As another temperature record drops, golfers hit the links

• Late-March golfing in Mitchell

Jason Pommer, of Mitchell, retrieves his ball at the Lakeview Municipal Golf Course Sunday afternoon as Craig Mock, also of Mitchell, walks over to replace the flag. Golfers have been enjoying an early season in and around Mitchell as golf courses have been open since early and mid-March. (Anna Jauhola/Republic)

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Unseasonably warm weather has dramatically increased rounds played during March at Lakeview Municipal Golf Course in Mitchell.

The course reported the number of rounds has tripled from 2010, when it was open for a good part of the month, and increased by 14 times compared to 2011, when it was open for only a few days.

Lakeview opened March 13 this year, and in the 19 days the course was open in March, golfers played 1,700 rounds, said Dan Sabers, general manager.

“This is somebody up above looking out for us,” Sabers said with a laugh Saturday afternoon.

The good news and warm weather continued this weekend. Sunday’s high of 92 broke the previous 88-degree record set in 1963, according to the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls.

A warm air mass moved across the central United States, which caused the high temperatures across the region. The coolest area was in northern Minnesota, where the highs only got into the 50s and 60s.

“I asked a 70-year-old guy if he’s seen a spring like this year, and he said, ‘Never,’ ” Sabers said.

While Sabers is not looking for a record year for golfing, he’s certainly ready for a good year. Other courses are dotted with duffers and aces.

Usually, the Springfield Golf Course doesn’t open until the first part of April, but the course opened on March 16.

“We’ve been busy since then,” said Deb Palsma, clubhouse manager.

She said golfers have been out on the course every day since opening day, with the weekend being much busier.

Wild Oak Golf Course in Mitchell also opened up early this year, with golfers hitting the links March 10.

“We’ve never been open in March,” said Cody Larson, director of operations. “Usually there’s still snow on the ground.”

He said the course doesn’t usually start its membership drive until April, so “we’re a whole month ahead of the game,” and memberships have increased.

Larson said he’s looking forward to a good April.

The rest of the week should bring good weather for golfers around the region. Besides possible showers this morning, temperatures will be in the mid-60s.

“Tomorrow after the front moves through, the winds will get strong out of the north at 25 to 40 mph with highs in the mid-60s, which is still way above normal for this time of year,” said Philip Schumacher, NWS meteorologist, Sunday afternoon. “After hitting 92 today, it’ll seem pretty cool.”

The next chance of rain will come late Friday afternoon, he said.

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