Golfers take to greens in full swing

By BRYAN HELLIOS

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Ironwood — Waiting for a golf course to open for the season can seem like eternity to those who love the sport.

But the wait is over, as Gogebic Country Club manager Gary Mariani said the grounds may have still been wet but they let walkers take to the greens on Friday and carts were allowed on Sunday.

By mid-morning Tuesday, the temperature was about 50 degrees and people were reserving tee times.

“People have been chomping at the bit to get out there,” he said.

Although nice weather is always appreciated, Mariani said there is a group who plays every Tuesday — regardless of conditions. He refers to them as “The Wisconsin Boys.”

John Knapp, from Presque Isle, Wis., said he meets up with others in the group of guys who are committed to the game.

“You wouldn’t play in 37 degrees if you weren't dedicated,” he said recalling a day from a previous season.

For more than a decade, Knapp said as many as 24 fellow golfers meet up even if its “raining, snowing or sleeting.”

“Even the Yoopers didn't believe we were out golfing one day,” he said.

Mariani said the group has helped maintain the course in the past and are a bit of a legend at the club.

“You wouldn’t believe some of the weather conditions they’ve played in,” he said, “It’s been incredible.”

With most of the members of the group being older than 75, Mariani said golfing is a game which can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels.

“We got guys out here who are playing at 87 and 88 years old,” he said.

Joe Guenther, another one of the “Boys,” said he started as a caddy and than took a break from golfing while raising his family. He is glad to have been exposed to the game when he was young because he said golfing is a “lifelong sport.”

“You can’t play football when you're 78,” he said.

Mariani said he would like to see more younger people get involved in the game. To encourage the juniors to pick up the sport, the club is hosting a couple of upcoming days in June so they can try it out for free.

“You can’t get the young kids to do it, but it has been a little bit better,” he said.