Pines golf pro Scott Nickerson. John DeMings photo
Pines Open to follow course opening
No matter what today’s weather forecast says, for local golfers the important forecast is the opening day of the Pines golf course.
Pines golf professional Scott Nickerson confirms the projected opening of the course is Friday, April 25, now less than six weeks away.
“We’re looking for good weather,” Nickerson says. Late winter snow isn’t the problem that ice and wind can be.
“There’s been no real damage on the course, nothing out of the ordinary. On the course, the program to improve drainage continues and there was a fair amount of work last fall on problem areas like numbers 1 and 18 fairways. There is now a drain the entire width of number one.”
The course opening will be closely followed by the Pines Open, scheduled for May 3-4. The two-day event will be for individuals, though there had been some thought of making it a team event, Nickerson said.
Yearly membership rates are up about $20, but there is an early pay discount available from April 14-18, he adds.
In the pro shop, where most of last year’s staff is returning, Nickerson says there have been some small renovations like new carpet and a few new windows. There also will be some new products in the shop, particularly in the clothing section.
Golf apparel manufacturers are changing their focus, and golf clothing is becoming more ‘everyday wear’.
“Well, it always was for men but wasn’t for women,” he says with a smile.
The course opening will be followed about mid-May by the season opening of the Pines Resort Hotel and Spa.
