Murray Wood: Finding Sask. in the land of the Bluenosers
Murray Wood says a road trip through the Maritimes turned up numerous other travellers from his home province. All it to...
With summer winding down, golfers in Regina are squeezing in a few more swings before the season changes.
Sunshine brought players back to Joanne Goulet Golf Course after a rainy stretch kept some golfers away from the links.
Read more:
- Saskatchewan farmer sees best crop since 2016 despite rain
- Regina cyclist seriously injured in Saturday night collision
- Regina man calls for legislation changes as he battles condo board
For Ian Scarth, it was a chance to enjoy one of his final rounds of the year.
“It was a good day,” Scarth said. “It wasn’t my best round, but it was a great day to get golfing.”
Scarth shot an 87 and said conditions were still showing the effects of the recent wet weather.
“There’s not much wind, but there’s lots of water,” he said.
While some golfers will keep playing as long as the weather allows, Scarth already knows when he will put the clubs away.
“I got one more. That’s about it,” he said. “Then I’m golfed up.”
Brett Matchett, second from left, and friends get ready for a round at Joanne Goulet Golf Course in Regina during the final days of summer. (Jacob Bamhour/980 CJME)
Brett Matchett was also making the most of the final days of summer, getting another round in with friends after the weather made that difficult the previous couple of weeks.
“We had some good weather finally,” Matchett said. “Considering the last two weeks was all rain, it was nice to get out with the guys again.”
Matchett estimated he has only managed about 10 to 12 rounds this year, with work and family commitments also limiting his time on the course.
“Not enough,” he said when asked how much golf he had played. “It was a tough, tough year for the boys.”
Despite the recent rain and the calendar getting closer to fall, Matchett said the course remained in good shape.
“It’s in good condition for fall here, and not too many leaves have fallen yet,” he said. “The course looked good, and yeah, it was just nice to be out again.”
His score wasn’t too bad either. Matchett said he shot a 69.
“It was enjoyable. Had some laughs,” he said.
The return of sunshine was also noticeable from inside the clubhouse.
Brian Dueck, head professional at Joanne Goulet Golf Course, said the parking lot was filling up as golfers took advantage of better conditions.
“When the sun comes out, people come out and play golf,” Dueck said.
According to Dueck, the weather has made for what felt like a shorter season, particularly after conditions this spring.
Even with more golfers coming through the doors when the sun is shining, Dueck said people looking for one of those late-season rounds should still be able to find a tee time.
“We never get to capacity. There’s always tee times open here and there,” he said. “It’s your typical fall. If it’s nice outside, there are going to be people out playing.”
And while summer is nearly over, the golf season doesn’t necessarily end right away.
Dueck said he had not yet received a final closing date from the city, but the course typically remains open into October.
For golfers like Scarth, the countdown is already down to one more round before the clubs are put away for the year.
Read more:
