Well, for the last five years in a row Loudon CC has been the first course fully open (carts, everything, no temp greens) in the Concord and Lakes Region and I have played the opening weekend every year since starting playing, it is usually the first or second weekend in April. Granted that course was built over an old gravel deposit and drains really well, some wet spots but the overall course of play is not interupted.
Many of the other courses around me do not open until late April or into May, that is way to late. I play on a full swing simulator all winter to keep the rust off and a trip to Florida next week will get me outside.
Basically, I will play golf in 40 degree temps with a wind, but I would like to stay as dry as possible. If the course is holding water, then hold off till it can be walked (for the most part). Temp greens are fine as long as you have the location for them, sand traps should not be ponds, but a couple here and there are OK, clearly mark these areas as winter grounds as well as any really soupy spots in the fairway, rough the're on their own. I would refrain from doing what some courses do and keep the roped off areas to a minimum, as you know, some folks have serious target fixation regarding hazards and for the life of them cannot hit past a hazard, always directly into it.
Baygo, send me a PM, I will come out and play it with you and tell you if it is ready!!!!
