Winter weather may have kept the big day from coming sooner, but recent blue skies and warmer temperatures finally allowed Eagle Bend Golf Club to open all 27 holes and their practice facility yesterday, April 8.

"We're at least a month behind where we normally are," said Tom Ask, who has been the Eagle Bend Golf Course Superintendent for seven years. "We've had some years that we've mowed at the first of March. But there have been years that have been worse than this."

Ask and his crew of five spent the days leading up to the opening taking the course from a winter mess to the premier golf course it is known for. The crew cleaned up debris from winter storms and mowed fairways, tees and greens. They also had to reform sand traps that got washed away when the snow melted.

"Typically the snow is gone for awhile before we open so we have plenty of time to do the things we need to do to get ready," Ask said. "This year we don't have that luxury. We are going from snow covered to ready to play in just a few days."

As recent as Tuesday there was still snow on a couple of the holes, but that's not unusual for spring golfing in Northwest Montana.

"Our club has the philosophy that people have been stuck in their houses all winter and are ready to get onto the course," Ask said. "If we wanted it to be absolutely perfect we would hold them back a little bit to finish getting ready. But we want to get people outside and swinging and that means the course will be a little bit of a work in progress."

Early season rates are in effect through April 23. Eighteen holes is $35 and $16 for use of a cart, and nine holes is $24 and cart rental is $10.

The golf shop and practice tee will be open from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily. Limited restaurant and bar service begins tomorrow, April 10, and all five big screen televisions will be showing The Masters golf tournament throughout the weekend.

All 2009 Big Mountain Golf Club pass-holders are invited to play Eagle Bend's Lake Nine until BMGC opens at a yet to be determined date.

For more detailed information or to set up a tee time contact the club at 837-7310.