Eagle Bend Golf Course opens for season with snowy first day

By FAITH MOLDAN Bigfork Eagle

The old saying is true. If you don't like the weather in Montana, just wait 10 minutes, or a day in Eagle Bend Golf Course's spring opening.

Light snowflakes began falling Friday morning as Ed Heger teed off on hole No. 1. He was later "rescued" from the 8th fairway, according to Eagle Bend Professional Michael Wynne, as heavy flakes fell and ended Heger's outing.

"The rest of the day was a wash," Wynne said. Heger and two other golfers who teed off around 10 a.m. were forced to come in, as the on- and off-again snow flurries that plagued the area Thursday returned.

On Thursday, Eagle Bend groundskeepers braved the snow in preparation of Friday's opening. They mowed fairways, prepped the greens and readied the hazards for another season.

Nearly 100 golfers ventured out to Eagle Bend Saturday, making the course's second official day open seem more like a June day, Wynne said.

The golf shop and practice area are open from 9 a.m. -6 p.m. during the first couple weeks of the season, according to Wynne. The Grille at Eagle Bend opens April 4, and will serve lunch seven days a week.

New to the course this season are some basic groundskeeping items.`

"We took out quite a few trees," Wynne said. He added that Eagle Bend staff has plans to improve course conditions throughout the season, while still allowing golfers to take advantage of the course's 27 holes (Championship Course, and Lake Nine).

Renovations were also made to the club house during the winter months, including new paint and television screens.

Eagle Bend's tournament season begins April 28 and runs through Oct. 4. The full tournament schedule is posted below:

? April 28

Eagle Bend WMCPGA Pro-Am

? May 3-4

Cherry Blossom

? July 4

Red, White, Blue

? July 14- 15

Ladies Invitational

? July 18-19

The Wanagan (Men's Member-Guest)

? August 1-2

Governor's Cup

? August 7

Flathead Valley Junior Golf Champ.

? August 23-24

Men's Club Championship

? August 26-27

EBLGA Championship

? September 21 Scholarship Fundraiser

? October4

World's Hardest