Golf courses delayed by persistent snow, wet ground

The majority of P.E.I. golf courses have delayed opening because the ground is still holding onto some of the record-setting snow that pounded the Island this winter.

While some courses are scrambling to open for the upcoming long weekend, Glasgow Hills Golf Club needs a bit more time.

"You know, here the air temperature tends to be a little cooler with the wind here. We're exposed to the wind, and we do have snow in a lot of tree-lined areas," said Gary Sheehan, Glasgow Mills general manager.

"So, once that snow has dissipated, our turf crew will get things ready."

The golf course will start its season May 22, two weeks later than last year.

Sheehan says golfers have been patient.

"Anyone who's been here on P.E.I. throughout the winter, certainly understands that you can't just open overnight, and things do have to dry up."

Snow offers protection

The late start isn't a huge loss for the club itself, but Sheehan says his course workers lose out.

"With some of our staff, we've had to delay guys a week, or a week and a half with their normal start dates."

Sheehan says the good news is that the snow did a good job protecting fairways and greens from the elements, so the courses should be in ideal shape.

Meanwhile, unlike the majority of courses, Andersons Creek Golf Club is open. Even so, opening day came more than a week later than usual.

Cody Scott, pro shop manager, says the course is finally dry enough and mostly clear of snow.

"Pretty good actually for just getting open, even though after that long winter, there are still some spots that are wet, but other than that it's coming along good."