Increase in golf play continues

| September 8, 2021 1:05 AM

Golf Course Play in 2021

Across the country, golf participation has increased dramatically since Covid began with the number of rounds played up 16% over 2019. This trend slowed slightly this July but some of that is probably weather-related or perhaps smoke in some regions. At Whitefish Lake Golf Club we have experienced a substantial growth in new members and member rounds played. Our number of guest rounds played in August was down over 300 players, and year to date we have experienced a decrease. Rounds played by members at WLGC account for roughly 70% of the total, which is an increase over past seasons. We attribute the decrease in guest rounds at WLGC to the closed Canadian border, which most likely will not reopen the season.

Golf Course Maintenance

I am constantly amazed at the quality of playing conditions at WLGC, especially considering the number of rounds played each year. (Close to 60,000 total) Our green crew deserves a boatload of “atta boys” for the job they do and recently with a reduction in workforce. Thanks to Duke and his crew.

New Practice Putting Green for South Course

After years of planning, construction on the new practice putting green on the South will start this week with re-routing the cart path so the course can remain open scheduled as the first task. Expect the demolition of the existing green and the building of the new green to last until the middle of October when the sod will be installed. If everything goes as planned the new putting green will open for play next spring perhaps as soon as June 1.

Great warm-up exercise

Before you play a warm-up session can be very important. The key to a good warm-up is to develop a good rhythm and tempo for the day. One way to develop the feel is to swing with a club in each hand. Place an iron in each hand and start to swing with them about 6 inched apart. You will feel gravity take over and in a few minutes, you will have a great feeling for swinging smoothly for the day, or at least until you get to the first tee.