How much has it rained? Golf course goes from 8 million gallons for irrigation to zero

Sarah Lehr
Lansing State Journal

LANSING — The sprinklers at Michigan State University's Forest Akers Golf Courses have sat dormant this season.

"Mother nature has taken care of that for us," course Manager Bryan Harris said.

In an average year, Forest Akers would have used between 8 and 10 million gallons of water by the end of June to irrigate its two courses at Harrison Road in East Lansing and Forest Road in Lansing, course superintendent Ron Lewis said.

This year, Forest Akers has used zero gallons.

That's unprecedented over the 31 years Lewis has worked at Forest Akers. The courses typically pump water from university-owned wells.

"It's historic in our eyes," Lewis said. "We've had wet years, sure, but we've never seen a year like this with so many inches of rain in such a short time period."

Rain has been falling in mid-Michigan at a record-setting pace.

Lansing got 7 inches of rainfall so far this June, nearly 5 inches more than what is typical. 

RELATED: June rainfall totals on record-setting pace in Lansing area

Unintentional water hazards around a grove of trees by the 2nd green, seen Thursday, June 20, 2019, at Forest Akers West Golf Course in East Lansing.  The course was closed today.

Rain takes toll on Greater Lansing golf industry

Because sunshine has been scarce, golf courses haven't had time to dry out between rain showers. There have only been six "clear" days in Lansing this month, according to the National Weather Service.

Forest Akers closed Wednesday and Thursday as workers deployed every available water pump in an attempt to soak up flooding. The Groesbeck Golf Course in Lansing also closed Thursday.

The Timber Ridge Golf Club in East Lansing remained open for business Thursday, although gloomy weather forced the business to cancel two major events this season.

Michigan's golf season, which typically extends from April to early November, is short to begin with. A few rainy weeks can have a profound effect on the industry's bottom line.

"It's been unbelievable to be honest with you, " Timber Ridge manager Jason McCutcheon said of the weather. "It's really difficult on business all the way around."

Hardcore golfers will brave the elements in plastic ponchos and waterproof shoes, said John Rogers, a professor of golf turf management at Michigan State University.

"There's an old saying — we have golfers and we have people who play golf," Rogers said. "The golfers are still out there."

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Golf managers pray for sunny weather

Nonetheless, fewer people playing golf means fewer people buying gear at pro shops. It also means fewer people stopping at the club bar for a beer after 18 holes.

That's why managers like Harris and McCutcheon are praying for dry weather.

The forecast doesn't appear to be on their side.

Friday is expected to be sunny in Lansing with temperatures as high as 71 degrees. But, there's a 30% chance of thunderstorms Saturday and a 50% chance of thunderstorms Sunday.

To quote the cult classic Caddyshack, "I don't think the heavy stuff's going to come down for quite a while."

Water completely covers a low spot on Hart Highway east of Creyts Road on Thursday, June 20, 2019, in Lansing. Steady rain over the night Wednesday and into Thursday has caused some area roads to close.

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Contact Sarah Lehr at (517) 377-1056 or slehr@lsj.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahGLehr. 

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