When do you want golf to start?

baygo · 03-07-2010, 01:57 PM

This is my first Spring in the LR.

As I hit my first bucket of golf balls on my golf range in Laconia toady, I could not help but wonder when to open for the season. When do the golfers want to start loosening up around here?

SteveA · 03-07-2010, 05:21 PM

I like to see golf start yesterday!

Seriously, this warm weather has me itching for golf. I spend some of my "work time" calling on customers on Cape Cod. I'm thinking of bringing my clubs on my next trip in two weeks.

upthesaukee · 03-07-2010, 11:04 PM

Our course (Farmington) closed in Nov, and I (we) have been ready to play since then. Drove by the other day after the rain, and it looks like they faired quite well, no flooding.

I started working out in late January, trying to lose the spare tire(s) I have been carrying around, and even started to do some exercised to try to strengthen the golf swing, and increase flexibility. However, having just had another one of those birthdays, I'm not sure just how successful the flexibility training will be.

Bottom line, now is the time to start working on the muscles, do some practice swinging, and then go hit a bucket.

BTW Baygo, on your side of the lake, Lochmere in Tilton is great, Waukewan in Merideth is very good, and Pheasant Ridge in Gilford is nice. All are 18 hole courses and are usually maintained in good to great shape. Keep it in the short grass.

jmen24 · 03-08-2010, 09:12 AM

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!!!!

fatlazyless · 03-08-2010, 10:07 AM

Saw a guy, all dressed like Greg Norman 'the shark' w/ a black Greg Norman hat, driving golfballs on the Waukewan Golf Course hole up top of the hill, close by the road, yesterday afternoon.

Ryan · 03-08-2010, 12:46 PM

Yesterday was the first golf day for me on the South Shore of Mass.

Course was open with no temp greens and a few temp tees. Conditions were wet to wetter. Lots of balls lost, plugged in the fairways and rough alike. Greens were soft and borderline unreadable!!!

Can't wait until I can bring the sticks up!!!

jmen24 · 03-08-2010, 01:05 PM

Of course this figures, Loudon is opening this Wednesday and I am leaving Saturday for Florida, so the streak will be broken of playing opening weekend.

But I figured I would add the date as a for reference. Go play a round this weekend Baygo, then gauge your course against this one.

You really cannot open early enough for Northern New England golfers, the trick is to get them to come back next week, that is where course conditions matter.

Some will cry and whine that it is two cold, hogwash, get out and get it done.

baygo · 03-08-2010, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmen24

Go play a round this weekend Baygo, then gauge your course against this one.

My course is no where near ready to open

.

I am wondering about when to open the range.

fatlazyless · 03-09-2010, 04:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baygo

I am wondering about when to open the range.

Last time I hit a golf ball was at the beautifull, outdoor Funspot driving range which closed maybe ten years ago with the untimely death of Ron Gilkey. If you open your range, I'll probably be there!

Probably see one or two golf-starved locals crawl in....seeing some bling in the old cash register never hurts....maybe a nice brite 'range open' sign out by the road...

Island Life · 03-09-2010, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baygo

My course is no where near ready to open

.

I am wondering about when to open the range.

If it's warm enough to be outside, it's warm enough for the range to be open! The sooner the better.

baygo · 03-09-2010, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Island Life

If it's warm enough to be outside, it's warm enough for the range to be open! The sooner the better.

I can't say I disagree with this way of thinking

. There is a melting snow bank between the parking lot and the teeing area. I think we should let it finish melting first. I'm watching the weather forecasts very close.

jmen24 · 03-09-2010, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baygo

I can't say I disagree with this way of thinking

. There is a melting snow bank between the parking lot and the teeing area. I think we should let it finish melting first. I'm watching the weather forecasts very close.

Take a rake or shovel to the snow bank in the afternoon of one of these warm days and just toss the snow around it will be gone faster that way, probably by the weekend.

The good test for the range being ready would be to take a cart out on the range, if it sinks or encounters water or whatever, hold off. I am assuming that you have a cart mounted picker, if you cannot pick the balls up, then wait till you can.

Ryan · 03-10-2010, 04:49 PM

How is the snow cover in the area? How close are Pheasant Ridge or Lochmere to opening day?

beaner · 03-10-2010, 11:13 PM

Sagamore-Hampton has an outdoor, year-round driving range on Route 1-A.

They are also making an effort to open the front 9 for walking as conditions allow:

Sagamore ENews
Sagamore-Hampton Golf Club
101 North Road, North Hampton, New Hampshire
603-964-5341 / info@sagamoregolf.com

FRONT-9 to Open Thursday, March 11th, 2010
*Opening time thru March will be 8:00 am
*Reduced winter rates in effect until further notice
*Walking only until further notice
*Temporary green in play on the 5th hole

Super Important Note!
Due to the inclement weekend forecast, the 'open status' of the course is DAY TO DAY for the upcoming week. The sensitive ground conditions make it possible for us to be open one day and closed the next...
Call daily to confirm course status 603-964-5341

Ryan · 03-11-2010, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryan

How is the snow cover in the area? How close are Pheasant Ridge or Lochmere to opening day?

Just got this email that answers my question!

-------------------------------------

WE ARE OPENING!!!
PHEASANT RIDGE GOLF CLUB

Spring Back into Golf

FRIDAY, MARCH 12TH

We will have 9 holes (currently just walking) and the ALL grass tee driving range open!

upthesaukee · 03-11-2010, 02:14 PM

Here is my sure sign of spring and impending golf...

The practice net is up. Let the games begin

.

Seeker · 03-11-2010, 02:30 PM

Province Lake Golf's driving range is opening Saturday. The course itself still looks pretty wet.

Ryan · 03-18-2010, 02:34 PM

Has anybody been out to play yet? I'm curious how the recent storms have affected the early season conditions around lakes region courses?

I know here in Mass, I've played twice. Once course (pre storm) was already VERY wet. Shots in the fairway would plug and disappear.
I played again yesterday and this local muny held up VERY well through the rain.

I'm hoping if the conditions allow, to do a morning ski and afternoon golf!

jmen24 · 03-30-2010, 10:11 AM

Well, I played Loudon on Sunday and short of the amount of wind that did not seem to quit, it was great to get out. The course is in winter thaw state, meaning no mowing, but very little to no dead spots, I saw two roped sections of fairway that were wet that are not usually. No temp greens, greens were moderate to fast and required a well placed approach with some check in order to hold the surface. Rough was tight and played like fairway, not a ton of roll out on the fairway, but most holes were hitting into a stiff "breeze", so anything somewhat high fell like a stone.

All in all the season is underway at a fantastic early start. After this rain and some sun the courses in the area that are free of snow are going to look great. As long as the course took the time to remove the ice off the greens during the winter to prevent root kill, we should see a nice extended season.

Bring you own supplies, do not expect to get tees or balls at the course unless they have some left overs, most courses (in this area) do not order thinking a start date prior to mid April.

03-07-2010, 01:57 PM	#1
baygo Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 695 Thanks: 187 Thanked 531 Times in 227 Posts	When do you want golf to start? This is my first Spring in the LR. As I hit my first bucket of golf balls on my golf range in Laconia toady, I could not help but wonder when to open for the season. When do the golfers want to start loosening up around here?

03-07-2010, 05:21 PM	#2
SteveA Deceased Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Gilford, NH Posts: 2,311 Thanks: 1,070 Thanked 2,053 Times in 496 Posts	Golf to start... I like to see golf start yesterday! Seriously, this warm weather has me itching for golf. I spend some of my "work time" calling on customers on Cape Cod. I'm thinking of bringing my clubs on my next trip in two weeks. __________________ "Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in his shoes. That way, if he gets angry he'll be a mile away and barefoot!" unknown

03-07-2010, 11:04 PM	#3
upthesaukee Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Alton Bay Posts: 5,547 Blog Entries: 2 Thanks: 2,396 Thanked 1,918 Times in 1,061 Posts	Past time for start up Our course (Farmington) closed in Nov, and I (we) have been ready to play since then. Drove by the other day after the rain, and it looks like they faired quite well, no flooding. I started working out in late January, trying to lose the spare tire(s) I have been carrying around, and even started to do some exercised to try to strengthen the golf swing, and increase flexibility. However, having just had another one of those birthdays, I'm not sure just how successful the flexibility training will be. Bottom line, now is the time to start working on the muscles, do some practice swinging, and then go hit a bucket. BTW Baygo, on your side of the lake, Lochmere in Tilton is great, Waukewan in Merideth is very good, and Pheasant Ridge in Gilford is nice. All are 18 hole courses and are usually maintained in good to great shape. Keep it in the short grass. __________________ I Live Here... I am always UPTHESAUKEE !!!!

03-08-2010, 10:07 AM	#5
fatlazyless Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 8,525 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 295 Thanked 957 Times in 698 Posts	Saw a guy, all dressed like Greg Norman 'the shark' w/ a black Greg Norman hat, driving golfballs on the Waukewan Golf Course hole up top of the hill, close by the road, yesterday afternoon. __________________ ... down and out, liv'n that Walmart side of the lake!

03-08-2010, 12:46 PM	#6
Ryan Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Mass/Gilford Posts: 247 Thanks: 216 Thanked 70 Times in 33 Posts	Yesterday was the first golf day for me on the South Shore of Mass. Course was open with no temp greens and a few temp tees. Conditions were wet to wetter. Lots of balls lost, plugged in the fairways and rough alike. Greens were soft and borderline unreadable!!! Can't wait until I can bring the sticks up!!! __________________ Please do not feel the trolls.

03-08-2010, 09:12 AM	#4
jmen24 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 1,139 Thanks: 223 Thanked 319 Times in 181 Posts	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!!!!

03-08-2010, 01:05 PM	#7
jmen24 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 1,139 Thanks: 223 Thanked 319 Times in 181 Posts	Of course this figures, Loudon is opening this Wednesday and I am leaving Saturday for Florida, so the streak will be broken of playing opening weekend. But I figured I would add the date as a for reference. Go play a round this weekend Baygo, then gauge your course against this one. You really cannot open early enough for Northern New England golfers, the trick is to get them to come back next week, that is where course conditions matter. Some will cry and whine that it is two cold, hogwash, get out and get it done.

03-10-2010, 04:49 PM	#13
Ryan Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Mass/Gilford Posts: 247 Thanks: 216 Thanked 70 Times in 33 Posts	How is the snow cover in the area? How close are Pheasant Ridge or Lochmere to opening day? __________________ Please do not feel the trolls.

03-10-2010, 11:13 PM	#14
beaner Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Wolfeboro Posts: 178 Thanks: 17 Thanked 37 Times in 23 Posts	Sagamore-Hampton has an outdoor, year-round driving range on Route 1-A. They are also making an effort to open the front 9 for walking as conditions allow: Sagamore ENews Sagamore-Hampton Golf Club 101 North Road, North Hampton, New Hampshire 603-964-5341 / info@sagamoregolf.com FRONT-9 to Open Thursday, March 11th, 2010 Opening time thru March will be 8:00 am Reduced winter rates in effect until further notice Walking only until further notice Temporary green in play on the 5th hole Super Important Note! Due to the inclement weekend forecast, the 'open status' of the course is DAY TO DAY for the upcoming week. The sensitive ground conditions make it possible for us to be open one day and closed the next... Call daily to confirm course status 603-964-5341

03-11-2010, 02:14 PM	#16
upthesaukee Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Alton Bay Posts: 5,547 Blog Entries: 2 Thanks: 2,396 Thanked 1,918 Times in 1,061 Posts	A sure sign of spring Here is my sure sign of spring and impending golf... The practice net is up. Let the games begin . __________________ I Live Here... I am always UPTHESAUKEE !!!!

03-11-2010, 02:30 PM	#17
Seeker Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Effingham Posts: 408 Thanks: 37 Thanked 19 Times in 15 Posts	Province Lake Golf's driving range is opening Saturday. The course itself still looks pretty wet.

03-18-2010, 02:34 PM	#18
Ryan Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Mass/Gilford Posts: 247 Thanks: 216 Thanked 70 Times in 33 Posts	Has anybody been out to play yet? I'm curious how the recent storms have affected the early season conditions around lakes region courses? I know here in Mass, I've played twice. Once course (pre storm) was already VERY wet. Shots in the fairway would plug and disappear. I played again yesterday and this local muny held up VERY well through the rain. I'm hoping if the conditions allow, to do a morning ski and afternoon golf! __________________ Please do not feel the trolls.

03-30-2010, 10:11 AM	#19
jmen24 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 1,139 Thanks: 223 Thanked 319 Times in 181 Posts	Well, I played Loudon on Sunday and short of the amount of wind that did not seem to quit, it was great to get out. The course is in winter thaw state, meaning no mowing, but very little to no dead spots, I saw two roped sections of fairway that were wet that are not usually. No temp greens, greens were moderate to fast and required a well placed approach with some check in order to hold the surface. Rough was tight and played like fairway, not a ton of roll out on the fairway, but most holes were hitting into a stiff "breeze", so anything somewhat high fell like a stone. All in all the season is underway at a fantastic early start. After this rain and some sun the courses in the area that are free of snow are going to look great. As long as the course took the time to remove the ice off the greens during the winter to prevent root kill, we should see a nice extended season. Bring you own supplies, do not expect to get tees or balls at the course unless they have some left overs, most courses (in this area) do not order thinking a start date prior to mid April.

The Following User Says Thank You to jmen24 For This Useful Post:
Ryan (03-30-2010)

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