The uptick in temperatures throughout metro Detroit couldn’t have come at a better time if you’re looking for a chance to get outdoors.
With Presidents Day on Monday, many locals are finishing up a three-day weekend. At Rackham's Golf Course, golfers are hitting the course for a few rare strokes in the middle of winter.
“It’s terrific,” said Richard Milks. “We definitely love it. We’ve been playing for about 10 years now, me and my golf partner, and I don’t think we’ve ever golfed in February.”
According to Nash Pater, who managers a handful of courses for the city of Detroit, more than 450 people fit rounds in this past weekend. The crowds continue to flow into the golf course on Monday as the temperatures stayed above 50 degrees.
“We enjoy it as much as you guys, if you can believe that,” said Pater. “Anytime it’s over 50, 55 we will take tee times and make sure you guys are taken care of.”
Pater said that traditionally the course opens when they climb above 40 degrees and conditions allow it. However, it’s rare to be able to open for an entire week like they will this time.
“We’ll play the weekend by ear, it’s supposed to get a little chillier, but we’re hopeful.”
So many people were trying to fit in a round of golf this week that the city also opened Rouge Park. That course will close Tuesday, but will re-open Wednesday through Friday for golfers looking to knock some rust off their golf game.
“It’s just great to be out here,” said Milks. “I’m enjoying the weather. It’s perfect.”
What makes for a truly odd twist, is that a number of local ski hills remain open too. Over at Mount Brighton, people were still filing in to ski despite unseasonably warm conditions.
“It’s probably something you won’t find many places outside of Michigan,” said Pat Schutte, who does public relations for the skiing resort. “We’ve still got good snow, so we’re still running people up and down the hill.”
The odd winter will continue through the week. Current forecasts show a chance for rain Monday night, but the start of the weekend appears to be pointing toward highs in the mid 50s, with temperatures only dipping to the upper 30s overnight.
