Golfers will head out to Highland Park on Jan. 1 for fun in the snow. (Photo by Zach Dietmeier/WJBC)

By Zach Dietmeier

BLOOMINGTON - The winter has arrived but that won’t stop the 40th Annual Snowbird Open at Highland Park Golf Course. Superintendent of golf operations Jason Wingate said one thing that remains uncertain every year is the weather.

"We've had anywhere between 65 degree weather to people playing in eight inches of snow," said Wingate. "Regardless, we'll still play, and we're looking forward to people coming out to play golf."

The 40th winter event this Jan. 1. The annual New Year’s Day golf event is a unique opportunity to hit the links in the dead of winter.

"It just started off 40 years ago as an excuse to get out on the course," said Wingate. "What better way to kick off the New Year than playing golf?"

The nine-hole tournament begins with registration at 9 a.m. All are welcome and the entry fee is $2. Carts will also be available, depending on weather conditions.

Zach Dietmeier can be reached at zach.dietmeier@cumulus.com.