Weather Challenges at the 3M Open in Blaine
The 3M Open in Blaine faced unexpected challenges on Wednesday afternoon when severe storms turned into a weather hazard. PGA officials had to evacuate the course twice during the day, and eventually decided to cancel the rest of the Pro-Am events for the day. Despite the disruption, there is still plenty of action planned for the weekend, and city, county, and PGA officials are working together to ensure the course remains safe for players and spectators.
Russ Clark, the Emergency Management Director for Blaine, emphasized that weather is one of the biggest concerns during the event. “Golf is an outdoor game, and we have several thousand spectators here, starting today and throughout the weekend,” he said. “There’s not a lot of shelter to have people take shelter for severe weather.”
Key Weather Concerns
Lightning, hail, strong winds, and even tornadoes are all potential threats that Clark and his team must monitor. On-site, they can watch a 20-mile radius, but with assistance from the National Weather Service, their coverage extends much further. “That could be a 30-mile plus radius or even beyond, giving us time to come up with plans for our evacuation, for spectators or anybody that would be on the course,” Clark explained.
Evacuating the course can take up to 45 minutes, which is why it’s crucial to act quickly when thunder is heard. “It’s always a good idea to start evacuating the moment you hear thunder,” Clark added.
The Dangers of Lightning on Golf Courses
Lightning poses a serious risk on golf courses. In the past decade, 16 people have been killed by lightning on golf courses, with two more deaths reported just this summer. Clark stressed the importance of staying informed and following safety protocols.
“No matter the threat, if there are any issues, there will be clear communication to avoid any confusion,” he said. “We’ll do our best to get that information out to everybody, but it should be a fun week and enjoyable, and come on out to Blaine.”
Resuming Play on Thursday
Despite the challenges on Wednesday, play is set to resume on Thursday morning just before 7 a.m. Officials are confident that with proper planning and coordination, the event will continue safely and successfully.
As the tournament moves forward, the focus remains on ensuring the well-being of everyone involved. With the combined efforts of local authorities and the PGA, the 3M Open in Blaine is expected to deliver exciting competition while maintaining a high level of safety for all participants and spectators.
