Worst weather year ever for golf?

John_Findlay

John_Findlay

Tour Winner
Joined
Jan 15, 2007
Messages
3,487
Location
Edinburgh
Visit site
Is it just me or has this year's weather been the worst ever for our glorious game? Wind, rain, nae sun! I can't remember a year where I've cancelled so many rounds.

Got me thinking. If I were to emigrate to a better climate, based solely on my desire to play golf, where would I go? The USA? No chance. Too many issues. Australia? Why? Full of Australians. South Africa? Hmmmm

Any thoughts?
 
I've been thinking about this as well and the I've came to the conclusion that the primary reason I haven't already emigrated is because I would find it extremely difficult to find as good a course as I play just now for the same money. In fact I'm pretty sure it's damn impossible.
Therefore I've put the thought of leaving out of my head and I am trying to come to terms with the fact that I am condemned to play in the pi*hing rain for all eternity.
 
I've certainly can't recall it being this wet in my golfing career

I suppose it could have been worse in that weather hasn't actually stopped me from playing (ie I have had to cancel a game that I have arranged) but I cant count the number of 'glorious' days on which I have played (since May) on one hand!

odd to think that three years ago my home club lost its fairways because of the hot dry weather!

as for emigrating - IMHO no where outside of the UK has the variety and quality courses we do so you'd be swapping better weather for worse courses
 
Hey Atticus, it's character building!

I have to agree. In spite of the weather I think it's safe to say that we are rather spoiled for fantastic golf courses on our little island...and at prices that are the envy of the rest of the world.

If I were to move away I would miss our classic links courses; the swish of waterproof trousers in July; Sair Heid events in the freezing cold on 1st January; buggy-free courses; light drizzle; wind that makes you get on your knees to tee the ball up and allows the odd 400 yard drive; signing a guest onto your course for a fiver; and (most importantly) REAL Golf Clubs full of REAL golfers who live for the game and know what it's really all about.

.....mind you, the odd trip to Portugal wouldn't go amiss!

Oh, by the way, I've a tee time booked at Kingsbarns tomorrow. What's the weather forecast?......sunny spells.

I'll be taking the waterproofs, then.
 
I've played in Spain and Portugal many times over recent years and I can tell you that on several occasions I have had to wear my full waterproofs, (I always take them) either to keep dry, or simply keep warm. At Penina last year, we had to abandon a complete day because of rain. The course should have been closed, but they keep it open to avoid refunds. What we expect in the UK is climate, but what we get is weather.

If you are thinking of getting better golf overseas, I must warn you that Club golf is not the same in many holiday countries overseas. There is little time allocated to the members - if indeed they have a membership - and Club competitions are few. Competitors are usually following groups of novices who insist on putting out a 12. I know because I have played with some of them. That's why I always go with a UK organised tournament, to be sure of playing with Brits with proper certified handicaps. I thoroughly recommend Bill Goff Golf Tours. I have been joining their Tournament Weeks since the around '86, and enjoyed them all.
 
Wet weather is part of the deal I reckon - imagine if you played on a links all year and never got wet. What would happen to that glorious feeling of being in the bar soaked through with a pint in your hand and the satisfying glow of having taken on the elements...and being able to sit back and watch others embark on their own weather-mission!
 
anyone who might have read my blog (I must admit entries have been pretty sparse so you may well have missed it!) will know I played up and St Andrews recently and encountered the worst weather I have ever played in - soaking halfway down the 1st, brolly snapped at the 8th, grips were like glass despite having a caddie.

the only thing that saved me from not letting go of the club on every shot was an all weather glove called something like a 'swinon'. It was loaned to me halfway round by one of the guys in the fourball who had a spare. Basically the wetter it got the better it gripped!
 
Wettest for 250 years - so it can't get much wetter can it. Have given up on this summer and am treating it like spring ie never take waterproofs or umbrella out of bag. Going to have to get one of those gloves though!
 
Hello all

Spare a thought for the greenkeepers, who still have to prepare a course in this horrendous weather. In the years I have been lucky enough to manage golf courses, I have never been so challenged.
It’s been an immense difference from the summer of 2006, although that year offered a very different challenge. I suppose my profession has similarities to the great game of golf, as the weather changes so to the challenge.
Enjoy the sunshine I know I am!!
 
Atticus_Finch you are a genius - yes that's exactly the one I was wearing but have to fess up and say i thought it was called a siwon and was doing all sorts of google searches to find a page for it -

if only I had turned the writing upside down!

I'll get my coat

Mike H
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

1
West Coast Golf Trip
Replies
12
Views
7K
patricks148
patricks148
A
Latest R and A/USGA advice on WHS
Replies
0
Views
814
Aussie Swinger
A
D
Carnoustie Report
Replies
18
Views
4K
Crow
Crow
Captainron
Go South for a golf holiday!
2
Replies
28
Views
5K
Liverbirdie
Liverbirdie
Pathetic Shark
CAME DOWN GOLF CLUB, Wessex
Replies
0
Views
2K
Pathetic Shark
Pathetic Shark
Top