SUPERIOR - For Superior's Bill and Cory Hesselgrave, coming together on the golf course has become their tradition.

"My son was on the golf team at the high school and we started to come out on Sunday nights just for practice," says Superior golfer Bill Hesselgrove, "just got back up from college. we come every Sunday. Rain or shine."

"We try to get out as much as possible," says Superior golfer Cory Hesselgrave, "I guess I try to beat him but that don't always work out."

It's a bond also shared by Minnesota Duluth student Tony Companion and his father Ernest.

"This is our time together, this is our special time," says golfer Ernest Companion, "His grandfather golfed at the University of Minnesota, so we had clubs in his hands since he could walk. It's a great family outing for us."

This offseason has been longer than most for golf enthusiasts who've just been waiting for the chance to pull the pin on the new season.

"Taken a long time," says Hesselgrave, "Last year we were swinging in March and now it's taken 'til May."

"Normally courses gonna open up by April 15," says Companion. "Give or take. We're pretty excited to be out, it's been a long time coming."

It's one of the latest starts to the golf season the Twin Ports have ever seen.

"The latest I've heard from guys going back about 60 years is about May 7," says Lester Park Golf Course PGA Pro Paul Schintz, "so this is a late start."

When area courses finally opened, golfers wasted little time before swinging away.

"I think I've probably played six rounds in Point," says Cory. "This is the first round in Superior. Coldest by far."

"Third time this year," says Bill, "golfed leagues the first couple times so it's nice to get out with no pressure."

It's a chance to return to the sport and continue the family tradition they love.

"We brought the sticks and committed to play," says Ernest, "We're ok with the weather. It's not snowing."

Greens, fairways and family golf has found its way into their souls.

"I'd rather use my brain out here on a golf course than in school," says Cory, "on every little piece of your swing has to be right to hit it straight."

It allows an escape into the northland's Great Outdoors.

Saturday is Missing Children's Day in Minnesota

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