SINGIN' IN THE RAIN.....

Some much needed rain duly arrived last week, welcomed by greenkeepers, farmers, water companies and everyone except golfers visiting the Sunshine Coast for some relief from the dire weather currently being experienced in the rest of Europe. But at least temperatures were mild, offering some reward for those who ventured forth, despite some erratic and often mistaken weather forecasting. In many cases, fair-weather golfers missed out, especially on Thursday & Friday (17th/18th), when the weather defied all predictions by being warm and sunny, albeit slightly breezy. They should remember that golf is an open-air game which can be played in almost any conditions, the only exceptions being a waterlogged course or the threat of lightening.

Nevertheless, more of our golf administrators are now recognizing that if we wish our visitors to return, it is pointless to expect them to venture onto the course in torrential rain which is likely to prevent them completing their round. After all, the reason they pay good money to come and play winter golf here on the Costa del Sol is to enjoy their game, not to catch pneumonia. Congratulations to those golf directors who accept that it is better to lose a few green fees now, than to lose hundreds next year, as unhappy golfers decline to return, knowing that they risk the choice of being thoroughly soaked or forfeiting their green fees.