Whether the Weather be Cold

Aside from elaborate and historically-dubious efforts at climate engineering, the weather remains out of our control.

How the weather is reported, on the other hand, makes a big difference to the golf community. Five-day forecasts given on Monday can affect the number of players you see at the course later in the week. For example, the difference between "a 30% chance of rain" and "a 70% chance that it won't rain" is a matter of perception and delivery.

So what can you do about that? Make contact with your local weather newscasters. Explain the strong correlation between weather reporting and the supply-and-demand business effect at your golf course.

It's an easy way to turn a small public-relations investment into a bigger return on golf play. Who knows? Your local news director may decide to feature a weekend-special golf forecast. If similar petitioning efforts can improve The Weather Channel's "Golf Index", they can probably improve your local weather reporting, too.