With the late-October mornings frosting the greens of Kelowna golf courses, the 2022 season is soon coming to a close.
Looking back at the season, two local courses say demand for golf this late in the year has never been so strong.
“It’s been a busy year,” expressed Tyrel Griffith, director of golf operations at Black Mountain Golf Club.
“Anybody who’s been around a golf course this year has realized how much the game has changed over COVID. We thought last year was a busy year, until we got to this year, which was insane … It’s exciting to be at the golf course right now.”
Some courses have already closed for the year or have set an end of season date, but both Black Mountain and Kelowna Springs are keeping an eye on the weather before making any final decisions.
“We don’t have a set date yet, but the weather forecast for next week doesn’t look great. With flurries in the forecast, we haven’t had a decision yet from our head office and maintenance team, but it could very well be our last week here at the course,” explained Griffith.
Griffith says they’d like to put the Black Mountain golf course to bed before the snow falls in order to protect it from being damaged ahead of next season. Kelowna Springs general manager Sam Pridham, meanwhile, says they’re open to extending the season.
“I think last year, in the month of November there were some days where we didn’t open because of cold conditions or snow, but then we re-opened a day or two later. We’re certainly, at Kelowna Springs, open to doing that until we’re sure that the season is coming to an end,” he said.
Being one of the higher elevation golf courses in Kelowna, Black Mountain Golf Course is open until at least Sunday. Anything after that is still up in the air depending on the weather.
Other courses in the valley are also weather-dependent.
Tee times are still available at both Black Mountain and Kelowna Springs golf clubs if you’re interested in getting in a round before winter.
Source: Castanet
