Erie County Golf Courses Opening Day

April 11, 2009

Special Gift for Veterans

Despite some late season snow earlier this week, the Elma Meadows and Grover Cleveland Golf courses are now open for business in Erie County. The opening comes 9 days earlier than the 2008 season. Before 2008, the courses did not open until May 1st.

Parks Commissioner James Hornung said, "Our staff has been at the courses for the last 6 weeks trying to get them ready for an early opening. The dry March weather has helped in this effort and I am not concerned about this late snow fall." He added, "Both courses will be adding organic fertilizer to their normal program this year. Our intention is to add more organic in years to come to help make the best golf turf in the area."

Thanks to a new program, veterans will receive free golf balls at the Erie County Courses this summer. The county Veterans' Service Agency, Parks Department, and Bunkers in Baghdad will provide the balls. Active duty and retired military personnel simply produce a valid membership card from a veteran's service organization. Bunkers in Baghdad is a local not for profit agency that has shipped more than 100,000 golf balls and golf equipment to our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"We are very grateful to Joe Hanna and his organization, Bunkers in Baghdad, for their programs serving our military personnel deployed in support of the Global War on Terrorism and for the support of our veterans in Erie County. This free golf ball program is just another way of saying thanks to all who have served our country," said Veterans' Affairs Commissioner Patrick Welch.

Tee times are available seven days a week through an automated phone-in system for Elma and Grover Cleveland Golf courses. Callers may access the system by calling (716) 652-8555 twenty-four (24) hours a day for reservations up to seven (7) days in advance .The annual subscription fee is $40.00 and is good until October 31. You may download the Tee Time Brochure at http://www.erie.gov/parks/pdf/tee_time_brochure.pdf for more detailed instruction.

During the 2008 season, the two courses hosted 70,000 rounds of golf, with 1,600 season passes sold. The County is willing to hold golf tournaments at either course. For more information, call 858-7037.

Season passes range from $210-$420, with special discounts for seniors and youth. Golfers may download permit applications online at www.erie.gov/parks or call 858-8355. The website contains a complete list of pricing options.