Gleneagles Enjoying Increased Play in June

One of the worst Aprils in Northeast Ohio weather history was not exactly what Bryan Mineard had in mind for the opening of the 2011 golf season.

"It was the worst spring we have ever had since I've been here," said Mineard, the general manager and PGA golf professional at in Twinsburg. "It took us almost a month to get all of our maintenance done."

Fortunately, a kinder and gentler month of June has brought golfers out in droves as Gleneagles is already experiencing an increase in rounds from this time last year. But the golf season in Northeast Ohio is a short one, so the weather remains a constant factor.

"There's no such thing as catching up in the golf industry," said Mineard. "You're open 15 hours a day, seven days a week. Hopefully Mother Nature will cooperate – the last two weeks have been great."

Gleneagles, which opened in 1990, is ranked as a 4.5-star course by Golf Digest and is rated as one of the best area courses for business golf by Inside Business. The course plays at over 6,500 yards from the back tees and features water hazards on 11 holes along with enough sand to make play challenging for all skill levels.

"It's definitely a shot-maker's course," said Mineard. "You've got to keep it straight here because there's not a lot of room for error. We have big greens but they challenge your putting."

Golfers, like everyone else these days, like to get a bargain along with a round of golf and Gleneagles fits the bill, particularly for Twinsburg residents who receive $5 off the regular rates of $44 for 18 holes and cart during the week and $49 on weekends. Resident senior players get a special $25 rate and Tuesdays are Ladies Days with resident women playing for just $25.

Other special deals offer a $36 rate for 18 holes and a cart after 2 p.m. on weekends and a $10 rate for players who want to golf evenings after 6 p.m. And all city residents also receive a five percent discount on season membership plans.

Gleneagles has also become a prime destination for outings of all sizes. "We are averaging about three outings per week, more than we have ever done before," said Mineard. The course arranges outings for families, charities and corporate groups and provides a pavilion/tent area for after-golf ceremonies. Golfers who participate in outings also receive a 10 pecent discount in the fully stocked pro shop.

To get in some practice prior to your tee time or work on your game after a round, the Gleneagles driving range is the place to be. Mineard and assistant pro Glenn Cunningham are available for lessons and the course is offering junior golf programs for ages 7-17 June 20-23, July 5-8, July 18-21 and Aug. 1-4.

Tee times are available by calling 330-425-3334. For golfers, there is no time like the summer. After all, it will be snowing before you know it.