Forty golfers who were eager to tee it up did so on Sunday at the Penobscot Valley Country Club in Orono.
The unusually mild winter and lack of snow enabled Penobscot Valley Country Club pro Jason Harris to open the course for the season on Sunday.
It is believed to be one of the earliest openings in the 18-hole course’s 90-year history.
“The course came through the winter really well,” said Harris. “There’s virtually no snow on the course. The greens are clear other than a little bit of snow on [hole] 11. We’re happy about that.”
Harris said there isn’t any winter kill and the ground is hard enough so that golfers won’t damage it by playing on it.
“It won’t get that soft [to cause damage],” said Harris.
Harris said the timing is “perfect” for opening.
“We’re going to plug along as long as we can,” said Harris, who noted that if they get significant snow, they’ll close it down until the snow melts.
“But if we get just a dusting and it doesn’t stick on the greens, tees and fairways, we’re all set [to keep playing],” he added.
Harris said the extended forecast looks good and he has been hearing from golfers throughout the winter asking about when the course was going to open.
The season had been extended well into December by the mild winter.
The greens fee is $15 for nine holes and $25 for 18 holes. Carts aren’t allowed yet.
The Penobscot Valley Country Club course is a par-72 layout designed by Donald Ross.
Tee times at the Penobscot Valley Country Club can be procured by calling 866-2423, and a yearly membership costs $695.