High School Spring Golf Season in Minnesota: The Pros and the Cons

Minnesota is a beautiful state known for its pristine lakes, lush forests, and stunning golf courses. With the arrival of spring, golf enthusiasts are eager to hit the greens and take advantage of the warmer weather. However, spring golfing in Minnesota can be unpredictable, with changing weather conditions and course conditions. I have had many years of being a parent to high school golfers and it is unpredictable each season.  There are pros and cons to golf being a spring sport in the high schools.

CONS

1. Winter doesn’t seem to end until late April or May.

One of the main challenges of the high school spring golf season in Minnesota is the unpredictable weather. The last few years, winter doesn’t officially end until late April or May in Minnesota, which means that golfers can face cold, wet, and even snowy conditions on the golf course. This can make it difficult for players to get into a rhythm and perform at their best.  The weather in Minnesota can be unpredictable, and it is not uncommon for tournaments to be postponed or even cancelled due to inclement weather. There were years where all April tournaments were cancelled and then everything is jam-packed into May.  Additionally, the spring season is shorter than the summer season, which means that high school golfers may not get as much time to practice and compete as they would like.

2. The temps can go from one extreme to the other.

Another challenge of the high school spring golf season in Minnesota is dealing with the extreme weather conditions. The temperatures can fluctuate from one extreme to the other, leaving golfers uncertain about what to wear and how to prepare for their matches. On some days, the temperatures can be in the 70s or 80s, which is perfect weather for golfing. However, on other days, the temperatures can be in the 40s or even lower, leaving golfers shivering on the greens. To mitigate the challenges of the weather, it’s important for high school golfers to come prepared with layers of clothing to stay warm and dry, as well as to stay hydrated and nourished throughout the match. My kids pack a lot in their golf bags to be prepared for anything.   Sadly, it’s April 10, 2023 and only today, most of the snow have melted.  The kids have all been practicing indoor since March.  The indoor golf dome has been overfilled with high school golfers every afternoon since mid-March.  

PROS

1. Less competition with fall high school sports.

One of the benefits of the high school spring golf season in Minnesota is that there is less competition with fall high school sports. In the fall, high school sports like football, soccer, and cross-country are all competing for attention and resources. This can make it difficult for high school golf teams to get the attention and support they need. However, in the spring, there are fewer sports competing for attention, which means that high school golf teams are more likely to get the support they need to succeed. This can be a huge benefit for high school golfers who are looking to improve their skills and compete at a high level. Overall, the high school spring golf season in Minnesota has many benefits, one of which is the lack of competition with fall high school sports. This can give high school golfers the opportunity to shine and succeed in a less crowded environment.  Additionally, the beauty of the landscape during the spring season can add to the overall golfing experience.

2. Great prep for summer junior golf tournaments.

The spring golf season in Minnesota can be a great opportunity for high school golfers to prepare for summer junior golf tournaments. The spring season allows golfers to practice and compete in a more relaxed environment before the pressure of summer tournaments begins. It also provides a chance for high school golfers to work on their weaknesses and improve their game before the summer season. One of the key benefits of the spring season is that it helps to build endurance and stamina. With the weather still being relatively cool and the courses often still being wet from the winter months, playing golf in the spring can be physically demanding. This can help golfers to build their strength and endurance, which will be beneficial in the long run. Another benefit of the spring season is that it provides an opportunity to get used to playing on different courses. The spring season allows golfers to compete on different courses, which can help them to develop a better understanding of how to approach different types of courses. 

While there are some challenges to the spring season, the benefits outweigh them in the end. With proper preparation and a positive attitude, high school golfers can still enjoy a successful and fulfilling spring golf season in Minnesota.