Hurricane Milton had a significant impact on golf courses across the Florida Peninsula last Wednesday and Thursday, with some courses reopening fully and others still waiting for water to drain before allowing players. Despite the devastation caused by the storm, many golf courses are vital to Florida’s economy, with the state having over 1,200 courses serving nearly 1.6 million players and an economic impact of $8.2 billion in 2022. Additionally, more than 132,000 people work in Florida’s golf industry.
The primary issue for most golf courses affected by Hurricane Milton was flooding rather than wind damage. Some areas in Florida received almost two feet of rainfall overnight, leaving several courses submerged in water. The aftermath of Hurricane Milton was particularly challenging as it followed Hurricane Helene, which caused significant damage in Florida just two weeks prior before moving on to other states.
Courses such as Forest Lake Golf Club in Ocoee near Orlando experienced extensive water damage, with standing water on many holes resembling ponds rather than puddles. To accommodate the conditions, operators adjusted the layout, playing certain holes as par 3s to avoid saturated areas. This is a common scenario across Florida as maintenance crews work to restore normal playing conditions.
Many golf courses along Hurricane Milton’s path have varying degrees of damage. Streamsong, home to three top-ranked courses, was largely unscathed and reopened promptly after the storm. In contrast, Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Orlando is still dealing with flooding and tree damage, delaying its reopening. Similarly, Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor has reopened some dining options but has not yet fully reopened its golf courses.
Southern Dunes in Haines City reopened with minimal damage after the storm, benefiting from its location on rolling sand dunes that aid in drainage. PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie has reopened two of its courses, while Orange County National in Winter Garden reopened quickly, demonstrating resilience in the face of natural disasters. Grand Cypress in Orlando has partially reopened, with plans to fully reopen as stormwater recedes.
Private clubs, such as Mountain Lake and The Concession, are in areas hit hard by Hurricane Milton. Belleair near Tampa lost numerous trees but has reopened one of its courses, while neighboring Pelican Golf Club is set to reopen soon. The LPGA’s The Annika Driven by Gainbridge event scheduled for November at Pelican Golf Club demonstrates the importance of swift recovery for golf courses in Florida.
In conclusion, Hurricane Milton had a significant impact on golf courses in Florida, with flooding being a major concern for many facilities. Despite the challenges, the golf industry in Florida plays a crucial role in the state’s economy and livelihoods of many residents. As courses work to recover and reopen, the spirit of resilience and determination shines through, highlighting the importance of golf in Florida’s recovery efforts.
