At this time of year, some area golf courses would be preparing to close, but this year is different.
Late October’s 70-degree temps are boosting business at local courses.
“You can’t beat it; I think every golfer would probably agree and enjoy as much of this weather as we can,” according to golfer Ryan Prough. “I picked a weekday thinking that, you know, I’d be okay, and it was pretty packed up.”
This October has been unlike any other at Prairieview Golf Club in Byron. The course has roughly 2,484 rounds of golf booked until Oct. 22, 2024, 47 more rounds than in Oct. 2023 (2,437 rounds).
“We’re on track to exceed 3,000 rounds, which has only happened once before as a course,” says Sinnissippi General Manager Scott de Oliveira.
In October 2000, the course scheduled 3,027 rounds. DeOliveira believes they can reach that amount with nine days left in the month. Because of the warmer weather, they are keeping the grass in better condition and preparing food and drinks, which usually run out by October.
“It’s great. As a golfer myself, if I can get in a round here and there this time of year, it’s a huge plus for everyone,” says de Oliveira.
“I wouldn’t be opposed to having some 60-degree days in December if anybody wants to open up,” according to Prough.
However, the increase has not been limited to Prairieview. In Rockford, all four of the park district’s golf facilities have witnessed an increase in rounds, with Sinnissippi up 20%.
“The weather is unpredictable here. But I loved having the extra rounds,” admits golf pro-Ann Bloomfield.
Bloomfield claims there have been more rounds played after work and on weekends.
“This year we’ve seen an uptick in new golfers, even from the pandemic,” Bloomfield informs me. She adds that the increase in new players is due to Topgolf, a driving range that employs micro-chipped golf balls to track distance and score.
Even without the younger seasonal staff to assist with more players, there haven’t been many issues with a strong full-time crew.
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