The destructive path that Hurricane Irma cut through the Florida peninsula on September 9 and 10 will be remembered for some time to come. The impact the storm had on agriculture and tourism in the state will be felt for years. It is reported that our state legislators are seeking $27 billion in Hurricane Assistance from Washington.
Irma did not spare the golf industry, as numerous courses suffered significant damage across the state. I have spoken to many superintendents and the reports vary from feeling fortunate to have suffered only minor issues to those less fortunate that have been setting up plans for weeks to come to restore conditions on their courses.
Wind and rain wreaked havoc across much of the state with flooding and uprooted trees commonplace from Naples to Jacksonville. I have heard reports of as many as over 1,000 trees toppled at a facility and another report of storm surge more than 6 feet that engulfed a course completely. Power outages that exceeded two weeks were also relayed. As the golf season approaches, there is much to accomplish outside the realm of typical agronomic practices.
I have had the opportunity to visit a number of facilities and see firsthand the issues that superintendents are facing as they work back to a sense of normalcy. The best of superintendents’ fortitude has been on display as progress is being made daily. One superintendent relayed the following analogy: “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!” And so it goes as he is working through the worst that Irma had to offer.In my visits, I have been impressed by the planning and implementation of these plans superintendents have displayed in their herculean efforts to reopen their facilities. Every day, another course opens nine or eighteen holes and golfers can once again enjoy their rounds at their local venue.
On another front, I have also had the opportunity to work with our GCSAA members in this time of personal need. Through the GCSAA Disaster Relief Program, I have been able to assist members who have suffered personal losses by putting them in touch with GCSAA headquarters where financial support may be provided. I have been touched by the generous donations of chapters, businesses, and individual members who fund this program. The fund was established in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast. Contributions go directly to assist members in need. The interactions I have had with the members who have suffered personally will leave an indelible memory for me. On one occasion, a member had lost his entire house. He was so moved by the outreach effort from GCSAA that he declared that the phone call from me and the birth of his first grandbaby which occurred the same week were the two best things that had happened for him since the storm. We are not able to replace entire homes but we can extend a little support to help get members headed back in the right direction.
If you find yourself in a time of need, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at rdain@gcsaa.org and I will be glad to assist you and put you in touch with the appropriate individuals at GCSAA headquarters. Also, if you would like to donate to this very worthwhile cause, you can either email me or call GCSAA headquarters directly at 800.472.7878. Your donations will continue to support our members as other circumstances arise such as the wildfires currently impacting Central California.
On a final note, I am always so impressed with the camaraderie that exists in our industry and the genuine desire to assist one another in times of need. I am glad to offer my assistance in any fashion that may be helpful. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you!
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