Kent Redding (middle left) and company enjoy a day on the links at North Battleford Golf and Country Club on Monday. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

On the green

Golf courses see strong turnout to open season

May 3, 2022 | 3:06 PM

Few sights mark the official start of spring like a crisp drive down the fairway, a sight that was prevalent over the weekend as local area golf courses opened their doors for the start of the spring season.

North Battleford Golf and Country Club and Jackfish Lodge Golf Course both opened to busy turnouts that have flowed almost seamlessly into the workweek.

Golfer, Kent Redding, from the Meota area was among those taking in the sunshine Monday at North Battleford Golf and Country for a couple of early rounds with some coworkers on a day off.

He said it felt good to get back out on the course following a long winter.

“We’re excited the golf courses are back open,” Redding said. “We went and played at Jackfish over the weekend, and now we’re out here for our first round here, and as you can tell, the parking lot was pretty full and everyone’s pretty excited to come out.”

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As for how his golf games coming along, Redding couldn’t help but let out a laugh, noting the spring is still young.

“It could always use some work for sure, but hopefully it’s a good year,” he said with a smile.

Golfers enjoy a day out at North Battleford Golf and Country on Monday. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

North Battleford Golf and Country Club also featured their annual Spring Scramble over the weekend, something that served as a great way to kick off the season, said Director of Golf, Dana Johnson.

“It was awesome, we had 102 golfers out for this year’s Spring Scramble, and then after the tournament was over we were packed until the last tee-time which was great,” Johnson said.

“The golf course was great for this time of year, and the weather Saturday was really good. Sunday was a bit cooler as the sun wasn’t out so it was chilly, but we still had a great opening weekend.”

It was a similar story just outside of town, at Jackfish Lodge Golf Course, which opened Saturday morning to hit the ground running with one of the best turnouts they’ve seen.

“Saturday morning was our first day open, and for probably the first time that I can remember in my 20 years here every tee time was taken,” general manager, Kyle Kellgren, said.

“We were busy flat out from 10 a.m. to our last tee-time going off just before 6 p.m., so it was very successful and a lot of people came in and got their memberships, with a lot just coming out to get their first round of the year in as well. Both Saturday and Sunday were full which is very promising for us.”

Kellgren added that after seeing memberships rise 50 percent last year, that number has stayed consistent this year as well, amongst the best they’ve seen.

“We’re just glad to have people out and the golf course is in great shape, so it’s great to see so many people out and enjoying it,” he said.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1