Cold Weather Hurting Golf Game at Local Courses

YAKIMA, Wash. -- Cold weather still has a grip on the Yakima Valley and it's not just growers who are feeling the effects. The cold weather is also causing problems for local golf courses.

People at Apple Tree Golf Course in West Valley aren't even calling this spring. The cold weather is unfortunately keeping golfers off the golf course and workers on it.

"Golfers, they're nutcases anyways sometimes and they'll come out and play in 35 degree weather, but they don't expect it this time of year," said Head Golf Pro. Cindy MacNider.

Workers aren't too happy either. We went down to the back nine of the golf course where staff has been working hard aerating the greenways. Many of them are frustrated with the weather because not only is it slowing their work down, but Grounds Supervisor Jose Rodriguez says they don't know how to prepare for the it.

"In one day you have snow, rain, sun, and wind," said Rodriguez.

Usually aerating the greenways will take only three days but the dramatic conditions have stretched it out over a week. Which means they have had to keep half of their holes closed to golfers.

"It'll be tomorrow morning before we have all 18 holes open again," said MacNider.

Cindy says even with business being down, they're sales are still up. They've held numerous junior tournaments throughout April that had to go on no matter what the weather was like.

"Those poor kids were playing in some of that hail the other day and snow," said MacNider.

Cindy says May is their big month and right now they're crossing their fingers that this weather doesn't stick around.

MacNider stated, "If it continues into the month very long it will definitely affect us more than it already has."

The golf course remains open here so if you are willing to brave the conditions you may just end up having the whole course to yourself.

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