In the mind of a Southern Minnesota golfer, April is special for a plethora of reasons.  It is not merely another month on the calendar nor is it one that sneaks up on you.  Its arrival is revered, anticipated and earmarked on the schedule every year.  It is a sign of progress after making it through yet another grueling winter.  April signifies Spring, warmer days on the horizon and time to knock the cobwebs off the golf clubs…it’s go time!

As I am writing about Spring being in the air, Brooktree Golf Course and Havana Hills in Owatonna are already open.  Owatonna Country Club will inevitably be soon as well.  It’s tee markers beautifully lining the freshly cut grass.  Every golfer has that added pep in their step knowing they have successfully hurdled the worst that Mother Nature has to offer and are ready to pound the fairways.  We may not have seen the last of the white stuff, but we know the worst is in the rearview mirror.

As we progress into April, the quintessential playing of the 92^nd Masters is eagerly approaching.  The Masters provides a little something for everyone – golfer or not.  Like the Super Bowl, if you aren’t watching for the game itself – you can take in all the collateral pomp and circumstance in many other ways.  The Masters is yet another avenue to continue the excitement of another season kicking off.  Watching this fabulous tournament is like going to a pep rally for a local sports team that has advanced to the state tournament – it only makes you that much more pumped and ready to get after it!

I talked with an avid golfing friend of mine just a week ago who pre-ordered a package online that would deliver a slice of the flavors you might experience if you found yourself at Augusta.  A little taste of pimento cheese or egg salad to spread on your sandwich while taking in the tournament with friends or family was the way they intended to enjoy their watch party on Masters Sunday.

Inside Swing Golf Owatonna has provided another way for golf enthusiasts to enjoy the Masters and gear up for the season.  The third annual Masters Tournament – simulator style – consists of playing 18 holes on the virtual version of Augusta National.  In the two-person scramble format, you and your teammate can play your round anytime between March 23 and April 12 (Sunday of the Masters).  Flight winners receive green jackets – mimicking what the winner of The Masters will receive if victorious on Sunday in Augusta, Georgia.

I have often participated in a Masters pool which, like March Madness, allows anyone to participate.  Golfer or otherwise, it keeps the four rounds interesting for anyone involved as you simply hope that everyone you chose in your bracket not only makes the cut but ideally makes some noise on the weekend.

An even more exciting way to continue getting amped up this Spring is to experience your first-ever hole-in-one.  My 2003 Owatonna High School classmate (Will Brittain) did just that on March 29.  He found himself on a Spring getaway in Branson, MO during Spring break week with family and friends.  He carded a one on the ninth hole of the Mountain Top Course – which is part of Payne’s Valley.  The 127-yard challenge was conquered by Brittain using a gap wedge.  I confirmed that he had carded two eagles in the same round before while playing Brooktree Golf Course, but this was his first career ace.  Welcome to the hole-in-one club, Will Brittain!

As the local golf courses continue to green up, they are shedding their layer of brown like that of a snake shedding its skin.  That dormant look fades as we all prepare to embark on another invigorating season of the best sport known to man – golf!  Let’s go!

Until next month, hit ‘em long and straight – and most of all have fun!