Early tee off for golfers as mild weather continues in Ottawa
![Golfer Golfers are taking their first swings of the seasons after one of Ottawa’s golf centres officially opened its outdoor driving range for the season. (Jackie Perez/ CTV News Ottawa)](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2024/3/2/golfer-1-6792573-1709424429184.jpg)
Golfers are taking their first swings of the seasons after one of Ottawa’s golf centres officially opened its outdoor driving range for the season.
“A lot of people wait to see what the groundhog says. I just wait for Kevin Haime to pop his head up and to tell me when golf season is gonna start,” said Eric Smith, a frequent visitor at the Kevin Haime Golf Centre in Stittsville. “It's been a few months since I’ve hit a ball so I’m just trying to figure out if I can still do it.”
The early opening--- unusual in the golf centre's 35-year-history. Ottawa's unseasonably mild temperatures was a driving force behind the club's decision.
“We were open a few times in February in 35 years but we had to move a lot of snow,” explained Kevin Haime. “This year, it's au naturel, I mean here we sit and it's phenomenal for golfers.”
It may be the only centre open in the city so far and it’s attracting eager golf enthusiasts to get in a few swings.
“The tee times were going quick. We had to try a couple of times. They were sold out mid transaction but managed to get in this morning,” said golfer JP Paquette.
“This just seemed like the right idea... Why not get some fresh air,” said golfer Robyn Oliverio. Both have been spending the winter at an indoor golf club.
Hundreds were also out at the Ottawa-Gatineau Golf Expo. Experts say the sport's popularity has been trending upward since the start of the pandemic... Even in the wake of high inflation.
“Golf is expensive too but it’s fun. So I’ll happily spend the money,” said Hayden Greis. He was in search of finding the perfect wedge to improve his game at a bargain price. “I think this is wedge is typically $200. I got it for 141... Very good deal.”
With little to no snow, Haime believes it will be an early start to the golf season. Double digit temperatures are expected this week which could bring people out on the driving range.
“I'm making sure the Wi-Fi works so I can work from here on my laptop and hit balls all day,” said Smith.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6875950.1715037001!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.