READY TO GOLF
Troy’s Frear Park opens 88th golf season
TROY, N.Y. » Fresh off the palpable buzz of Tiger Woods’ flourishing finish and remarkable victory at the Masters in Augusta, Tuesday morning marked the opening day of golf season at Troy’s Frear Park.
A longtime staple of the course for 14 years, Collar City resident Jack Stapleton christened the 88th season with a 9 a.m. ceremonial tee- off.
“I just wish [it] was a little warmer, and they only opened the front nine, but they got the course in great shape,” Stapleton said of the brisk morning wind.
“[Course Superintendent] Greg Tudor does a fabulous job and so does [General Manager] Josh Buell in the office; they got the course immaculate, and they’re going to have a great year. We just need some sunshine and some warm weather, and then we’re all set to go,” Stapleton added.
Despite the unseasonable temperatures, Troy Mayor Patrick Madden remarked on the positive of opening day as another sign of spring trying to finally break through.
“It’s a rite of spring every year to come up here and open the course. I got
“It’s a rite of spring every year to come up here and open the course. I got here about a half-hour early and there were already people lining up to get started.” — Troy Mayor Patrick Madden
here about a half-hour early and there were already people lining up to get started. We had Jack Stapleton take the ceremonial first swing this year. [People] golf here because of Jack, they come looking for him,” Madden noted of the hearty golfers eager to hit the links.
“We’re looking forward to a good season this year, hopefully, a little drier and right now the front nine is open and [the] back nine is still wet. Looking forward to a good year; the course looks good,” Madden added of the luscious looking greens on the front nine.
With 27 established leagues and more than 46,000 rounds of golf played annually at the course, General Manager Josh Buell says he’s already anticipating an uptick in memberships this year.
“Our memberships, we think are going to be up from last year. The course has improved immensely over the last couple of years, and we expect that to continue. We’re just excited. Greg [Tudor], our superintendent, has done a great job, people have seen the difference and I think things are starting to turn around here,” Buell noted of the membership and course improvements.
“Winter’s long here in upstate New York, so we’re excited to get going, it’s a little cold today, but it’s dry, that’s the most important part, so we’re getting ready to get going,” Buell added on the excitement to finally start the season.
If you’re looking to hit the links this year, season passes are available for purchase at the Pro Shop, located at 2701 Lavin Ct., from Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Discounted rates are available for Troy residents with a resident recreational ID card.
Contact the Frear Park Pro Shop at 518-270- 4553, Parks & Recreation at 518235-7761, or visit the Parks & Recreation homepage for more information.