SPRD helps Sisters get golf-ready

Warm weather and clear skies have ushered in spring earlier than usual in the high desert, and to take advantage of this mild weather, Sisters Parks & Recreation District (SPRD) and Aspen Lakes have joined forces to bring golf instruction to the Sisters community.

Get Golf Ready is a program designed for all ages, and its aim is to bring golf to the novice golfer. This introductory program starts with the basics of the game to orient the new golfer into this lifelong sport. Basic skills and strokes are covered along with the fundamental rules of the game.

During the spring months, there are four programs offered over the course of April and May. Mid-April through May, Get Golf Ready, Get Golf Ready for Players 55-plus, and Couples Golf will meet one time per week for six sessions. Depending on the program, they start Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, 5 to 6:30 p.m. Participants pay $49 for the six-lesson series and receive professional instruction from Aspen Lakes employees.

In addition, May is Women's Golf Month, and women who want to take up the sport of golf can join a small group with instruction for $10 for five lessons in May.

Offered exclusively to the Get Golf Ready Programs running this spring, Aspen Lakes will provide clubs to players who do not have any.

These small-group lessons are a good opportunity to meet like-minded golfers in the Sisters community. According to Aspen Lakes' PGA Professional Howie Pruitt, these programs are "a great way to connect with friends, family, and colleagues." Not only is golf an excellent way to connect socially, it is a great avenue of exercise, with the 18-hole course coming to nearly four miles in length.

To capture the social aspect of golf, a Community Fun Golf League has also been started and golfers of any skill level are encouraged to join. Teams will take to the courses at Aspen Lakes in June to compete lightheartedly throughout the summer. An entry fee of $40 gets players access to Aspen Lakes golf course, reduced green fees, and end-of-the-year prizes. Happy Hour is also available after golfing. SPRD reports there have been a number of interested folks calling in and signing up for both Community Golf and Get Golf Ready.

Golf is one new program SPRD has added to their recreation line-up for the spring and summer. The summer guide will be released during April, and new programs will be going up online, according to Sisters Park & Recreation District. For more information call 541-549-2091 or register online at www.sistersrecreation.com.