COTTAGE GROVE, Wis. (WKOW) — Madison-area golf courses opened earlier this season thanks to good weather. Now that temperatures are dropping, golf courses, staff, and golfers are trying to make the most of them.
“Surprisingly, even on days when it's snowing, you still see some people here,” said Brian Arthur, head golf pro at Oaks Golf Course.
The Oaks opened to the public in early February, and nearly 1,500 rounds of golf were played that month. In March, the course had nearly 3,000 participants.
Although the course offers indoor simulators for colder days, golfers still choose to go outdoors. Such was the case on Saturday, a 40 degree day. They witnessed about 117 people on the course.
“There are no simulator reservations today. All reservations are on the golf course,” Arthur said.
He said there weren't many challenges in the early start of the season and said he has a lot of confidence in his staff. Avery Potter is a beverage cart girl at Oaks, and she says she's used to working in cold weather.
“I wear winter jackets and hoods to stay warm. Sometimes I bring out blankets and mittens and things like that,” Potter said.
Potter said golfers drink a fair amount on the course, even in cold weather.
John Asserone was one of the golfers on the course Saturday. He said he has played more than 30 rounds so far this season.That's the only time he says I don't If it's sleeting, come hang out.
“What's really important is the walks and the friendships with people,” he says.
He was playing with his friend and his friend's son.
Sun Prairie West high school student Dax Anderson was also in the group. He was hesitant to go out to play in the cold, but his father persuaded him to go out.
“It's cold, but I'm having a good time with my dad. I always have a good time with my dad and enjoy it to the fullest,” Anderson said.