KRTV

Posted: Mar 11, 2010 5:09 PM
Updated: Mar 11, 2010 6:46 PM

Eagle Falls Golf Course in Great Falls will launch its season on Friday, instead of the traditional March 15th opening.

Sunny, clear conditions have prompted city staff to open the golf course early, but whatever Mother Nature has planned, city staff are expecting a successful season.

Patty Rearden, Park & Recreation deputy director, said, "Nationally, it's down, but our courses are actually starting to see an upswing just because of the nature of the business in Great Falls. So, we expect a good summer."

Keith Hollenbach has been a groundskeeper with the course for over five years, and he thinks course usage has increased over time, noting, "I think in the last couple years we've seen an increase. Seen a lot more new faces around."

Hollenbach is correct, as the city reports that combined revenue from both city courses has increased over $260,000 from 2005 to 2009 - and there may be more increases on the horizon.

Rearden said, "Revenues were up considerably last summer, and for a variety of reasons we expect them to be even better this year so that's a positive going into the season."

Rearden attributes the boost to less competition, special discounts, and advertising efforts.

Mayor Michael Winters has the honor of the first tee-off at the Eagle Falls Golf Course on Friday at noon.

The other city-owned golf course, Anaconda Hills, remains closed due to the impact on utility lines from the frost depth, according to the city website.

For more information, call 761-1078 or visit the Park & Recreation golf course website.