Saturday, December 28, 2013

Golf in December: Definitely not par for course

Two weeks ago, you were knee deep in snow and planning for a white Christmas.
 
Today, you can crack open that box of Titleists you found under the tree and play 18.
 
The year of the wild weather has taken another unpredictable twist, bringing Friday temperatures in the high-40s across the area and the possibility of a balmy 50 today. That means — for at least one day — it's game on at the local links.
 
"They come out like crazy," said Justin Burrell, assistant manager at the UI Golf Course, "because they have that itch."
 
Of the 10 18-hole public courses in the area, eight confirmed Friday that they'll open their fairways and greens for business this morning. Three of the eight will even let you drive a cart. "As hard as the grounds are, carts can't do any damage," said Harrison Park superintendent Brock Burton.
 
Even Rantoul's Willow Pond will welcome golfers today, weeks into a major renovation. Just be sure to avoid the clubhouse — or what used to be the clubhouse.
"It's a cloud of dust," general manager Kipp Bates said.

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