(WIFR) – At this point in the year, some area golf courses would be prepping to close, but this year is different.

The 70-degree temperatures in late October are giving local courses a business boost.

“You can’t beat it; I think every golfer would probably agree and enjoy as much of this weather as we can,” says golfer Ryan Prough “I picked a weekday thinking that, you know, I’d be okay, and it was pretty packed up.”

It’s been an October unlike any other at Prairieview Golf Club in Byron. The course booked almost 2,484 rounds of golf through Oct. 22, 2024; 47 more rounds than the Oct. 2023 total of 2,437 rounds.

“We‘re on pace to eclipse 3,000 rounds, which has only been done once in our history as a course,” says Sinnissippi General Manager Scott deOliveira.

In Oct. 2000, when the course booked 3,027 rounds. DeOliveira says he is optimistic they can reach that number with nine days left in the month. Because of the warmer weather, they are maintaining the grass more and keeping their food and drinks ready, which usually drops off in October.

“It’s great. As a golfer myself, this far in, if I get a round in here and there this time of year, that’s a big bonus for everyone,” says deOliveira.

“I wouldn’t be opposed to having some 60-degree days in December if anybody wants to open up,” says Prough.

But it’s not just Prairieview that’s seen the uptick. In Rockford, all four of the park district’s golf courses have seen an increase in rounds including a 20% increase at Sinnissippi.

“You never know what the weather is going to do here. But definitely appreciated having the extra rounds,” says golf pro Ann Bloomfield.

Bloomfield says they’ve seen more rounds played after work and on the weekends.

“This year we’ve seen definitely uptick in new golfers, even from the pandemic,” says Bloomfield.

She adds a reason for the uptick in new golfers is thanks to Topgolf, a driving range which uses micro-chipped golf balls to track your distance and score.

Even with the younger seasonal staff not there to assist with more golfers, there haven’t been too many challenges with a good full-time staff.

Copyright 2024 WIFR. All rights reserved.