While the recent deep freeze might have made hockey fans happy, with thousands lacing up their skates on Trout Lake, the unexpected arctic blast has caused trouble for other sports enthusiasts.

This winter has been particularly harsh for golfers. With snowy and icy conditions forcing the city to close all three public golf courses on December 5, players have been without a place to practice for nearly two months.

In good news for those itching to get back on the greens, however, the Park Board has just announced that the Fraserview, Langara, and McCleery courses will all reopen on Monday (January 23).

“The golf courses were closed for seven weeks—the longest extended closure in 20 years or more,” said Vancouver Park Board Chair Michael Wiebe. “Warmer temperatures have finally made the greens, tees, and fairways playable again. I look forward to getting out there soon, as I expect other golfers do, too.”

The recent freeze and thaw cycles have been the main culprits for the city’s decision to keep the golf courses closed. Although the snow melted quite quickly after falling over the past two months, the deep ground frost meant that the water had nowhere to drain, and re-froze on the surface. Until the frost completely thawed, the greens remained saturated, and even after the water sank back into the ground, the turf required a period of time to firm up enough to support foot traffic.

Despite the lack of practice available to golfers, the seven-week closure hasn’t all been bad news. Allowing staff to catch up on maintenance projects, players can expect a great environment when the sites re-open.

One-hundred and forty-nine rounds of golf are already booked at the three golf courses this Monday. The courses experience a combined average of 6,500 rounds of golf during the months of December and January.  

The three golf courses are normally open every day—including Christmas—and are only closed during extreme weather conditions.

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