Storm Aftermath: Golf Courses Face Open and Close Rollercoaster in Florida
Orlando, Florida – The winds have died down, but the troubles for many residents here still continue in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. This storm played a tricky hand as it rolled across the Florida Peninsula last Wednesday and Thursday, leaving behind a patchwork of closures and challenges, especially for the numerous golf courses that dot this sunny state.
In the wake of Hurricane Milton, Florida finds itself grappling with significant challenges. With more than 400,000 residents still without power, the situation in the hardest-hit areas can only be described as dire. In many neighborhoods, food and water supplies are running critically low, while residents endure long lines at gas stations. The fight to restore power is in full swing, with thousands of electric crews racing against time to turn the lights and air conditioners back on.
Amidst all this chaos, you might wonder why anyone would think about hitting the golf course. But remember, golf isn’t just a pastime in Florida; it’s a $8.2 billion industry that impacts the livelihoods of over 132,000 people. As families and businesses look for ways to recover, many will turn to golf courses as a means of escape and leisure.
Water Woes: The Main Problem for Golf Courses
The real culprits for the damage caused by Hurricane Milton weren’t so much the winds, but the staggering amount of rain it dumped in such a short time. Some areas of Florida saw nearly two feet of rain fall overnight! For golf courses, especially those in low-lying areas, that translates to serious flooding—and in many cases, courses remain under water even days after the storm.
For instance, at the Forest Lake Golf Club in Ocoee, just a stone’s throw away from Orlando, players found themselves navigating courses that resembled lakes more than fairways. I had the chance to play there on Sunday, and let me tell you, it was challenging! Course operators had to create a patched-up layout, turning par 4s and 5s into 3s to sidestep soaked fairways, all while keeping an eye on the rising waters around the greens.
Course Closures and Reopenings
With hundreds of courses across Milton’s path, the situation has been mixed. Some have reopened without a hitch, but others are not so lucky. For instance, Streamsong Resort, home to three top-ranked courses, reported that it experienced none of the major damages, and the courses are set to reopen on Tuesday. Talk about fortunate!
On the flip side, golf enthusiasts hoping to play at Bay Hill, known for hosting the Arnold Palmer Invitational, will have to hold their horses. The club is waiting for floodwaters to recede before they can announce their reopening plan. In fact, they’re dealing with water pooling around its sixth and seventeenth holes—not exactly ideal for a round of golf!
At the Innisbrook Resort, home of the Copperhead Course, things look a bit more optimistic. About nine holes have reopened, albeit only limited dining options are available as cleanup efforts continue. Meanwhile, the renowned Southern Dunes course southwest of Orlando bounced back quickly, reopening its doors after minimal damage.
Gradual Restoration of Normalcy
As rounds of golf start up again, players will find conditions might still not be perfect. The grounds crews are sprinting to restore normal playability, and players can expect a mixed bag of open and closed holes.
For a comprehensive look at the state of golf courses post-Milton, it’s clear that although there are some bright spots, many facilities are still grappling with the impact of flooding and damage. While some might think it’s absurd to focus on golf when so many are suffering, let’s not forget how incredibly vital this industry is to Florida’s economy—and to the spirits of those eager to return to the greens.
So whether you’re an amateur looking for some fun on a weekday or a seasoned pro wanting to get back for your next tournament, keep an eye on your favorite courses’ social media updates. Reopening times will surely vary as we all brace for a slow but steady return to normalcy in this sunny golf paradise.
