b'GOLF ALASKAmowed too low, so that helped the overall appearance of the golf course.One of the unique aspects of the Matanuska-Susitna Valley is the earlier arrival of spring than the most populous city in Alaska, Anchorage. Palmer Golf Course typically can open their course earlier due to a convenient location that has more favorable temperatures and increasing sun exposure during the spring months. We are hoping to get open by mid-April, temperatures are still pretty low but warm enough that snow is typically gone, Collum says. But people are just excited to get out. The sun sets over Pioneer The course cant open soon enoughPeak, which towers behind after the long winter for golfers thatPalmers first hole. call the 49th state home. An earlier opening also allows the course to host events sooner. One of the unique aspects of the course location and length is the ability to host a U.S. Open local qualifier every spring at the end of May. This years local qualifier9pm in June. If you have some warm weather and is set for May 19, the last day for USGA local qualifyingyou got water, it can grow. We get almost 24 hours to be completed. It also marks the official opening ofof sunlight, and you get exponential growth. At that the Alaska Golf Association tournament schedule. Atime, youre just trying to keep up.fast and furious season, more related to a 100-yardAs the grass starts to fill in during the long summer dash than a multi-month-long season you might findmonths, scores begin to show just how dedicated some in other states. The AGA is tasked with completing itsgolfers are in this northernmost state. Last years 2024 competitive season over a 4-month window.club champion Nick Brawner was able to win the event Its a big deal, Collum says of the U.S. Openwith a score of 1-under across two days; while the qualifier. You want to try and produce a golf coursemarquee event of Palmer Golf Course, the two-day thats conducive to some scoring. Typically, overPalmer Invitational, has had winners as low as 7-under. the years Ive seen the scores range from 66 to 73.Ten-time state champion Greg Sanders has had Usually, the years that have scores around 72-73 aresuccessful events throughout his time in Alaska, and accompanied by some tough weather. Palmer Golf Course sticks out for one reason: A As the season moves on, one of the agriculturalpushover on a 70-degree windless day, and a beast with hubs of Alaska starts to blossom into beautiful greena 40-mph north wind blowing in your face, he said fairways and wonderful putting surfaces. In June,with a grin. July, and August youll see a better golf course,The desire to get outside and play has built a unique Collum says. As the temperatures consistently staycommunity that prides itself on a friendly atmosphere warm it becomes a race to keep on top of the growingopen to all regardless of age or skill level. The golf season in Alaska with golfers able to tee off as late ascommunity is really tight knit, its very social, people GOLF ALASKA| MAR 20257'