It's been a warm winter to say the least, and area golfers are taking the opportunity to hit the links early.
For some golfers, being on the course on Presidents Day is usually a dream, but this year, golfers like Ron Duvall are happy to have the chance to hit the course early.
"Well the sun's shining today and we haven't golfed in a long time, and it feels good," Duvall said. "So we're getting out here with a couple buddies, who get out here and play some golf."
But it's not just nice for the players. Here at Green Hills Country Club in Marion County, Manager Mark Welton said even though he's there when the weather's nice, there's still a crowd that beats him to the punch every morning.
"Unstoppable, in one word," Welton said. "Our guys play every day. As long as it's over 40 degrees, they're here, and it's now snow covered. They beat me to the gate, and I open up at 9:30, and they're standing there waiting around, having their coffee."
Green Hills isn't the only club that's benefited from the warm weather either. The Bridgeport Country Club in Harrison County is open on a more limited basis, but they get more than just the cost of a round of golf when their members come to play.
"You know, the guys come out, they'll grab something to eat, they'll go out, they'll take a cart and play golf and bring a guest. Then when they get finished, they'll go in to the grill room, have a few drinks, something to eat," said Bridgeport Country Club Pro V.J. Baldini.
Despite the benefits of the extra use, Welton is also keeping a close eye on the condition of his course itself. He says to remember the course is still just grass, and can use the time when people usually don't play to recover. Welton said he'll be watching certain portions of the course to make sure they continue to stay in good condition.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2012 WorldNow and WBOY. All Rights Reserved.