THUNDER BAY - Golfers in Thunder Bay are enjoying an extended season this year, as warm fall weather provides a few last rounds on the course.
With temperatures still reaching into the high to mid-teens this month, golfers continue to take advantage of the warm weather at local golf courses.
“It’s awesome golfing in the fall,” said Ed Collins. “The weather is not too warm and the course is amazing shape here at Strathcona so it’s definitely a pleasure to be able to be out in the fall.”
Collins said he has been out golfing between 20 and 30 times this year, and while out at Strathcona on Sunday, he noticed just how many people are enjoying the warm weather and clear skies.
“It’s busier right now than it has been in the last month,” he said. “I think everyone is trying to take advantage of getting out and enjoying some last rounds of the year.”
Barry Slater, who has been out more than 130 times this year, said the courses are just as good now as they are in the summer.
“I think the courses are immaculate,” he said. “The greens are nice. Fall time is probably one of the best times to golf. I enjoy it very much. The changing of the leaves, the wildlife, and the golf is great. I can’t complain.”
Rob Robertson agrees, adding that the greens appear to be a lot fuller and run a lot truer at this time of year.
“I enjoy golfing anytime, but the fall time is kind of really nice,” he said. “The course is in really nice condition and the guys here have kept it in really nice condition.”
However, Robertson admitted that the season offers up its own unique set of challenges to any golfer, with a few more hazards being added to the course.
“There’s a lot of leaves in play at this time of year,” he said. “But the grounds crew does a good job with their blower and keeping it fairly clean with leaves. So basically you have to keep the ball on the fairway and that is a challenge at times.”
For Robertson and Collins, there is still time left to get the clubs out and enjoy a day on the course, just as long as the weather continues to cooperate.
“We’ve been out here in December,” Collins said. “If you are able to hit the ball without breaking a wrist, we will be out here for sure.”
“I play from when the course first opens and I play straight through to the end,” Robertson said. “This year it’s going to be the 30th of October when it closes and I will be here on the 30th of October. That’s a guarantee.”
