‘Hopefully Friday’: Pine Knot Golf Club ready to open as temperatures rise

Golfer Paul Ponte hits balls on the range at Pine Knot Golf and Country Club on Monday, March 10, 2025 (Brent Lale/CTV News London)

As players hit balls on the range, staff at Pine Knot Golf and Country Club (PKGCC) in Dorchester, Ont. are preparing to open for play.

“There is still a lot of snow on the course, but we’ll hopefully look to open by Friday if these temperatures stay up and the sun stays out,” said David Kaminsky, superintendent at PKGCC.

In 2024, PKGCC had close to 2,500 rounds in January and February, but this year they have been closed since New Year’s Day.

The grounds at the club have a large sand base, so it drains well.

After a long break, golfers are calling in constantly asking for tee time availability.

“I’ve kind of been getting the itch to get outdoors a bit, instead of being cooped up inside,” said Paul Ponte, who was hitting balls on the range at Pine Knot. “If they get open Thursday or Friday, we might try to get a tee time.”

It wasn’t just golfers who were enjoying the double-digit temperatures in London on the warmest day of 2025.

Hundreds of walkers, runners, and cyclists were hitting the trails at Springbank Park.

“I was like, you know what, I’m not going to the gym today and I’m going to get out and get some vitamin D and just feel good,” said Kevin Koprowski, who was out for a walk. “It’s just nice to get out and enjoy the sunshine.”

At Boler Mountain, children were taking advantage of March Break to hit the slopes.

“It’s just getting out on the hill, and it’s just nice to get out with friends,” said Graham Chatterson, 13, who was snowboarding.

It’s been a long winter for those itching for the season to change, but it’s been great for the ski business.

“Probably one of the best [ski seasons] this century and best one in my memory,” said Marty Thody, manager at Boler Mountain.

With the sun rising over the mountain, and double-digit highs and potential rain predicted this week, it could be the end of ski season.

“We’re hoping to be open to the end of the month,” said Thody. “We have a good snowpack, but we’ll see what mother nature deals us.”