When Will Melrose's Golf Courses Open This Spring?

With several snowstorms hitting the city this winter, Melrose golf courses are opening about a month later than last year. 

Mount Hood Golf Course Opened Wednesday

With temperatures rising and conditions at the course looking good, Mount Hood Golf Course opened on Wednesday, according to Joan Bell, superintendent of Mount Hood and Public Open Space.

"With the snow and the water we had to deal with afterwards with the soft greens and soft grass, we had to wait until we could handle having carts and equipment out there," Bell said. "But now that the ground has firmed up, we have the crews out there cleaning and tee markers are in and we're going."

Due to the delayed opening, Bell estimated the projected lost revenue to be roughly $30,000, but she anticipates the club being able to make up most, if not all, of it as long as the weather is good. Last year the club had a total membership of 147 and generated about $1.5 million in revenue, according to Bell, which is in line with the $1.4-$1.6 million in revenue the club typically makes annually.

Strong winds have been prevalent this week and Bell was not sure the turnout would be good come opening day and "I didn't think we would have anybody, but the diehard faithfuls were here," she said.

While there are not major changes to the 18-hole municipally-owned public golf course, Bell said, "we did a new kitchen renovation last year and it had just finished up at the end of the season, so they plan on doing some bigger events here as far as being able to handle bigger weddings than what they have been doing in the past." She added that there may be more community events, such as comedy nights, country line dancing and wine tastings.

For more information about Mount Hood Golf Course, visit the Melrose Park Department website. 

Bellevue Golf Course Opens Saturday

Meanwhile, Bellevue Golf Club, a private nine-hole golf course, is expected to open at 8 a.m. Saturday, according to Manager Jeff Monteleone.

"About 30 members have signed up to play on Saturday," Monteleone said, adding that the club is opening about a month later than it did in 2012. There will be two sets of tee times from 8-10 a.m. and noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, he added.

As far as the opening goes, a status was recently posted to the club's Facebook page that reads, "We are happy to announce that the golf course will be opening for play on Saturday, April 6th starting at 8 a.m. Even though the winter clean-up continues, Grounds Superintendent Brian Skinner believes the course is ready for golfers. In addition, golf carts will be available for those wishing to ride."

The club currently has about 300 members, according to Monteleone.

For more information, visit the Bellevue Golf Club website.