Rivershore Golf Links opened to members and the public on Thursday (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

GOLF IS BACK!

A record-breaking golf season carrying over, evident on opening day at Rivershore

Mar 4, 2021 | 5:07 PM

KAMLOOPS — After a deep freeze in Kamloops a couple of weeks ago that made it feel like winter was here to stay, the weather has turned around significantly — to the point where golf courses have started to open.

The Dunes was the first on Wednesday and Rivershore followed suit on Thursday (Mar. 4). The wind was howling in the valley — even cold enough for some to wear ear muffs. However, the conditions did not at all deter golfers from pulling out their clubs and playing opening day.

“A little bit chilly right now, but it’s nice to be out,” said member Wade Gunderson. “Really looking forward to getting [the season] started.”

Club captain Roger Erikssen added, “It’s pretty nice. A little windy, but the sun’s shining. A little cool, but we’re doing well.”

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“Perfect. Early this year. It’s just too bad it’s windy, but we’re out here,” said golfer Eva Anderson. “We’re doing our thing on the golf course. Everybody hit their shot at the first tee and we’re really happy that we can swing our clubs.”

Tee times on opening day, starting at 10:00 a.m. and ending at 4:00 p.m., were all booked. The tee sheet is packed until next Friday. There are only a few openings in the late afternoon, as golfers clamour to get out and do something amid COVID-19.

The high demand is a spillover from 2020 when a record amount of golf was played in Kamloops, including at Rivershore.

“2020 for golf was fantastic,” said Rivershore Golf GM Kevin Oates. “We increased play by 12,000 rounds. We went from 28,000 rounds to 40,000 rounds, which was incredible. It’s a good showing of the benefits of golf — the exercise and the fresh air. We’re excited about 2021.”

The first round of the year comes only a couple weeks removed from a frigid deep freeze that hit Kamloops. But for Stefano Bevilacqua, here for school from Edmonton, the fact he’s golfing in March is amazing.

“Fantastic to be out here,” he said. “Good conditions out here at Rivershore. A little bit windy, but it’s always a treat if you can play at the beginning of March. Back home, my boys aren’t going to be on the course until May 1, so it’s pretty good. Pretty excited to be out.”