How do golf courses prepare for thunderstorms?
Golf courses in areas of frequent thunderstorms may have policies and procedures (such as sirens) in place to warn golfers of approaching bad weather. Sports medicine journalist Elizabeth Quinn of Verywell.com says all outdoors enthusiasts, including golfers, need to know the "30/30 Lightning Rule":
What should you do if you are stranded on a golf course?
You must get away from your cart and away from your golf clubs quickly. Stay away from water. If you are old-school and have metal spikes on, take them off. If stranded in the open, go to a low place such as a ravine or valley, or the lowest spot you can find.
What to do if you are caught on the golf course?
Scout out the locations for shelter on the golf course prior to your round. Know where to go beforehand because time could be of the essence in finding a safe place. If you are caught on the course and there is no shelter near, consider the following tips: Do not stand under tall trees or sit in a golf cart.
What should I do if there is lightning near my golf course?
Check the courses policy on lightning and if they have a lightning detection/prediction system. Many golf courses are now equipped with a lightning detection system that sets off a horn when lightning gets within a certain set distance from the course. Others have both a detection and prediction system.
What happens to Masters tickets during rain?
Tickets are valid only for the date indicated on face of the Ticket. Augusta National, Inc. (ANI) reserves the right to suspend the Tournament or close the golf course because of adverse weather conditions or for other safety reasons. In such situations, no refunds, rain checks, exchanges or replacements will be made.
Where do players stay at the Masters?
What is the Crow's Nest? The Crow's Nest is a cabin on the property of Augusta National open to any amateur in the Masters field that wants to stay there.
Do PGA members get into the Masters for free?
Class “F” Members, Associates and PGA Golf Management students do not receive complimentary admission. No PGA Member Club tickets may be collected for a future day of attendance, without exception.
Can you bring your cell phone to the Masters?
The Masters golf tournament bans cell phones and that rule is not going to change anytime soon.
Who are the most disliked players on the PGA Tour?
Top 10 Most Disliked GolfersPatrick Reed. Patrick Reed is not exactly a fan favorite. ... Brooks Koepka. Brooks Koepka is known for his attitude and the way that he feels about himself as a player. ... Tiger Woods. ... Phil Mickelson. ... Vijay Singh. ... Ian Poulter. ... Rory Sabbatini. ... Bryson DeChambeau.More items...
How much does it cost to play a round of golf at Augusta?
There are roughly 300 members of Augusta National, and being invited by one of them is the quickest way to get a round in at the famous course. Members are allowed to bring a guest on the course for a relatively small fee of $40.
Is Tiger Woods a member of Augusta National?
According to Golf Week, there are a few ways to play at the course. And getting invited by a member is one of them. However, despite being a 5-time champion at the Masters, Tiger Woods doesn't have a membership at the Augusta. The other option for Charlie to play at the Augusta would be to become a volunteer.
How much do caddies get paid at the Masters?
Most Money Made By a Caddie During the Masters With this in mind, the winning caddy will receive $207,000 for their efforts in addition to the weekly salary they agreed upon with their golfer. As a result, a caddy can make around $210,000 during the Masters.
Do caddies pay their own expenses?
How does the business arrangement typically work? Professionals' caddies, just like the golfers for whom they work, are self-employed, independent contractors responsible for paying their own expenses.
What is Amen Corner?
"Amen Corner" is the nickname given to the 11th, 12th and 13th holes at Augusta National Golf Club, home of The Masters Tournament. Those holes make up a key stretch of the back nine on the golf course, holes where exciting things often happen that affect the outcome of the tournament.
Are bird sounds piped in at the Masters?
Bird sounds are heard during television broadcasts, but there is a rumor that those sounds are artificial. "Also, there are no birds, squirrels, insects or any other living creature indigenous to planet earth at the Masters. Nowhere on the property.
Is smoking allowed at the Masters?
13. If you're a cigar aficionado, then you can continue the ancient golf tradition of smoking your stogie at The Masters. It's not as popular as it used to be, but enjoyed in good taste, it is still welcome.
Is it OK to play golf in the rain?
Yes. You can play golf in the rain provided it poses no threat to player safety, and if the course remains playable and not waterlogged. If water begins pooling on the fairways and greens, or if lightning is present, it is recommended to halt play until conditions improve.
What happens if it rains while golfing?
If rain does not pose any threat to competitors during a round of golf, play will continue as normal. However, if rain is heavy enough to place golfers in imminent danger or renders the course unplayable, then the round will be suspended until conditions have cleared sufficiently to allow play to recommence.
Do golf courses refund you when it rains?
In most instances, no. Golfers tee it up knowing full well the weather may soon turn ugly and force the cancellation of their round. If a player decides to roll the dice and pay for a round despite being aware of potential rain on the way, the golf course should not be obligated to refund their green fees.
Should I play golf after it rains?
Yes, you can absolutely play golf after it rains provided the course has drained sufficiently. Resuming golf after rain can be easier than in dry, hot conditions because the greens will be softer and far more receptive – meaning you can attack more pins and get more backspin with your wedges, leading to lower scores.
How long does it take for golf courses to dry out?
Golf courses can dry sufficiently enough to permit play within hours if they are designed to drain well naturally, or if they have proper drainage systems built into them. The biggest problem facing many golf courses is preventing water from pooling, which can slow drainage and delay the resumption of play.
Is it OK to play golf during thunderstorms?
No, golfers should not play during thunderstorms. If there is any hint of lightning present, play should always be suspended to ensure player safety – regardless of whether it’s on the PGA Tour or your local competition. Playing golf during thunderstorms can be extremely dangerous.
Final message
So, to answer the question: do golf courses close when it rains? It depends on how heavy the rain is and whether it poses threats to players’ safety, or renders the course unplayable.
finleysg
So there's a 2 hour rain or frost delay, lasting from 7:30 - 9:30. Course is closed during that window. What would you expect to be the correct policy for starting groups on the tee?
Carolina Golfer 2
At our course, no 1 is usually the way we go. In some instances ifcthere weren't a lot of mid morning times. We would try and do a Shotgun.
RobE
They'd be fools to not abide by the booked tee times relative to their actual times (think about when you show up for a doctor's appointment and have to wait for an hour or two, or showing up for a restaurant reservation and told there would be a two hour wait).
finleysg
Small sample size here, obviously, but it looks to me like a no-win situation for a golf course.
finleysg
I posted a similar topic some time back and came up with option 2 as what I thought should be how a frost delay should be dealt with. I got bombarded with negative comments.
Hawkeye77
Absent lightning or a severe storm/downpour "rain" isn't affecting tee times - don't show up for your time, it's gone, and if it happens while people are out and folks have to come in it works itself out with people leaving if it is that bad. Similarly, people just don't show if it is that bad so the tee times really aren't affected.
Greenie
I posted a similar topic some time back and came up with option 2 as what I thought should be how a frost delay should be dealt with. I got bombarded with negative comments.
What is the lightning detection system on golf courses?
Many golf courses are now equipped with a lightning detection system that sets off a horn when lightning gets within a certain set distance from the course. Others have both a detection and prediction system.
How hot can a golfer get in a lightning strike?
Some facts you might not know about lightning: Air in a lightning strike can be heated up to 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to get away from a golf cart?
You must get away from your cart and away from your golf clubs quickly. Stay away from water. If you are old-school and have metal spikes on, take them off. If stranded in the open, go to a low place such as a ravine or valley, or the lowest spot you can find.
When does lightning strike?
Most lightning incidents occur when people are caught outdoors in the summer months during the afternoon and evening (between 2:00-6:00 p.m.).
Can lightning and golf mix?
Lightning and golf do not mix. Taking a chance and hitting a few more shots or going one more hole could prove deadly. As a golf coach and instructor, some may say that I am, on occasion, over cautious.
Is it safe to stay outside during lightning?
No place outside is safe if lightning is in the vicinity. Partially enclosed shelters are not safe. If no safe shelter is available ... stay away from the tallest objects (trees, light poles, flag poles), metal objects (fences or golf clubs), standing pools of water, and fields.". Stay safe this summer, and remember, golf, ...
What to do if you are caught on the golf course?
If caught on the course and unable to get off, do not stand under tall trees or sit in a golf cart. Do not stand under a lone tree, even a small one. Do get away from the cart and away from your golf clubs. Stay away from water. If you have metal spikes, take them off.
How to stay safe from lightning on golf course?
The first step in staying safe from lightning on the golf course is awareness of weather conditions and expected weather conditions during your round. If you know that thunderstorms are possible, then you know to watch out (and listen out) for trouble.
What is the scariest thing to see on a golf course?
Lightning strike near a golf course - what every golfer fears. Richard Heathcote/Getty Images. Brent Kelley is an award-winning sports journalist and golf expert with over 30 years in print and online journalism. Lightning is one of the scariest and most dangerous things golfers will ever encounter on the golf course.
What does it mean when you hear thunder on a golf course?
If you hear thunder, it means that lightning is within striking distance.
How to avoid lightning strikes?
Go to large permanent buildings or get into a fully enclosed metal vehicle (car, van or pickup truck). Avoid trees since they attract lightning. Avoid small, on-course shelters: They are intended only for sun and rain safety. Don’t wait around for the next strike, please.".
Does lightning kill golfers?
Lightning can be a killer. And, yes, lightning does kill golfers. The number of lightning deaths per year on the golf course is small, but the United States' National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association says that five-percent of all lightning deaths and injuries in the United States happen on golf courses .
Is it safe to stay outside when there is lightning?
No place outside is safe if lightning is in the vicinity. Partially enclosed shelters are not safe. If no safe shelter is available ... stay away from the tallest objects (trees, light poles, flag poles), metal objects (fences or golf clubs), standing pools of water, and fields.". And the National Lightning Safety Institute says: