HOULTON, Maine — I was out walking on the course this week. With the weather being the way it is, the rain and fog have the snow on the run. Except for the five corner, where we still have a bit of snow covering the approach, the green, and the sixth tee area.
Although the course is in pretty good condition because of the lack of frost in the ground, the greens are a little suspect. They all have experienced a bad case of snow mold due to the six months of snow cover.
Anything over 90 days is sure to establish grey snow mold. The grounds crew will be out on the course starting Thursday and will probably be two weeks cleaning up. Not a lot of major damage, but a time consuming process to clear leaves, twigs, and pine cones.
Depending on the weather, we are anticipating opening the golf course on Wednesday, May 15.
The Lakeside Restaurant was open this weekend for a good crowd. Sunday’s Easter Dinner was a sellout and all patrons enjoyed great food with entertainment by Paul LaPlant. Bill and Nancy will be back this Friday and Saturday evening from 4-8 p.m. Sunday Brunch runs from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Give Nancy a call at 694-9494 to welcome them back and to reserve a table.
The Golf for Life program will start the week of May 5. Classes will probably meet at the range, but look to notifications from David Grant to verify. If you haven’t signed up yet, you can call him at 538-8333 to register.if you haven’t played golf before, and have an interest to learn, this is a chance to get five basic lessons with the use of golf clubs, discount rates on green fees or membership, if classes are completed, at no cost to you. It’s a great opportunity.
Today’s rule changes will be a big help. How frustrated have you been when you make a good swing at a ball, only to hit it a second time with your follow through. One stroke plus one stroke penalty. Now it is just your stroke and play it where it lies.
Also, there is no penalty if your ball strikes you or your equipment after you strike it. Just a couple more rule changes to speed up the game and make it more enjoyable to play. We will be thinking dryer thoughts this week to get rid of the water, so that we can see you on the course as soon as possible.
Houlton Community Golf Course is located on 6 Country Club Drive in New Limerick. For more information on the course call 532-2662 or email houltongolf@gmail.com
