Getting out to play has been a matter of picking the right days.

We picked a day with sunny skies and temperatures in the sixties to make a return visit to Dunegrass, a club we hadn’t played for a couple of years. Being near the coast this club is a good bet in mid to late October with fewer frosts likely than further inland.

A relatively new course, this layout has matured into a first- class track and ongoing clearing in the woods has made it more forgiving.

It was the first Dan Maples course in Maine (The second being the new 18 at Natanis), and with its layout around some wetlands and ponds has the kind of feel we expect in the South where most of Maples’ courses are located. Fairways and greens were in fine shape, although the greens were very fast.

Not taking the time to hit some putts resulted in leaving some strokes on the greens.

Behind the counter in the pro shop we met up with Jim Veno who shares Director of Golf duties with Ted Vallee. Those of us who followed golf in the early sixties remember Veno’s remarkable run from 1960 to 1965. He won the Maine Junior title in 1961, sandwiched between Maine Amateur championships in 1960 and 1962. He also won the Maine Open as an amateur in 1962 and again as a pro in 1965. Jim has returned to amateur status now as his work at Dunegrass is operating the pro shop and not as a professional golfer. The course will shoot for the second week in November with the old nine-hole course remaining open until the snow flies.

The next two outings were partly in search of foliage. Monday we made a return to Sunday River with cameras in the cart and Wednesday headed for Belgrade, also with camera.

Sunday River hasn’t advertised relying on word getting out to enough golfers to make up the limited play desired on this new nine. The back nine is just about complete and will be ready for play next year. If time permits, we will get back for at least a ride around that nine. If the leaves hang on for a few more days this is a spectacular show and a fun layout.

Our trip to Belgrade was to see what has changed since our last visit, which we realized was two summers back. As we reported two weeks ago the five year plan has been completed and the results are impressive. All those things that are left to finish after a course opens have been done. Tees have been added with some holes having as many as six or seven options. Only four are set up for play each day but the possibilities for tournament play are endless.

Attention to detail with brick paved turnouts at most holes, more walkways and stone work, turning hazards into fairways, and clearing brush have made this top-rated track even more player friendly.

GM Kyle Evans said they continue to get play from all over the world thanks to the high ratings the course gets from top golf publications. Having a course with that kind of reputation is a big help in making Maine known as a golf destination.

With the weather we’ve had the past two weeks, it seems as if the season could go on indefinitely, and one place it will continue until the snow stays on the fairways is Fairlawn. David Bartasius told me the idea is to go directly from clubs to skis. Events are scheduled into November with a Veteran’s Day Scramble on the 7th and the annual Turkey Scramble Sunday, Nov. 14.

This is also a great time for bargains and we couldn’t miss the Fairlawn ads of “Two golfers with cart for $40.”

Another interesting event at Province Lake is a chance to help a good cause and enjoy a tournament at a great price. The 5th Annual Big Birdie Golf Tournament is set for Oct. 24 and you can enter the scramble by bringing a 15-pound frozen turkey or a $15 gift certificate from either Shaw’s or Hannaford. The event will benefit Agape Ministries to provide relief for needy families. The club will provide pizza and refreshments after the tournament which will start with a 9 a.m. shotgun. For information, call 1-800-325-4434.

Locally, Bob Darling says Fox Ridge has had a busy season when the “sun was out”. He was pleased with a three fold increase in lessons and is looking forward to the Pumpkin Scramble and open house Oct. 31. This is a fun event with odd pin placements (Last year in the water on five) and it’s a bargain. The $25 entry fee includes green fees. Sign up as individuals or a team for the 9 a.m. shotgun. Call 777-4653 for information on the event.

The folks at Poland Spring said they would be open until Oct. 30, weather permitting. That weather permitting is always something to consider. We should get some more good days and the trick is to arrange the work schedule to take advantage of them. Here that means working evenings and some real early mornings to free up the warmest part of the best days.

Dave Irons is a freelance writer who lives in Westbrook.