SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – Golfers are taking advantage of unseasonably warm December weather, keeping local golf courses busier than usual as Christmas approaches.
Guy Bates played at Highland Springs Country Club on Tuesday and has plans to golf six days this week. “My wife and I have played on Saturday and Sunday. We played today. We’re playing tomorrow. We’re playing Friday, and we’re playing Saturday,” Bates said.
Golf courses adjust operations for warm weather
Erick Womack with Highland Springs said the warm temperatures have required operational changes. The course had to restart its irrigation system this week to maintain the new sod.
“We’ve had to charge our irrigation system back up this week, just because of the high temperatures,” Womack said. “We’ve got some sod that we had to do on the course, and we want that sod to grow and to maintain it.”
The course typically turns off its irrigation system by this time of year.
December golf rounds increase significantly
Highland Springs expects to see a substantial increase in December play compared to last year.
“Last year, we did about 450 rounds, maybe, in December. And this month, we’re going to be pushing 700 rounds just this month alone,” Womack said.
Some golf courses have added tee times for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day due to the continued warm forecast.
“We’ll be here, regardless of what the weather is like. But between now and New Year’s, just give us a call so that you don’t come out disappointed,” Womack said.
Bates said he appreciates the opportunity to golf during the holiday season.
“I’ll take a good golf day any day. Like most people, I’d love a white Christmas. But, this isn’t too bad, either,” he said.
Highland Springs is a private course. Public courses, including Bill & Payne Stewart, Horton Smith, and Rivercut in Springfield, will have shortened hours on Christmas Eve, close on Christmas Day, and reopen Friday with continued warm weather expected.
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