Lawrence’s public golf courses are cashing in on a warm January, as golfers turn out to enjoy in-season conditions at off-season prices.

At Orchards Executive Golf Course, golfers are lining up to pay winter rates of $7 apiece – never mind that frequent temperatures in the 50s and 60s are becoming more the norm than exception this winter season.

Owner Ed White managed to keep his place open for 28 days in January, enough to bring in at least $6,600 in business for the nine-hole course at 3000 Bob Billings Parkway.

It’s quite a warm-up from last year, when an especially frigid and ice-laden January left his course open only for four days, enough to attract 116 golfers who spent a combined $836.

“I should be charging ’em $10 now,” White said with a laugh, quoting his normal greens fees for play. “They’re getting a hell of a deal, and that’s why I’m getting all this business. :

“It’s the best January I’ve ever had in my 13 years here, so I’m anticipating a blockbuster year. I’ve just got that feeling.”

Golfers practice their swings this week at the driving range at Alvamar Golf Course. Warm weather has boosted business at area golf courses. The average high temperature for Lawrence in January was 52.5 degrees - the fourth warmest on record and up from the average of 39.2 degrees.

Rounds also are up at Alvamar Golf Course and at Eagle Bend Golf Course, the 18-hole municipal course below the dam at Clinton Lake. The courses generally remain open year-round, regardless of all but the most harsh of weather conditions, and players have responded.

Summertime “regulars” who normally keep their clubs in the garage for the winter are breaking them out early these days, said Daniel Brumley, who works in the Eagle Bend pro shop. The busiest tee times are from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., enough time for morning frost to melt away and still allow players to comfortably squeeze in 18 holes before sundown.

“Usually we’re just dead and trying to get ready in January – stocking inventory, cleaning up and getting ready for the new year,” said Brumley, in his fifth year working at the city course. “It’s a blast getting more people out.

“Kansas being 60 degrees in January? It’s just ridiculous.”