SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO) — KELOLAND golfers are teeing it up during a time of year when we’re typically bundling up.
They’ve been taking advantage of the mild fall temperatures to enjoy a day on the course.
Depending on the weather, golfers could be playing through well into November.
Sioux Falls golfer Doug Rotert is working on his long game, wearing shorts… in late October.
“I’m more out for recreation, have fun and have a good time,” Rotert said.
Rotert has to make some late-season adjustments to his game with fall foliage lining the green fairways at Elmwood Golf Course.
“You gotta try to keep the ball in the fairway just because there’s a few leaves out there, but other than that, nope. Stretch a little bit in the mornings and go for it,” Rotert said.
There’s been no shortage of tee times for golfers here in Sioux Falls. Because of the mild weather, golfers have been able to hit the links every month this year so far, except for January.
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“We opened in February, so the courses have seen a lot of play in the last two or three years, but it’s a good thing for us,” Sioux Falls Golf Assistant General Manager Cat Clark said.
But more golfers playing over a longer period of time can create wear and tear on the course, especially when it’s been so dry.
“We do a great job of watering and keeping the course maintained that way but there’s only so much you can do when Mother Nature doesn’t help you out,” Clark said.
Rotert says Elmwood is in great shape and golfs here every day. He bought a season pass that’s more than paid for itself this year because of all the bonus rounds he’s been able to play this month.
“Sometimes we’re done by the end of September and now we get October, so it’s like a free month of golfing pretty much, so it’s a good deal,” Rotert said.
Clark says superintendents constantly check the extended forecast to determine how much longer the city courses can stay open for the year.
You can book a tee time at Elmwood, Prairie Green and Kuehn golf courses through the Sioux Falls Golf website.
