It's hard to believe, but the recent wave of cold has splashed into regions of the Gulf Coast. Although it may seem more normal to hear that folks in cities like St. Louis, Missouri are having to brave a low of 2 degrees today, the severity of the recent cold front becomes apparent when residents in Orlando, Florida are warned to dust off their heavy winter coats (if they have them). As a result, the already crippled golf hotspots are having to brave yet another financially compromising variable.
According to Weather.com, the National Weather Service has issued a wind chill warning, among other advisories and watches, in response to temperatures forecasted to drop into the mid twenties overnight. Florida Governor, Charlie Crist, has even declared a state of emergency in response to the damage that the falling temperatures might have on the local crops.
Florida's economy is significantly impacted by the golf industry. According to the PGA Village's website, there were approximately 32.8 million rounds played on Florida golf courses in 2008. This past February at the Governor's Mansion in Tallahassee, Florida, Crist recognized golf as "A major economic driver in Florida, with approximately 1,300 golf courses employing 56,000 people and generating $1.4 billion in wage income." Florida is the most visited golf destination in the United States, but has suffered a tremendous blow due to the nation's financial woes, and the state's faltering real estate market. A cold snap, like the one being experienced by some of the state's most famous tracks, is exactly what the state's golf industry, and its economy as a whole needed the least.
Of the two courses that were contacted this afternoon, both communicated that they had to either cancel and/or alter their scheduled tee times due to the extreme cold. Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Orlando, Florida cancelled play today, and will resume play tomorrow at noon. Grand Cypress anticipates postponing play tomorrow until 10.
Although Al Gore may be curled up near his solar-powered heater enjoying a part of the globe that seems to be far from warming, Gulf Coast vacationers, and members of the region's various Chambers of Commerce are cold and blue.
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