South Florida almost made it through the record setting 2005 hurricane season, but then October 24^th came and Hurricane Wilma made landfall just south of Naples. This extremely fast-moving storm roared across the state and exited in the Atlantic Ocean without losing strength. In addition to making landfall as a strong category 2 or even category 3 storm, Wilma was quite large, with hurricane force winds extending out more than 100 miles from the center, and tropical storm force winds extending 230 miles from the center. All of South Florida was impacted, and another record was set for Florida Power and Light with the loss of electrical power to almost 6 million customers. Wilma also was the third storm in 13 months to directly hit northern Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast area.

As far as South Florida golf courses, once again, extensive tree and landscape damage was experienced. Courses from West Palm Beach south through Broward and Dade counties were particularly hard hit. The extent of damage was more severe due to the prevalence of tropical, non-native plant material that has been planted over the years. Damage to bunkers and loss of large quantities of sand from wind erosion also has been a common finding. However, with Wilma being a fast moving storm, less rain occurred compared to the September 2004 storms, and this helped, to some degree, reduce the amount of bunker washouts and sand contamination. In general, Wilma did not cause extensive, direct turf injury and damage to playing surfaces, but at many facilities not having electricity for a week or more affected being able to run irrigation systems, and this was a major post storm problem.

I continue to be impressed with the golf course maintenance crew efforts throughout the region to quickly accomplish preliminary clean-up and recovery work so that courses can be reopened to play. In some cases, it was only a matter of three or four days before debris was removed and very playable greens, tees, and fairways were provided. Within another week or two, the vast majority of facilities could open for play and some semblance of a normal routine was reestablished. However, I also am amazed and disappointed sometimes by golfer comments and complaints that show a lack of appreciation for the hard work, long hours, and sacrifices that were made so that it was possible for them to get out and play a game.

The impacts of Hurricane Wilma will continue to be experienced for many months. Preliminary cleanup and recovery efforts fully disrupt accomplishing routine management programs and practices. When combined with not being able to conduct routine irrigation, even for a few days, it is not possible to prevent the turf from experiencing some degree of drought stress. Thus, while Hurricane Wilma was only a one day event, a four to six week setback was experienced during the critical time when final preparations for the winter play season are normally underway. With Wilma hitting in late October, the growth rate of the base bermuda has slowed in response to a shorter day length and cooler temperatures. The bottom line is that the base bermuda is entering into the winter season in a weakened condition, and it really will not be possible to catch up until the spring. While often a limited commodity, South Florida golfers need to exercise both patience and understanding through the upcoming winter season.

Source: John Foy, jfoy@usga.org or 772-546-2620