Posted: 4/5/06
Goodbye snow shovels; hello nine irons
 Patrick Smith, owner of Falcon Ridge Golf course in Stacy, smiles for a picture in the pro shop. April is when Golf courses around the state begin to open. |
By Steve Morris
Some people associate the month of April with taxes and practical jokes. But for countless others, it represents something different.
This month, more than 400 golf courses across the state will open their pro shops and fairways to golfers. People in Minnesota donít have to travel far to find a course. The state has the highest number of golf courses per capita in the country.
Falcon Ridge Golf Course in Stacy is one such course. Patrick Smith has been the proprietor of Falcon Ridge since 1998 and said his golf course tries to open around the first of April each year. But, he said, it all depends upon the weather.
Smith said there are many benefits to golfing. Building friendships, making business deals and spending time with family are the things he sees as beneficial.
ìI think one of the biggest benefits is that itís a lifetime sport,î he said.
For Smith, walking is among the top health benefits to the game of golf.
ìAnytime you can walk and get your body moving forward is a good thing,î he said.
A person who plays nine holes of golf will walk nearly 2,500 yards in about two hours; play 18 holes and the amount walked is doubled.
ìYou can walk a couple of miles without even trying,î Smith said.
A 200 pound person could burn 2,000 calories playing 18 holes without a cart. Add a cart, and the number decreases significantly. Walking also gives people the chance to think about their next shot, Smith said.
Great way to get-together
Kevin Unterreiner, founder and director of TwinCitiesGolf.com, said golf is a great way for people to get together. He said during the week itís a lot of business people on the fairways and on the weekends itís more family and friends.
ìItís just a nice stress reliever,î he said.
At TwinCitiesGolf.com, people can schedule a tee time, get golf discounts, find local course information and stay plugged into the Minnesota golf scene. In addition, the Web site puts out a monthly newsletter. Unterreiner said more than 17,000 golfers are members to the Web site.
Falcon Ridge, which has approximately 300 members. It should be a busy place this season hosting numerous tournaments, community events, leagues and family activities.
Smith said at Falcon Ridge they focus on safety, fundamentals of the swing and etiquette. People from across the state will travel to Falcon Ridge to tee off and enjoy the things they have to offer. Children ages two to 17 golf free with a family membership, Smith said.
ìWeíre dedicated to family-affordable golf,î Smith said.
Know the rules
Of course, before people tee off they should know the basic rules and courtesies of the game. Not walking in another playerís line of putt is one rule sometimes ignored, Smith said.
ìAs a general rule of thumb, the first person out goes first,î Smith said.
This season, speed of play may also be a hot issue. People should be considerate to the people behind them. If people are constantly waiting behind you, let them go ahead, Smith said. Safety is always a concern. Know where youíre hitting the ball, Smith said.
Understanding the basic rules is not the only thing to think about when starting this golf season. During the winter, many golfers do not take the time to stay in shape. According to the Northwestern Health Sciences University (NHSU) in Bloomington, Minn., golfers must prepare themselves for the stress golf can put on their bodies.
ìThe mechanisms of a golf swing can result in a number of injuries to the lower back, shoulder, elbow or wrist,î says Link Larson, DC, an associate professor at NHSU.
ìA few simple, precautionary steps can avoid a longer-term injury that could take you out of the game for the season.î
Purchaseing equipment that fits, wearing a good pair of shoes, starting slowing and getting a massage before the golf season are some of the precautions NHSU says are worth taking.
All things considered, Smith, who has had the opportunity to work with greats such as Jim Flick, Gary Wieren and Rich Smith, said he would like to see people turn off their cell phones and have a good time in a relaxed atmosphere.
ìExperience nature and not the TV,î Smith said.
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