Hillcrest Golf Club is opening for the season this weekend.

Yes, we’ve heard that before.

Barring an unforeseen change in weather – there is a 30 percent chance of rain Friday, but highs are forecast for 58 on Saturday and 62 on Sunday – the course will open Friday for practice and Saturday for play.

Again.

The public course on the mesa east of downtown Durango tried to get going for the season Feb. 20. It stayed open two days, then was shut down by a major snowstorm. By Feb. 25 the course had been re-groomed for cross-country skiing. It was the first time Hillcrest ever opened for golf, then reopened for skiing, at least in the memories of superintendent Ken Kirby and his predecessor, Rick Kern.

“It was pretty unique,” club pro John Vickers said Wednesday morning.

The public was treated to another 10 days of cross-country skiing in a dry year where skiing at Hillcrest was usually not an option.

Barring another snowstorm, the course will open daily – for golf – beginning Saturday. There may still be a few snow patches around, but the fairways look fine, Vickers said.

“The course is drying much quicker than we could have hoped,” Vickers said. “We’re ready to go.”

On Friday the driving range, practice areas and pro shop will open at noon. On Saturday the pro shop will open at 9:30 a.m. and tee times will begin at 10 a.m.

For tee times call 247-1499 or book online at www.golfhillcrest.com.

johnp@durangoherald.com