Golf courses are now open in the region
By Jon Gulliver
Staff Writer
Three golf courses in the region are open for play and another, Caribou Country Club, opens on Friday.
FROM THE TEE — A view down the first fairway at Presque Isle Country Club. The golf course opened for the season on Sunday. 
Aroostook Valley Country Club opened yesterday with all 18 holes in play, golfers will face temporary greens on five holes, 9,11,12,13 and 16.
The club pro Steve Leitch said the course wintered about the same as it usually does.
“We are really happy with the way the course is,” Leitch said.
He added the 13 greens that were covered are in good shape and the others should be picking up soon.
“It will take about seven to 10 days for them to rebound,” he said.
Carts are allowed to start the season.
Leitch said there have been no changes to the course for this season. Fort Fairfield will be hosting a big tournament in late July. The New Brunswick Men’s Championship will be played on July 23-25. Local members Herrick Hanson and Gary Melanson will be taking part and look to make the New Brunswick team for the national championships.
Caribou Country Club pro Jeff Jose said his course weathered the winter quite well.
“The greens are in decent shape and the course has dried out better than most of last summer, said Jose. “We will have all greens in play to start the year and hopefully carts being used opening day.”
Jose said the club is busy preparing for their first tournament of the year, The Dave Whitmore Memorial Scramble on Sunday, May 27.
Presque Isle Country Club opened on Sunday at noon, with nine holes in play. Club manager Barry Madore said he hoped all 18 holes would open today.
“We usually open around May 1 or 2,” said Madore. “Two years ago we opened on April 16, which is the earliest opening in history.”
“We have a lot of green grass, but there is some brown grass out there,” he said. “I think the lack of snow cover in December and the hot weather in March and then turning cold caused the damage.”
Madore, like Leitch, said a little warm weather and sun will help green up the grass quickly.
After a long winter golfers are excited to get back on the course. Madore said on Monday 40-50 golfers hit the fairways.
There are no significant changes to the course this season but one change can be found in the clubhouse. There is a new restaurant and bar manager, Lauren Sullivan. Once the golf season gets into full swing the restaurant will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day of the week.
Mars Hill Country Club, as usual, was first to open up in the region. Golfers were allowed on the course last week for all 18 holes and power carts were allowed.
