delay opening until May

In past years Regina golfers might already be out hitting the links in early April but that’s not going to be the case this year.

The recent snow and cold weather is forcing people to leave their clubs in storage for a few extra weeks.

While the Royal Regina Golf Club has indicated they are aiming to be open on April 21, that’s not the case for other courses in the city.

“The robins and crows may be here but the snow is still here and that’s really pushed our season at the golf courses at least two or three weeks later than usual,” said Ray Morgan, director of parks and open space with the City of Regina.

He said the courses such as Tor Hill and Murray will need to have at least two weeks with hot temperatures and sunshine before they could consider opening.

“We could be into early May, I think that’s where we could be,” Morgan commented.

The weather hasn’t been all bad for golf courses. Many were quite dry last year which put stress on the turf.

While there was some rain in January that also came with ice, so the late snowfall has proven to be better to improve moisture levels.

So far the melt this spring has been very slow, which is preferred because the Tor Hill and Murray golf courses have several hills and valleys and a fast melt causes the water to run off.

Morgan said the extra moisture should allow the courses to be in good shape for the start of the season.