LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – Pleasant weather on the horizon has golfers of all skill levels ready to get back into the swing of things.
I visited Michigan State’s Forest Akers courses this past week and spoke to Bryan Harris, the General Manager of the courses, to find out what goes into keeping both maintained for play as the spring gets underway.
“We did a little bit of work this last fall on our other golf course, and it seems to help a little bit,” Harris informs me. ”We do drain into the Red Cedar River, so if the river is high, it’s one of those things.”
He says that nighttime temperatures above freezing are a big help when cultivating the courses so that chemicals can keep the grass disease-free throughout the year. This is most critical after the first mow of the season.
While ensuring proper drainage and healthy grounds are necessary for enjoyable play, one of the top priorities at Forest Akers is sudden disruptive and severe weather safety.
“The lightning is a really big deal to us, as it should be for anybody doing any outdoor activity,” Harris says.
When lightning is within ten miles of the course, management notifies all patrons and carries out their dangerous weather policy. This keeps the course clear until 30 minutes after the last strike.
Forest Akers also employs a GPS system that sends a notification to anyone in a golf cart to come off the course when required. Harris says the staff also drives around to make sure everyone is aware.
“Not everybody rides a cart, there may be some walkers and we help get them in off the golf course.”
Staying weather aware yourself and planning ahead goes a long way towards having a good time.
“Always be prepared when you come to play golf,” Harris advises. “I think, if you bring an umbrella, it’s never gonna rain, one of those things.”
Good things to keep in mind when you’re out enjoying a great round of Michigan golf, where hopefully it’s just the weather you need to dodge–not any golf balls.
“Just come enjoy wherever you play,” Harris adds.
“Golf is a wonderful game and it’s fun to be outside with the beautiful surroundings we have in town here.”
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