Early spring makes for an early swing at area golf courses

After a short off-season both the Rochester Country Club, seen here, and Nippo Lake Golf Course will open on Friday. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - Just two months and two weeks after they closed for the season, Rochester Country Club will be open on Friday with all holes in play and 100 percent open.

"We're very excited," said Chris Mowers, director of golf at RCC and its sister club, Nippo Lake in Barrington. "Now the length of the season could be longer than ever."

RCC didn't close for the winter season until Dec. 27, Mowers said, allowing groundskeepers to do a lot more cleanup than normal.

On Friday golfers will see the entire course is in good shape with carts available.

There's even a March special: $35 for 18 holes and a cart at Nippo Lake and $40 for 18 holes and a cart at RCC.

Meanwhile, at Lebanon Pines Golf Course, owner Rene Doiron said some of the course is still damp, but he expects to have the course open at some point next month.