HERMON, Maine — "The Spring 9” is open at Hermon Meadow Golf Club, despite a forecast of more snow to come as soon as Monday.
The threat of more snow in the week didn’t stop folks from parking their cars bumper to bumper Sunday to enjoy nine holes at the Hermon club with friends.
For many, it was their first day of the season back on the course after hibernating all winter.
For others, they came out as soon as word spread of the club’s re-opening back on April 1st.
"Two of us played last Monday and then the other two joined us today," said Hermon resident Joe Johnston. "This is our second go."
Johnston has golfed at the Hermon club since the early '90's.
He said early April is always the same.
"Wet and muddy," said Johnston through laughter.
Still, Johnston said teeing off in the mud is better than the alternative.
"It beats sitting at home all winter," said Johnston. "That's what's exciting about it."
"They're the first ones to come when we open and they're the last ones," said Hermon Meadow Golf Club's owner, John Snyer, of Johnston and his friends. "They're playing when the snowflakes are coming down at the end of the year."
Snyer aims to open for the season each year on April 1st, but admitted opening day is rarely the same day twice.
"It all depends on the weather and how the snow melts," said Snyer. "Last year, we couldn't open until the third week of April, I believe. Three years ago we opened in March. Some years we've been open until Christmas."
It was a full house Sunday of folks sneaking in a round while the sun was out despite the threat of more snow to come.
"They've been cooped up all winter and they want to get out and stretch their legs and have a good time," said Snyer.
"This is just exercise, swinging, getting your muscles so that they know what it's like to swing again," added Johnston. "There's a lot of guys out there walking around, chugging through the mud, and hitting the ball. It's what we do."
If it's what they do well was a whole other question Sunday as most of the golfers struggled to get back in the swing of things.
Hopefully in the coming weeks, the weather will improve for these overzealous golfers, and their shot will return as well!