Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — The azaleas of August National and the soothing voice of Verne Lundquist as he calls the No. 16 hole during the Masters this weekend mean it’s that time of year again.

Here in Routt County, the chilling feel of a duck hook inching its way back into muscle memory might be a better reminder.

Golf season is coming, and that can only be good news for locals bound to play the city-owned Haymaker Golf Course.

The Haymaker Golf Course Management Committee an­­nounced recently that greens fees from last year won’t increase for the 2011 season.

Resident season passes will remain $1,025 if purchased by May 5. They jump to $1,250 after that date. For nonresident property owners a season pass costs $1,700 by May 5 or $1,900 after. Residents are defined as those who have Routt County driver’s licenses or are registered to vote here.

Rates also will remain the same for nonresidents.

With “what’s going on across the board with golf courses nationwide, the Golf Committee didn’t feel like it was time to raise the rates,” said Luke Brosterhous, Haymaker’s director of instruction. “There wasn’t a long, drawn-out discussion on it. I think they all agreed.”

There wasn’t a need to raise rates, Brosterhous said, because Haymaker added a nonresident property owner category in 2010.

Haymaker will open its clubhouse April 18 for people to purchase season passes and punch cards. The golf shop will be open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday for people to purchase passes.

The course also will hold a Masters viewing party from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, during which people can purchase passes. There also will be appetizers and prizes.

When the course will be ready for play, however, remains a guessing game.

Brosterhous said as with any year, it’s dependent on Mother Nature.

“Certainly, we have been monitoring the snowmelt,” he said. “Historically, mid-May is a safe bet. This year, with what we’re seeing, that’s shaping up to be the case again.”

Registration for local tournaments and junior golf programs and events are available at www.haymaker.com.

— To reach Luke Graham, call 970-871-4229 or email lgraham@SteamboatToday.com