Golfers swing into season at BBR

Cool weather greeted the lone golfer who took advantage of the opening of the Big Meadow driving range, the first golf facilities at Black Butte Ranch (BBR) to open for the 2008 season. Against a backdrop of snow on the surrounding hills and small white patches remaining under the trees, Tom Fish was fine tuning his swing.

The different golf facilities located at the ranch will be opening over a nearly three-week range of dates due to the completion of construction projects and the different micro-climates that affect the large expanse of BBR.

The updated and revised driving range at Big Meadow opened Friday, April 4. The completely restored and updated Big Meadow Golf Course will open in two different phases. The front nine is scheduled to open on Friday, April 11, if the vagaries of the weather prove kind. The back nine will join the front to open the entire course to play a few days later on Wednesday, April 16.

Glaze Meadow Golf Course which sits at a higher elevation and often retains snow until a later date is anticipated to open all 18 holes on Friday, April 25. Glaze Meadow Golf Course will also see an update and restoration project over the next few years, but a schedule for the updates has not been set.

The early spring openings of the courses at BBR are always an act of faith. Frost delays and occasional spring snow storms can plague the courses early in the year, so it is advisable to call to verify the opening of courses as well as to insure tee times. For confirmation of the opening dates and to set tee times call 595-1500.