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Heat not keeping golfers away

Aug 2, 2018 | 5:44 PM

 

MEDICINE HAT, AB — The heat wave that Medicine Hat has been experiencing has forced some activities to be moved indoors or cancelled altogether.

However, golfers are still heading outside with their clubs, some even braving the heat of the day to enjoy their favourite sport.

Trevor Ellerman, executive golf professional with Connaught Golf Club, says the past month has been one of the busier July’s in its history.

“We’re putting through about 150 to 200 rounds a day,” he said. “It’s quite substantial, and from a revenue stand point, it was probably our best July month ever.”

Ellerman says July is typically a slower month for golf courses, citing summer vacations and fewer tournaments and events compared to other months.

He says there are certain times and temperatures that have been popular with players this summer.

“It’s been quite busy at times,” he said. “I think there’s a threshold. I think at 32 (degrees) or less, people don’t mind, but when it gets up into that 34 to 38, people start to shy away from the afternoon.”

Ellerman says the biggest issue with the heat is maintaining the course for players. He says crews have been managing their water supply and performing spot watering when they can to keep the grass green.

CHAT News also spoke with Chris Paskin with Desert Blume Golf Course, who says they had 4,000 golfers play the course in the past month, which is more than they usually see in July.