TREES IN BLOOM and prep golfers on the tee in season-opening matches signal a collective victory over the forces of winter.
That’s exactly what’s occurring this week, with cherry trees flowering and boys and girls golfers from area schools playing their initial competitive rounds starting Thursday.
The golf season has arrived on the North Olympic Peninsula, and a host of tournaments are planned.
But first up, a meeting.
Discovery Bay ladies
The Discovery Bay Ladies Golf Association’s preseason meeting is set for Thursday at 10 a.m. at Discovery Bay Golf Course near Port Townsend.
All current members of both the nine- and 18-hole groups are encouraged to attend, as are any women interested in joining the group.
Club dues and handicap index fees are due and can be paid at the meeting.
The course’s clubhouse deli is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., so lunch will be available after the meeting.
The Discovery Bay ladies play on Thursdays throughout the golf season.
SkyRidge tourneys
SkyRidge Golf Course in Sequim will don the green Saturday for an early celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.
The course will host its 10th annual Shamrock Scramble on Saturday, a four-person team event with a 9:30 a.m. shotgun start.
Cost for the tourney is $160 per team, or $40 per player.
The entry fee includes 18 holes of golf, a mulligan stew lunch, range balls, KPs and a long-putt contest on the 18th hole.
An optional honey pot is an additional $40 per team.
Best-dressed prizes will be awarded to players who come costumed as leprechauns or wearing Irish-themed gear.
Cart seats are available for $15 each.
Golfers should register by Friday by phoning 360-683-3673 or by visiting the course.
Gut Buster on deck
SkyRidge also will host the Gut Buster tournament Saturday, March 19.
This individual medal play event features three divisions playing from three separate tee boxes.
The men’s division will tee off from the black tees, a 6,529-yard layout.
Men ages 65 and older will play from the green tees, a 5,960-yard test.
Women will hit from the silver tees, which measures out to 5,737 yards.
The first tee time is 9 a.m.
The $65 entry fee includes three KP holes, a long-putt contest on hole No. 18, 18 holes of golf, lunch, range balls, a honey pot and a practice round Friday, March 18.
There will be two pin placements on every green except on holes nine and 18.
Players are encouraged to create foursomes for the event.
For more information, phone SkyRidge at 360-683-3673.
Cedars plans events
Cedars at Dungeness in Sequim will host its nine-hole spring night golf tournament Saturday.
The two-person scramble begins with dinner and a keg party in the Legends Room at 6:30 p.m.
Nine holes of golf using glow-in-the-dark golf balls will begin with a shotgun start at 7:30 p.m.
An awards banquet closes out the fun at 9:30 p.m.
The entry fee is $80 for the public and includes the green fee, party, awards and glow-in-the-dark balls and glow sticks.
Players should bring their own golf clubs.
Awards for the most outrageous outfits also will be given.
KP and long-drive contests also are part of the plans.
To sign up, phone Cedars at 360-683-6344.
St. Patty’s Day Shootout
Cedars will get into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit with a Par 3 Challenge tournament Thursday, March 17.
The event will crown winners in individual gross and net divisions.
The entry fee is $55 for the public, or $38 for members/employees.
This fee includes KPs on every hole, green fees, competition fees, range balls and Irish dinner and drink tickets after golf.
Honey pots and giveaways also are planned.
Tee times are available from 10 a.m. to noon.
A purse of $750 will be available based on a full field of 45 players.
The event is open to players with a handicap.
In the spirit of the day, a two-stroke penalty will be assessed to players not wearing green.
For more information phone 360-683-6344.
First month free
Port Ludlow Golf Club is offering a special for new members throughout March.
New members who join the club in March will receive their first month of golf for free.
For more information, phone the Port Ludlow pro shop at 360-437-0272.
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Sports reporter Michael Carman can be contacted at 360-452-2345, ext. 57050 or at mcarman@peninsuladailynews.com.
