The Smithers Golf and Country Club is officially open for the 2014 season.
Though the condition of the course isn’t quite up to par, groundskeepers have opened up 15 temporary greens until the full course and greens are in good enough condition to be played on.
“We are just waiting on things to warm up a bit,” head professional Chris Herkel said.
“We need to get a bit of growth on the greens, so instead of letting people on right away, we’ll let them be for a bit. It’s been a cold spring and that doesn’t help grow the grass.”
Still, relative to last year, the course is in good shape.
“I think the course is probably drier than last year, maybe because we had less snow. Hopefully we won’t have any other major storms.”
So far, registration for 2014 is off to a strong start.
The club has brought back their rate discounts for younger players.
Golfers aged 19 to 24 can purchase a season’s pass for $410 and 25 to 29 year olds can buy one for $510.
“That really worked out well last year,” Herkel said.
“It helps get them back out there and some of these kids don’t have a $1,000 to pay, when they’ve just finished school, so if we can get them in the door that’s great for us and them.”
The first big tournament of the year is less than a month away. The annual Texas Scramble will feature players from around the northwest. Last year, 42 teams entered.
“We usually get around 40 teams. It’s a great way to get things going, and the guys really like it.”
The club will also host its usual summer tournaments, including the Senior Mens and the Mr. and Mrs. in July, the ladies tournament in August and the Northern Open over Labour Day weekend.
Grant Maskiewich, who currently plays college golf for Camosun, is the defending Northern Open champion.
Men’s night began last Thursday for a few dozen golfers who couldn’t wait to get back onto the course.
“It was an unofficial men’s night, because the weather wasn’t too pleasant.”
Once the weather gets better, Herkel expects about 100 to 120 men’s night golfers to turn up every week. Each night features a different sponsor and prizes for the winners.
As well, ladies night begins on May 6. Herkel expects the usual turnout of 60-70 golfers.
“They always have a lot of fun, and anyone can come out and join.”
And the junior program begins on May 7. Junior members who have signed up for the season can play on Wednesday afternoons and get a free lesson from Herkel.
“These younger golfers are some of the best in the north,” Herkel said.
“We have a lot of up and coming players that are going to be doing some exciting things.
“We can’t push them too fast, but if they compete regularly they’ll continue to improve.”
Many of the junior members are also involved with the SSS and BVCS high school golf teams.
