Village Greens Golf Course is now open.
Monday, March 10, was the first day of the season and 60 golfers hit the course during the day to play golf for free in the rain.
“The turnout went very well despite the weather,” said Billie Schmidt, superintendent of operations at the course.
The golfers participated in the closest to the pin contest. The winners were Paul Berman and Tracey MacIntosh.
In addition to the contest, Bruce Weir, the new golf professional at the course, offered free instructional clinics at intervals throughout the day.
Weir, who also is the new contracted merchandiser at the course, has more than 35 years experience as a PGA golf professional, including holding the positions of assistant golf professional at Lake Padden Golf Course in Bellingham, Monroe Golf Course and Everett Golf Course, as well as the head golf professional at Cascade Golf Course in North Bend.
Schmidt said hours at the course during March are 8 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Wednesday through Monday. The course is closed on Tuesdays for maintenance.
She said as the day becomes longer, the course will open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the summer. The course will close the weekend after Thanksgiving Day.
The course and pro shop, owned and operated by Kitsap County Parks Department, recently improved and renovated the golf shop.
Schmidt said the golf shop renovation project included remodeling the upper room into a rentable lounge area. The room will receive a makeover through deep cleaning, painting and making repairs to the walls, ceilings and floors.
The lower room, which will house the main entrance, will offer golf apparel and merchandise for sale. The county has contracted with Weir to provide merchandise for sale at the shop and to provide lessons for all levels. The projects will provide a new accessible entrance and ADA restroom.
The parks department is seeking partners to help defray the costs of both phases of the project.
In 2009, the county took over the golf course and has made renovations to improve playing conditions.
Village Greens Golf Course, located on Fircrest Drive SE, is a public 18-hole executive golf course with a driving range and practice putting and pitching greens.
“Village Greens Golf Course is a hidden gem in the community,” Schmidt added.
