Calgary golfers poised for spring tee-off as city prepares 2 courses for Friday opening

The fairways are mowed, the debris cleaned up and another golf season on the green and in the rough is set to startin Calgary this weekend.

The City of Calgary announced Wednesday they'll be opening the full 18 holes at two city-ownedcourses, McCall Lake and Maple Ridge, on Friday.

Plans are also in place to open the Par 3 course at McCall Lake at a later date.

"It's early-season golf, we just want to get Calgarians out there golfing," city golf lead John Faber said. "Winter wasn't too, too harsh and things look great."

This golf season comes after an unseasonably warm winter had some courses, including Maple Ridge, open for a period of time late last year.

That didn't derail plans to prepare the courses for the typical April start, Faber said.However, they are still not inprime condition.

There's still some moisture in low areas because of drainage, the ground hasn't thawed entirely, andsome bunkers and shaded areas are still snowy.

"Greens are going to be a little slower because we're not down to summer height," he said.

But it's an opportunity to save some cash for eager golfers.

"We'll be on our off-seasonor maintenance rate," Faber said."So it's not the full rate."

He added that they'll hold off on charging full prices until they feel the courses are in better condition.

The Friday opening date is weather dependant. According to the Environment and Climate Change Canada forecast, that day will be sunny, with highs hovering at 15 C.