Local 18-hole golf courses now open

MAT-SU — It took a few extra days, but local golfers are now able to hit their favorite 18-hole courses.

Palmer Golf Course opened seven of its holes on Wednesday and Settlers Bay has all 18 available for play starting today.

“There’s been good response,” Palmer Golf Course director of golf George Collum said of the first few days of business.

Collum estimates about 60 golfers teed off at Palmer on opening day and at least that many on Thursday. Palmer opened holes 1-4 and 16-18 on Wednesday. Holes 5-7 and 14-15 will be open starting Saturday.

The Palmer greens fees will stay at $10 today, but will be $16 starting Saturday. Collum said the greens fees will be steadily increased as holes are added.

Palmer is currently restricting the use of golf carts until conditions improve. Collum said he hopes carts can be used by May 1. The driving range will also be closed for about another week.

Overall, Collum said he’s happy with the condition of the course. Palmer Golf Course was originally slated to open last weekend, but plans were delayed after a mid-month snow.

“We got about three inches of snow, but it was off in about a day and a half,” Collum said. “It wasn’t really bad for the course. It hydrates the course.”

Settlers Bay head professional Ryan Sparks said conditions are excellent at the Wasilla-area course. Sparks has already walked the 18-hole course and said it’s in the best condition its been in this early in the year.

Carts will be available, but can only be operated on the cart paths, Sparks said. Settlers is charging $35 greens fees during the week and $46 on the weekend.

Settlers is also offering specials. Tuesday and Thursday at 2-for-1 days. On Monday and Wednesday, Settlers is offering an all-you-can-play special with a golf cart for $49.

For more information or to reserve tee times call Palmer Golf Course at 745-4653 or Settlers Bay at 376-5466.

Fishhook Golf Course, a nine-hole course located off Fishhook Road outside of Palmer, has been open for several weeks. For information or tee times, call 745-7274.

Contact Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.