Calgary golfers are gearing up for spring battle as the city prepares 2 courses to open on Friday

This weekend in Calgary, fairways are mowed, trash is cleared, and another golf season begins on the greens.

The city of Calgary announced Wednesday that it will open the full 18 holes on Friday at two city-owned courses, McCall Lake and Maple Ridge.

There are also plans to open a Par 3 course at McCall Lake later.

“It's early season golf, we just want to get Calgarians playing golf,” said John Faber, director of golf. “The winter hasn't been too harsh and things are looking good.”

This golf season comes after several courses, such as Maple Ridge, opened for a period of time late last year during an unseasonably warm winter.

That didn't disrupt plans to prepare courses for the usual April start, Faber said. However, they are still not in good shape.

There is still some moisture in the low areas due to drainage, the ground has not completely thawed, and some bunkers and shaded areas are still snowy.

“The greens will be a little slower because we're not at the height of summer,” he said.

But it's a money-saving opportunity for avid golfers.

“We're going to be on an offseason or maintenance rate,” Faber said. “So it's not the full rate.”

He said he would stop charging full grades until he felt the courses were in good shape.

Friday's opening day is weather dependent. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada's forecast, the day will be mostly sunny with a high of 15 degrees.