If there’s truth to the saying “April showers bring May flowers,” then southern Michigan is about to see an explosion of vibrant color. This past Wednesday night, the skies unleashed a deluge reminiscent of a “Build An Ark” scenario, elevating Paint Creek to flood levels. Over at Washtenaw Golf Club, this led to significant flooding across holes seven, eight, and nine.
The rains didn’t spare the lower portion of the first hole either, turning it into quite the aquatic challenge. However, golfers found it still playable as the water settled just beneath the tee box—no issues there, unless your ball enjoys an earthbound trajectory, which fortunately mine didn’t.
Further down, the creek sections near holes ten, twelve, and thirteen were left swollen, yet they were draining at a good pace. For the rest of the course, things were surprisingly normal. Situated on higher ground, these holes remained dry, a testament to the course’s excellent drainage.
By Friday, the flooding had mostly receded. The makeshift lake had disappeared, and Washtenaw GC was almost back to its usual self. Save for some lingering wet patches on a couple of holes, there were hardly any signs of the recent watery invasion.
Even the river in front of the first tee dried up, and the past rains seem to have accelerated the arrival of spring. The grass has taken on a lush green hue, and the tree buds are making an appearance, heralding a beautiful month ahead at “The ‘Naw.”
Overall, it seems nature is balancing things out, preparing the course for what promises to be a spectacular, flower-filled May.
