LEONARD, N.D. - Golf in January? Sounds like a premise more suited for North Dakota State football fans in Frisco, Texas, today for the Football Championship Subdivision title game.
But it is no longer far-fetched for those in the Red River Valley. Record temperatures in the area Thursday melted much of the snow on the ground, which allowed Leonard Country Club to open its nine-hole course Friday. And the course is expected to remain open through Tuesday.
For Leonard Country Club owner and general manager Mike Pulczinski, golf on his course in January is a first.
"We're just looking to have some fun with it," Pulczinski said. "Have a little competition. Say we did it in January."
Located about 35 miles southwest of Fargo, Leonard Country Club is gaining recognition for opening its course at any time during this mild winter. Leonard CC was open for three days over Christmas when record-high temps hit the area.
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"It was pretty much full from the time we were able to allow golfers out," Pulczinski said. "It was pretty much full each day."
Leonard Country Club will also host a 4-person scramble at noon Sunday that's being dubbed, "The Snow Golf Tournament."
"I chiseled a little ice out of the holes to get the flags in," said Pulczinski with a laugh. "But I don't have to mow the greens."
To register for Sunday's tournament, call (701) 645-2582. The Weather Channel's website forecasts a high of 36 degrees in Leonard on Sunday.
"I think it's awesome," Pulczinski said. "The general aura of this course is we do like to have a good time out here. It's just kind of a fun place to do those things."
Readers can reach Forum Assistant Sports Editor Hayden Goethe at (701) 241-5558
