Where is the farthest NORTH point in the Midwest that courses are open??

[Augster]

Hey,

I figure I should start this thread because I'm just ITCHING to get out and play and we're still probably a good month, or more, away here in Minneapolis.

I would like to know just how far I'd have to drive to find some open courses, without having to call all over hell during the day.

Anyone live in the Ames/Des Moines IA area with any open courses?

Chicagoland?

Quad Cities.

Madison, Wi?

Kansas City?

South Dakota?

Etc. etc. etc.

I'd like to find out just how many hours I'd have to drive to get a round in.

I'm probably going to bump this up as we get closer to spring.

So, if your area has an open course or two, let me know in this thread.

Thanks for any and all help.


I'll start. Minneapolis is closed and not even CLOSE to opening.

Most likely April 1st.

NOTHING North of Minneapolis in MN is open.

Next.

[tdaniels]

Nothing in is Iowa open. I live about 10 miles from Missouri and have a course that go to in the northern half of that state once in a while and it is also closed.

However, the country club here in town is open all year round to members if you walk or have your own cart. Unfortunately my membership is at the public course.

$500 membership at the public course. $2000 at the CC. Public course is just as nice. Thought it was an easy decision at the time. Now I am second guessing myself. $1500 to golf in the winter?

[Davebud]

And the wife will love it that you are only going for a GOLF weekend,

[Augster]

TD,

Thanks for the update. Keep me posted.

Anything in Kansas City have you heard? I imagine they have a few year rounders, and I'd really like to get back there for some more steak from the Golden Ox.

A little bit of a drive though to make a day of it. LOL!

[Witmaster]

Oklahoma has prety much been open all winter.

Cherokee Casino Resort is a pretty decent (and challenging) course. Plus, it has a nice hotel plus gambeling (if you care to indulge). Several nice resteraunts in the area as well.

[mgoblue]

I'm in SE South Dakota and there is nothing open here. I have the same disease you have....I'm itching BAD. Especially on days like today.

[Pa Jayhawk]

They don't have any year rounders here in the Poconos, but starting an hour south (Allentown and most of Southeast PA) the majority are open assuming the courses is not covered in snow. Usually there are some open in Northern Jersey as well.

Unfortunately when I lived in KS, I didn't Golf yet so I can't help you there.

[Witmaster]

You know.... now that I think of it, I've golfed several times, in the recent winter months, up in Wichita, Kansas! That's a good option for someone in the Kansas City area.

[Davebud]

I sort of think its funny when every one picks on the Pacific NW for all the rain, I am as far north as any of you guys in the States, but our courses are open year round and stay really green. This also applies to the grass in my yard, sure it rains a lot but everything is green here year round, and it only snows maybe once or twice a year. Snow only lasts a couple of days when it does. I have lived in NY, CO, Maine and Massachusetts, I way prefer the rain thanks.

[vincel]

I live in washington MO. about 40 miles west of st. louis and all courses are open in the greater st. louis area.

[Augster]

Thanks for the replies thus far!

Yikes. I was really hoping to be able to hit a place a bit closer.

MPLS to Wichita: 645 miles, 9 hrs 55 mins

MPLS to St. Louis: 672 miles, 10 hrs 21 mins

Not good. That's a lot of driving.

Thanks again, and keep the updates coming.

[mgoblue]

Augster....I lied to you. About 20 minutes after I posted yesterday, I found out that a couple courses around here decided to open this week because it is fairly nice (for South Dakota in Feb/Mar). A buddy and I decided to go out yesterday afternoon. Typical first round of the year....a lot of rust the first few holes.

Anyway, today is supposed to hit 50. After that it's all down hill for the rest of the week.

[tdaniels]

I hate to rub it in but my golf course just opened up today for the season!!!! So I will keep you all posted on how I do. (horrible I would imagine)


Only a 4 1/2 hr drive from MPLS to Centerville, IA by the way.


Anyway gotta go. I here it calling my name.

[Bravo]

Aug:

Is it feasible for you to find a cheap airfare and hop a plane for a quick trip??

[Augster]

B,

It's just too much cost, and work, to get on a plane twice.

In year's past, I've gotten up early, early, driven to Des Moines, played 36 holes walking, and headed back to MPLS all in the same day. Cheap, cheap, cheap golf trip.

MPLS to Centerville, IA 338 miles 6hrs, 3mins.

I think you are correct with 4.5 hrs though. I can make DM in about 3.5.

Any course names that are open so I can look them up?

Also, whereabouts in South Dakota is open?

Thanks for the continued help.

I don't have any real plans for Sunday, so I am kind of playing with the idea of escaping.

Anywhere North of Centerville have you heard?