Golfers enjoying spring conditions as season gets into full swing

While it may have seemed like winter would never end in Saskatchewan, spring has arrived in a big way.

Golfers were heading outdoors on Friday morning as the City of Saskatoon’s courses opened for the season. Holiday Park, Silverwood and Wildwood all opened on Friday.

It was the first swing of the season for many, but others spent the winter brushing up.

“(I) got a few indoor swings there at the (simulator), but it’s nothing like being outside here, so I’m excited,” Blake Tatchell said before his first round of the year.

McKenzie Hamilton was at Holiday Park for his first round. He said he participated in a simulator league over the winter, but said it doesn’t beat getting onto the real course.

“There’s nothing better than getting outside. (This is my) first round of the year. Hitting it outside just makes you happy,” Hamilton said.

“You get to enjoy the weather a bit more and it’s more relaxing. You’re not in a rush to hit your next shot and you can just enjoy it.”

Aside from the public courses, several other golf courses in Saskatoon have also opened for the season.

With daytime highs expected to be above 20 C next week, Connor Eremko said he just hopes the weather stays like that all summer.

“It feels good. It’s been long enough now. It’s time that the weather turns around and we get some sunshine and some nice days,” Eremko said.

In Regina, some driving ranges are set to open on Saturday with city courses opening in May.