Tell one friend you’re going for a few spring runs to close down the ski season, tell another that you’re cleaning the grooves on your clubs for nine holes to open the golf season. They’ll both happen this weekend at Holiday Valley. Resulting from the weird spring weather in western New York is a sporting season collision at the resort in Ellicottville. The snow groomers assemble to push together the last vestiges of winter’s coat on a few hearty slopes while the mowing crew does its work on the front nine along route 219.

To every season, turn, turn, turn

To every season, turn, turn, turn

The golf course opens for play on Saturday over its front nine holes. The first hole, still covered in snow in the photo above, will be replaced by the “New York State” hole, a recent addition to the layout. The green’s shape mirrors the outline of this great state and plays as a par three. The tee sits uphill from the green, near the entrance road, while the putting surface lays in the shadows of the Tamarack Club, adjacent to the 9th green.

 

There's nothing you can't do, now you're in New York!

There’s nothing you can’t do, now you’re in New York!

 

The resort will offer special early season package rates through May 14. A one-night, two-day golf package starts at $132 per person and includes lodging, 2 rounds of golf, cart, unlimited range balls, club cleaning and storage and an arrival gift. This price is based on double occupancy at the Inn at Holiday Valley. In addition, for the veteran crowd, the Monday Senior Package for $31.95 includes 18 holes of golf, cart, a hot dog, chips and soft drink. Seniors are age 60 and up and tee times are available from 8AM to noon.

If your golf muscles aren’t quite as limber as your snowboarding quads, Holiday Valley offers the Phil Ritson-Mel Sole Golf School, with first session beginning on May 15. A 3 day school with morning or afternoon classes  and 3 nights of lodging starts at $664.50 per person, double occupancy. The Phil Ritson-Mel Sole Golf School has been named by Golf Magazine as one of the US Top 5 Best Golf Schools.

Hard to believe that winter and spring can co-exist, even for one solitary weekend. Get out for a unique doubleheader in Ellicottville at Holiday Valley resort.