Jeff Elseth, manager at Green Lea Golf Course in Albert Lea, didn’t think twice about making Friday the 13th the 2001 season opener.

Saturday, April 14, 2001

Jeff Elseth, manager at Green Lea Golf Course in Albert Lea, didn’t think twice about making Friday the 13th the 2001 season opener.

He figured it would rain anyway.

It did, of course, but that didn’t stop the opener at Green Lea, which joined Albert Lea Golf Club and Oak View Golf Course as area facilities officially open for play last week.

&uot;We’re opening on Friday the 13th, I don’t know if that’s a good sign or a bad sign,&uot; said Elseth.

He does know it’s later than recent years – during which, he says, golfers have probably been a bit spoiled – but about average overall.

&uot;Given a 20-year history, this is probably closer to an average opening date,&uot; said Elseth. &uot;I think the last three or four years we’ve been able to open in March, but that’s something you traditionally don’t plan on.&uot;

Elseth does plan on water this time of year and, of course, there is some on the course. Though all 18 holes were open, carts were not allowed as of Friday.

&uot;It’s a little wet, as to be expected,&uot; said Elseth. &uot;But it’s playable. The course came through the winter in excellent shape. The greens are in excellent shape. Other than a little standing water, the course is in great shape.&uot;

Conditions were apparently not as wet at ALGC, where owner Larry Norland reported all 18 holes open and carts allowed on Friday.

&uot;We haven’t had any problems so far,&uot; said Norland. &uot;It’s a little moist in areas, but the course is pretty darn good for this time of year. It’s been a long winter. Hopefully, it will be a long summer.&uot;

Norland’s course opened Tuesday, as did Oak View near Freeborn. Though Oak View closed Wednesday and Thursday because of rain, manager Jim Beach said the course was busy after 10 a.m. Friday.

&uot;We’ve got some wet spots,&uot; said Beach. &uot;We’re not allowing carts. But everyone seems to be having a good time.&uot;