The mercury climbed to 72 around 4 p.m. Wednesday, shattering the Albert Lea record for March 14 of 64 degrees set way back in 1911.

Several golfers were on the links because many area golf courses are open. The Tribune called around the region Wednesday afternoon and the ones that answered the phone to say they were open were:

• Clarks Grove Golf Course, 76783 270th St, Clarks Grove

• Green Lea Golf Course, 101 Richway Drive, Albert Lea

• Oak View Golf Course, 25177 665th Ave., Freeborn

• Riverview Golf Course, 15590 240th Ave., New Richland

• Wedgewood Cove Golf Club, 2200 W. Ninth St., Albert Lea

The record high for March 15 is 68, set in 1927. The record high for March 16 is 88, set in 2003. The record high for March 17 is 76, set in 1894.

Highs for the Albert Lea are forecast to be in the 70s for the coming week.