The sun melts away the massive snowfall in North Platte and gives hope for fun times on the links.

The moisture certainly brings the picture of green grass growing and providing us with great times through the spring, summer and into the fall. Rivers Edge Golf Club in North Platte offers a great opportunity for a fun round of golf, swimming and the fine food offerings at Another Round Restaurant on site.

The tournament schedule lists the dates of some of the most popular tournaments in the North Platte area including the Flat Rock Scramble on May 20-21 and the Ambassadors Classic on Aug. 12-13. In between are several choices including a Central Nebraska Seniors event on May 18.

The date for officially opening the course has not been set yet, but as the temperatures rise and the turf dries out, Bear Jorgenson, general manager, and Owen Schmoldt, course superintendent, will make an announcement once everything is ready for play.

If you’ve not played the course, it is a fun course with some challenges and yet when played from the tees that match your skill level, certain to provide a fun outing. Tee times are strongly recommended by calling the Pro Shop at 308-532-7550.

The toughest hole on the course is No. 10, a par 3 with a green that slopes from back to front and a grass bunker front right. You don’t want to be long on this hole and have to chip onto a downhill slope that will make your work for a bogey inevitable.

No. 11, however, is an opportunity to pick up a birdie if you don’t get too greedy and try to fly the pond to the green. Hit it in the fairway and leave yourself a short 100-125 yard shot to the green and a birdie is possible.

Hole No. 4 will challenge your patience with a pond in play to the left of the green. It is a tough par 3 that also has out-of-bounds on the right. It’s better to be short and leave a short chip up than to go in the pond or out of bounds. Check the wind, which can push your shot right or left and into the trouble. Nevertheless, it is a fun hole.

No. 8 is a par five that tempts the long hitters to go over the two ponds in the middle of the fairway. It takes a pretty big shot to clear the ponds and the smart play is to lay up short of the first pond that will leave about a 175-180-yard second shot to the green. Eagle is always in play as long as you stay out of the frog domain.

The next toughest hole is No. 9 because of the canal that runs across the fairway about 50 yards from the green. If you hit a big drive, then it is possible to clear the water. If not, a layup shot to about 100-125 yards would give you the best chance for at least a par.

There is a good driving range and a putting green for golfers to have the opportunity to warm up or practice before the season goes into full swing.

A Tuesday night men’s league is a boatload of fun. Two-man teams play a scramble each week over nine holes and handicaps are taken into consideration. A GHIN handicap is required and can be established at Rivers Edge if you don’t already have one.

It’s time to get ready for some fun with friends and family. If you have any questions, call Bear or the Pro Shop.