When this time of year comes around, some golf clubs in the area get ready to close. But this year is different.
It’s 70 degrees outside right now, which is good for business at nearby golf courses.
Ryan Prough, a player, says, “You can’t beat it. I think every golfer would agree and enjoy as much of this weather as we can.” “I went during the week because I thought I’d be fine, and it was pretty crowded.”
At the Prairieview Golf Club in Byron, October has been like no other month. Through Oct. 22, 2024, the course was booked for almost 2,484 rounds of golf. That’s 47 more rounds than in Oct. 2023, when it was booked for 2,437 rounds.
Sinnissippi General Manager Scott de Oliveira says, “We’re on track to go over 3,000 rounds, which has only been done once in our history as a course.”
In October 2000, 3,027 rounds were booked at the course. With nine days left in the month, DeOliveira is still hopeful that they can make that goal. Since it’s warmer, they’re taking better care of the grass and making sure they have plenty of food and drinks, which they usually don’t do until October.
“That’s great.” “As a golfer, if I can squeeze in a round here and there this time of year, that’s great for everyone,” says deOliveira.
Prough says, “I wouldn’t mind having some 60-degree days in December if anyone wants to open up.”
But the rise isn’t just in Prairieview. All four of Rockford’s park district golf courses have seen more rounds played, with Sinnissippi seeing a 20% rise.
“You never know what the weather will do here.” “But I really liked having the extra rounds,” says golf pro Ann Bloomfield.
Bloomfield says there have been more games played on the weekends and after work.
“Even with the pandemic, we’ve seen a rise in new golfers this year,” says Bloomfield.
She also says that TopGolf, a driving range that uses micro-chipped golf balls to keep track of your distance and score, is one reason why more people are taking up golf.
It hasn’t been too hard with a good full-time staff, even though the younger seasonal staff isn’t there to help with more players.
