Page 13 - GM summer French 2025

rough the
Weather
These radar pictures from the 2022 Shaw Charity Classic show how
fast weather can evolve and demonstrate the importance of prompt
decisions.
While lightning is a clear risk
within thunderstorms, high winds,
pluvial rain, and hail are all a possibility.
Beyond thunderstorms, superin-
tendents should also consider their
risks around wildfires, heat, high wind
events, and even early or late-season
snow. With all weather hazards,
consider the potential risk to course
management, operations, financial
health and safety. Include impacts on
golfers, crew, vendors, and spectators.
2. Weather risk trigger chart
Once you have identified the risks,
determine at what level “triggers” an
official response. Include details of
each response for clarity. For
example, it is recommended to
shelter in an enclosed building when
lightning is detected within 13
kilometers. This would trigger a
notification to suspend play and a
mandatory course evacuation. An “all
clear” would typically be triggered at
least 30 minutes after the last strike
within 13 km occurs, based on
recommended practices.
Golfers are used to playing in
windy conditions, but winds above
40 km/h can create safety hazards.
High winds can pick up and move
loose objects such as golf balls, carts,
umbrellas, and trash. Strong winds
can also cause trees or large branches
to fall, like the 2023 incident at the
Augusta National where three
enormous pines slowly fell next to
each other near the 17th tee.
Fortunately, no one was hurt by the
incident.
Understand weather descriptors,
such as isolated, scattered, and
widespread , to inform trigger
responses. For example, probability
is the likelihood of precipitation
occurring at a given time at a given
location. In a very basic sense, if 10
models are used to determine the
forecast and two of those models
show rain occurring at a location at
the same time, there would be a 20%
chance of rain.
A 20% chance of showers and
thunderstorms may be low but could
have a high impact. Is it a 20% chance
of an isolated shower or a 20%
chance of a widespread severe
thunderstorm? These descriptors
have significant differences that
could impact safety. Even with only a
20% chance, have a plan ready to go
and execute if needed.
3. Weather risk timeline
Determine how long it would take to
identify the weather risk, take
preventative measures, such as delay
start times, or reschedule course
application and communicate to
decision makers.
In the event of taking shelter or
evacuating safely, consider:
•  How many total people are at the
event, including crew, players,
spectators and vendors.
•  The time it would take to notify
those at risk.
•  How long it would take to get all to
a safe location.
Plan for the most extreme
circumstances. For example, how long
does it take to get from one end of the
course to the clubhouse? Consider the
possibility that the clubhouse is not
accessible, and spectators need to go
to their vehicles. How much time does
that add to safely evacuate?
4. Pre-determined safe locations
Often, this is the part of the plan that
leaves participants exposed to weather
risks. They may not know where to go
swiftly or retreat to unsafe places. A golf
cart, under a tree, or open sided picnic
shelters are not safe locations to shelter
from thunderstorms. According to 2020
National Lightning Safety Council
report, many lightning victims were
either headed to safety at the time of
GreenMaster • CGSA •
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