VASSALBORO, Maine (WABI) – Have you noticed the blue skies and warm temps during the week but when Saturday comes around it’s rainy and you are stuck inside? Well, so are golf courses who see most of their customers on the weekend.
“12 weekends in a row if it rains this Saturday. Up to this point, we’ve had 11 weekends that it’s rained,” stated Part-Owner of Natanis Golf Course Allen Browne.
Natanis in Vassalboro is a fourth-generation family run operation. It’s the only 36-hole course in the state.
They look to welcome anybody on the golf course, you don’t have to be Tiger.
“We sort of pride ourselves on being able to be friendly to all golfers, whether any skill level or age and we can accommodate them,” commented Browne.
The problem is the rain drives customers away especially on the weekends.
“We have shut down four Saturdays which is a big deal for us. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in May is the busiest time because during the week there aren’t that many people around yet,” added Browne.
When fairways are too wet, sometimes courses will require golf carts to stay on designated paths. A deterrent to golfers, specifically older ones.
“Carts is huge for us especially. If you don’t have carts, you limit your play probably by 40-50 percent,” claimed Browne.
The rain also has been crushing maintenance workers. Browne says the crew is currently two weeks behind schedule.
“The biggest thing is the conditions they’re working in because it’s raining on them so they’re cold and it’s raining,” said Browne. “We have rain gear and stuff but it’s just not that much fun.”
Natanis also has a heavy reliance on its restaurant, but after four hours in the cold rain, folks are more likely to go home than want a burger and a beer.
“That has effected us,” stated Browne. “We have a big deck out front and you don’t see the people hanging around on the deck and having quite as much fun as they would if it was sunny and warm
Browne mentions the itch golfers get when they just need to hit a ball, so it’s very rare when they have a day that is completely shutdown by the rain but sometimes there’s no other choice. For more information on Natanis, click here.
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