Settlers Bay opens 18

WASILLA -- Clear blue skies and rich greens signal the start of another season at Settlers Bay Golf Club.

Settlers Bay officials opened all 18 holes, on Friday, for the first time this spring. The championship caliber course, which is one of the first to open in the state each year, is in even better condition than normal this season with no temporary greens.

"I thought with this weather, there might be a couple of temporary greens," Settlers Bay's Sam Bomar said.

Bomar said there are no problem spots at the club, and the course is drying rapidly.

Officials opened nine holes on Monday, and the club immediately saw a steady stream of eager golfers anxiously waiting to tee off. Bomar said more than 150 played the course on Friday, and he expects more than 250 to take the course today.

Settlers Bay currently is offering a reduced rate of $16 for nine holes and $22 for all 18. The offer is expected to last until May 1, when regular rates -- $32 for 18 holes during the week and $35 for 18 holes on the weekend -- will resume.