While not nearly as dramatic as Shakespeare, or as artful as the novelist John Steinbeck, for many, this is shaping up as the winter of our discontent.
Snow skiing at longtime favorite ski parks on Mt. Shasta and Mt. Ashland are currently out of the question; fruit trees, seemingly oblivious to the freezing weather that is sure to come, are beginning to bloom; the occasional buzz of a mosquito can be heard; and even robins are ignoring the calendar and searching for worms in the (relatively) warm soil.
One spot that is embracing the clement conditions is Sevillano Links at Rolling Hills Casino in Corning. The north state’s unseasonably warm winter is attracting a lot of golfers from chillier climes, according to Lori LaGrande, Sevillano’s director of golf.
“Actually, right now we’re busier than we were in December. We’re getting a lot of people traveling through from Oregon and Washington and they think it’s beautiful out here,” LaGrande said. “We’re also getting a lot of folks from the Westwood and Chester areas, who are coming down out of the mountains because their courses are closed.”
December’s rain and January’s sun have combined to put Sevillano Links in tip-top shape. The Bermuda grass in the fairways is currently dormant (and brown) while the lush rye grass rough perfectly outlines the preferred landing areas.
During a recent round, a friend with significant sight challenges said the two-tone effect actually made it easier for him to line up his drives and approach shots.
“It would be nice if Mother Nature would give us more rain,” LaGrande said. “If not for anything else, I know our customers would appreciate it,” she said, referring to the area farmers who frequent the golf course and casino. Sevillano Links is irrigated with water from its own wells, she added.
Even though it often feels more like June than February, winter conditions do sneak in from time to time and golfers should be prepared. “There’s generally a slight breeze, so definitely dress accordingly. Bring some layers. It’s always cool in the mornings so definitely layer up,” LaGrande said.
While rain has not been a problem, fog does show up from time to time and it will delay morning rounds until 9 a.m. or later. “You can’t see your ball and our maintenance crews don’t want to be hit from a stray ball they can’t see,” she said.
Neither rain nor fog is expected to dampen the mood on Valentine’s Day when Sevillano Links will host a Sweethearts tournament. The two-person couples scramble tees off at 10 a.m. with a shotgun start. Closest-to-the-pin prizes and other surprises await.
Golfers who venture out on Presidents’ Day (Feb. 16) will be treated to a complimentary small bucket of range balls.
Also in the what’s-new department, Sevillano Links has sweetened up pricing structure. Weekday green fees are now $40 and weekends are $50. Golfers from Shasta, Tehama, Butte and Glenn counties receive a $5 discount. All green fees include a cart.
To book a time, call (530) 528-4600 or visit www.sevillanolinks.com.
Jon Lewis is a freelance writer living in Redding. He has more than 30 years experience writing for newspapers and magazines. Contact him at jonpaullewis@gmail.com.
