Lack of snow means business for golf courses

by Justin Corr

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KTVB.COM

Posted on December 21, 2011 at 4:30 PM

Updated today at 10:25 PM

BOISE -- Local ski areas continue to fret over their lack of snow. But while that's made for a slow skiing season so far, it's meant an extended season (and additional revenue) for another popular activity in the area.

Mark Bryant is one of 30-some golfers who played a round at Warm Springs on Wednesday.

"Some of these guys are out here everyday," said Bryant.

He's one of hundreds, perhaps thousands, who is still playing golf all over Southern Idaho, which is quite something, considering it's officially winter in the Northwest.

Bryant says he's been out five times this year, but he knows other golfers who have been on the course pretty much every day in December.

"It's keeping us busy," said Peter Nichenko, Head Golf Pro at Warm Springs. "We've seen our fair share of golfers."

There's one obvious big reason that golf courses in the area are seeing good business, especially when compared to last year. It's the same reason that ski areas are seeing no business, a complete and total lack of snow.

"It's not good for the ski resorts, but people have to do something in the winter," said Nichenko. "So, we're seeing some extended golf."

"We've been golfing all winter long," said Nichenko. "There's no snow on the mountains, so all the guys who are the skiers, are out here continuing to golf. They're a little unhappy with that, but we've been having a wonderful time."

With no snow on the ground, once the morning frost melts, these courses are open for business. And business is pretty good. It's not what you'd see in the middle of summer, but it's good. That's especially true when compared to last year when most courses were closed by snow in November.

Now, course managers are reporting as many as ten times as much business this December than normal. That means a lot more green for businesses that are usually hibernating this time of year.

"It's good. We get a little bit of revenue," said Nichenko. "It keeps us busy. Better than sitting around, twirling our thumbs."

Course managers say they'll need to see snow sticking to the greens to actually close up shop. Right now, they're not seeing it. There's a possibility they just won't close, staying open until spring, the unofficial start of the next season.

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Source: http://www.ktvb.com/home/Lack-of-snow-means-business-for-golf-courses-136030878.html

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