Heavy rains turn golf course into wetland

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GOLF NEWS - More than 150mm 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 fell 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.

PHOTO GALLERY: Heavy rain falls in Knysna

The pathway up and down the first and 18th holes could not be used as it had been flooded.