While an opening date isn’t quite set in stone yet, golfers won’t have to wait long to stroll the fairways at Cooke Municipal Golf Course.
In an interview with the Daily Herald, Cooke executive professional Darcy Myers says opening day isn’t that far away.
“We’re getting closer. The driving range we are going to open on Saturday and the golf course will have a better understanding when we’ll open early next week. We are getting close. Staff is out there getting things cleaned up and prepared. We need Mother Nature on our side and the forecast is looking good next week. Things are moving along really nicely actually for some April golf.”
In order for the course to open, overnight temperatures will need to stay above zero to help get some frost out of the ground.
According to Environment Canada, Prince Albert is expected to see overnight temperatures between -5 and 4 degrees celsius over the next week.
“We need overnight temperatures above zero, no doubt about it.” Myers explains. “Double digits is kind of what we’re targeting for opening so that’s looking like it’s possible next week. We’ll just kind of wait for the next few days and evaluate where things are at and take it from there.”
One new change to the course this year will be an addition on staff. After spending the last several years at Elk Ridge, Ryan Wells will return to Cooke Municipal as head professional.
Myers says Wells will be a familiar face for longtime players at Cooke and will be beneficial to have around.
“Ryan brings a wealth of knowledge in the golf industry, whether it’s teaching, merchandising, tournaments, he’s got a lot of experience in all those areas. He’s familiar with this golf course, he was here as an assistant professional for eight seasons, so he knows a lot of the members and our annual Northern events. He’s really going to be a key role moving into this season.”
Anticipation for golf season to return to Northern Saskatchewan hit a peak over the last week. At the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgie, Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy became the sixth golfer all-time to complete the career grand slam winning the green jacket for the first time in his career.
Myers says Cooke always sees a renewed interest in the sport after the Masters.
“Masters weekend is always a highlight in the spring and people are getting anxious now that the weather’s turned in our favor. A lot of people drop in and purchase supplies for the season or get their memberships. There’s a lot of excitement for this season. The golf course wintered really well by the looks of things and we’re planning for a really good season here.”
