Unlike their counterparts in the Salt Lake area, golfers in Davis County will have to wait a few weeks to tee up at local courses.
But like their greenmates to the south, residents will find it costs more than before to play a round.
Bountiful
Officials are predicting this course, high on the east bench, could open as late as April 15. They're hoping a quick thaw will allow play by April 1, though.
"There's about two feet (of snow) on No. 1 tee," said Scott Whittaker, head professional. "This could be the latest opening we've had in a while."
The course opened last year during the last week of February, he said.
Green fees will go from $6 to $7 and cart fees will increase by 50 cents. Senior golfers will still pay $6. Twenty-round punch passes are available for $115; juniors (under 17) can buy the pass for $80. And high school golf team members will pay only $3 during team practice.
The City Council considered raising green fees last year but postponed the decision. Money from the increases this year will pay for new tee boxes, a practice green and other improvements at the course, said Tom Hardy, city manager.
The city is also considering increasing the time between tee-offs from eight minutes to nine or ten, Hardy said. "We get a lot of bunching, people waiting for the group in front of them. The quality of the golfing experience is decreasing." Officials won't make the change this year but will consider it for next, he said.
Davis Park, Fruit Heights
This popular course is at least 10 days away from opening, probably 14, according to Brad Stone, head professional. "I haven't seen this much snow on the ground this late in the year for a long time," he said.
Players can expect wet conditions, a re-route to a different green on hole No. 11 and "lots of broken trees." Green fees have increased from $6 per nine-hole round to $7. Cart fees and the cost of a bucket of practice balls did not go up. Seniors can buy a 20-round punch pass for $105; others will pay $115 for the pass. Juniors can play for $4 during weekdays.
Workers will continue refurbishing the course's sand traps this year, Stone said.
Valley View, Layton
Situated at a higher elevation than Davis Park, this course probably won't open before March 30, definitely not before March 22, said Dave Kearl, assistant professional.
Players can expect "the usual springlike conditions - real damp," he said. The course will take at least 30 days of work before it returns to its usual playing shape.
Green fees also went up to $7. Cart fees stayed the same, while the price of a large bucket of practice balls jumped by 50 cents. Workers will add two ponds to the course this year. Both will be built out-of-play and used for irrigation, Kearl said.
Punch pass and junior prices are the same as Davis Park.
West Bountiful
Head Pro Mike Bicker hopes the course is ready for play in seven to 10 days. "We'll open the driving range even if the course isn't open," he said.
Green fees have increased from $6 to $7. Weekday punch passes are 20 rounds for $120, juniors and seniors can buy a 30-round weekday pass for $120. Golf cart fees increased by 50 cents.
The course's new nine holes should be open by June 1, Bicker said. Conditions will be excellent. "The drainage is better on that side; it's looking real good," he said.
Oakridge Country Club in Farmington could open in a week, said Rick Mears, head professional. "The latest we've opened is March 20; I hope we can beat that."