Predictions - Season Opener

[em69]

Time to get some season opener predictions.

1 point = Name the date
2 points = Name the date and the course

Mapleview - April 15th

[Marcos]

Presscot, April 7th

[1800Duffers]

Prescott, April 10

[leftylucas]

I would say Mapleview April 5th showing my optimism

[Grabster]

Last year today, 76cm of snow on the ground.
This year, 31cm of snow.

Toss in a bit of climate change, I'll go with March 20th, Mapleview.

[Johnyc]

Not sure about opening dates but we have already received an email advising that the ice situation this winter could create similar playing conditions to what the region experienced last spring. The warming then cooling and the lack of snow as insulation (ice on top of the greens) could lead to trouble. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

On an aside Iooks like there is a chance the LPGA returns to Ottawa in summer 2021.

[Shivas Irons]

Last year today, 76cm of snow on the ground.
This year, 31cm of snow.

Toss in a bit of climate change, I'll go with March 20th, Mapleview.

optimist! I hope you're right.

[BogeyGolf]

I will say Prescott on April 17, 2020.

[ladygolfer13]

that would be great, where did you hear this

[Johnyc]

that would be great, where did you hear this

Sorry not sure if this question is directed towards me, but I’m assuming it is. We received an email last week announcing that a vote will be held at the club later this month to determine whether or not the membership endorses the tournament and the restrictions that accompany it.

[leftylucas]

Not sure about opening dates but we have already received an email advising that the ice situation this winter could create similar playing conditions to what the region experienced last spring. The warming then cooling and the lack of snow as insulation (ice on top of the greens) could lead to trouble. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

On an aside Iooks like there is a chance the LPGA returns to Ottawa in summer 2021.

Too bad the winter may provide poor spring conditions, hopefully it will not affect as many courses as it did last year.

[justsomeguy]

I received the following update from Metcalfe a couple of weeks ago:


In the last six weeks there has been a lot of thawing and refreezing which has led to ice building up in the greens. As a result, we will be attempting to remove the snow from the greens in mid-February and will then apply an ice melting product made up of leaf compost and wood ash. This product is very black and attracts the sun to melt the remaining snow and ice from the green. Timing of this application of product is critical because there needs to be 3 days of strong sun to melt the ice. We will keep you up to date.


There have no updates on whether this intervention has been successful or not, but clearly the greens-keepers are worried. BTW "Rader Rob" is predicting an April 17th opening date for Metcalfe , so the "early-bird" courses are usually a week or so before that...

[Marcos]

If you cover the greens in fall, does it help with ice build up? Maybe someone can chime in as i have no idea.

[jvincent]

If you cover the greens in fall, does it help with ice build up? Maybe someone can chime in as i have no idea.

Depending on how they are covered it does help. At Rideauview we cover ours and last year we had minimal green damage but there were still a couple of spots where the ice got underneath.

Hopefully it won't be as bad this year.

[mikelaurin]

Iroquois do not cover greens were great from start to end of season , I will say Mar 27 for Prescott

[leftylucas]

Yes but Iroquois is far enough away that winters are not the same as here in Ottawa

[em69]

At Rideauview we cover ours

What steps does Rideaview take to protect? Curious.
Where my son plays, they lay straw and then tarps.

[jvincent]

We are similar. A combination of straw, tarps, and I believe something like bubble wrap on some greens.

[Johnyc]

To be blunt, it’s all about money. It’s tens of thousands of dollars to maintain tarps over 18 holes let alone 27 or 36 (depending on the property). Biggest issue with recent weather is the ice. Tarps can help protect but still are no guarantee. So you spend $40,000 annually on tarps and all it does is increase your chances of success come spring. Problem with our recent winters is ice. Snow acts as an insulator. It’s the ice that’s killing the greens with the warming and cooling. So how many golf courses in the region have the budget for tarps? Probably some but not all. It’s the same as course conditions. Very few courses are in the same condition today as they were in 10 years ago. Profits are down and therefore many (not all) courses are investing less in maintenance. Not to mention the cost of maintenance continues to rise (min wage, etc). And legislation regarding the ability to write off golf as a form of business expense has hurt the game. It all amounts to less money coming in and the cost of maintenance going up. And it’s high end courses too. I played Camelot last year and it’s a top 80 course in Canada and the conditions are consistent with what you might have experienced at emerald links 10 years ago. Just a much nicer layout. The Ottawa weather is unique. My brother lives in Toronto and there are parts of the city with no snow on the ground. Here in Manotick I’ve got 2 feet in my backyard.

[Pine View]

Pine View has plowed and sanded the greens on the Championship course. The ice is melting quickly and the greens underneath are looking pretty good. We have a couple more days of warm weather coming before a nice new blanket of snow.

[Johnyc]

Quick update; results of the vote last night have been released and It has been determined that the Hunt Club membership endorses the LPGA returning in August 2021

[ladygolfer13]

Quick update; results of the vote last night have been released and It has been determined that the Hunt Club membership endorses the LPGA returning in August 2021

Yay glad to hear

[eez]

So it seems that Club EG has sent out an email that they "heard" that Prescott is opening in March !! Sounds more like hype and hope rather than likelihood.

From their email ... "I hear that Prescott Golf Club is opening soon! We stay in touch with the golf courses regularly in the spring and we’ll open up spots and some leagues events the moment they open — so stay tuned on that front. "

[BOB LEFEBVRE]

Prescott March 27 th

[leftylucas]

Nice Bob, Prescott predicts a March opening yesterday and look at you today Capt obvious LOL I am headed to Ogdensburg in an hour so I will swing by the course and take some pics that you can all salivate over!! Oh and me too.

[Marcos]

Nice Bob, Prescott predicts a March opening yesterday and look at you today Capt obvious LOL I am headed to Ogdensburg in an hour so I will swing by the course and take some pics that you can all salivate over!! Oh and me too.

Good man !!!!

[mikelaurin]

I said Mar 27 on Feb 20

[leftylucas]

You win Mike, maybe

[leftylucas]

I am here for all OGers, the webcams from Syracuse shows green grass everywhere

[Marcos]

I am here for all OGers, the webcams from Syracuse shows green grass everywhere

Thanks Luc. You made my day