By Tayleigh Davis - bio | email
ALBANY, GA (WALB) - Even though Albany had a nice little thunderstorm Thursday, the state climatologist says mild drought conditions still exist in a dozen counties in our area all south or west of Albany.
He expects the conditions to get worse and put stress on streams, crops, and grass.
After an afternoon thunderstorm, golfer Bubba Bert and his friends are able to finish up a round at Doublegate Country Club.
The rain may have cooled things off temporarily, but this summer, Bert says has been brutal.
"It's always hot and I say it's never too hot on the golf course but it's tested my theory the last month," said Bert.
Pro Shop Manager Ed Everett says the summer months have been particularly slow.
"It's unbelievable and you're sitting there with indexes above 110," said Everett. "We have ice and towels for the golfers to wrap around their necks when they come around and make the turn."
Eight ice cold water fountains are stationed throughout the 18-hole-course. Everett says the heat, more than the drought, has affected his business.
A new superintendent joined the staff to keep up the Bermuda Grass which holds up in the heat better than cool weather grass. Everett says the greens are looking better everyday. It's good news for Bert who comes out to Doublegate-rain, heat, or shine.
The rain gauge at Doublegate read about half an inch. That's enough to keep the course moist and healthy for the next day or so. Several golf courses near Atlanta closed temporarily because of dry, hot weather. They use Bentgrass that doesn't hold up as well in extreme summer weather.
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