Heavy rains turn golf course into wetland

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KNYSNA NEWS - More than 160mm of rain has fallen over the Knysna Golf Club in the month of May.

This significant amount of rain has led to closures of the course spanning as much as six days at a time, leading to major losses for the club.

It has since reopened, but only to walking golfers. By Sunday 21 May, the club had measured a total of 167mm.

The golf course is located on an area bordered by George Rex Drive, Howard Street, Kennet Street and Wilson Street. The land on which it lies is a low-lying area surrounded by marshlands, which results in a particularly high water table beneath the surface, even in dryer times.

When it rains, the water table rises even more, which can lead to flooding of the course.

Heavy overnight rain

This is exactly what happened last Thursday, 18 May, after no less than 85mm of rain had fallen overnight.

A further 5mm fell on Thursday, but the damage had already been done by then as the golf course had been flooded beyond the point that it could be used for anything other than water sports. While the entire course was adversely affected, holes 9, 10, 13 and 18 were the worst. Management of Knysna Golf Club was forced to close the course to all forms of play.

Not an easy decision

According to the general manager of Knysna Golf Club, Meyer du Toit, this is not a decision that they made lightly, as it has a significant impact on not only the club but various other individuals and organisations too.

"The caddies are not employed by the golf club. They are essentially employed by themselves, and rely on income from the golfers paying them when they play a round on the course," Du Toit said.

"There are also the various golf days that we are set to host - golf days where some are due to benefit charity organisations, and if we have to close the course because it's flooded, then that means no fundraising for that charity. The course being flooded impacts a lot more than just the club."

Photos: Blake Linder

Reopening of the course

The course was closed on Thursday 18 May, and was only reopened yesterday, Wednesday 24 May. But, despite the fact that the course has been closed, the club has not been sitting idly by.

"We've been very proactive and have used this time to the best of our abilities.

"We've been able to catch up and get more admin done, we've spruced up the clubhouse a bit," Du Toit explained.

"Most importantly, our ground staff have been incredibly hard at work to get the course ready for reopening. We want to always get the course open as quickly as possible, and their incredible work has allowed us to do so."

PHOTO GALLERY: Heavy rain falls in Knysna

Although the course has been reopened, it was only for walking golfers and not to golf carts.

"We can't take the risk of golf carts causing any further significant damage to the course, because it's still effectively drying out," Du Toit explained.

"And with the possibility of more rain coming, we really want to take care of the course as best we can."

The Par 5 13th hole was riddled with puddles and large pools of water.