From our years as cranberry farmers and golf course superintendents, we have developed what could be classified as an unhealthy obsession with the weather. Here are our favorite weather resources.
If all else fails we have a very generous rain check policy.
Up to the minute course closure info is available on twitter.
Rain Check Policy
If the golf course is unplayable due to inclement weather or play is suspended due to hazardous conditions (storms or lightning), rain checks will be issued.
If less than 4 holes are completed, golfers will be fully refunded or given club credit.
If players have finished at least 4 holes, players will be given club credit based on the percentage of the 18 holes they have played. For example, players completing 9 holes will get a credit of 50% of what they paid.
Our Favorite Weather Links
National Weather Service Forecast
Our favorite – loads quickly, very detailed forecast, plus a 7 day graphical forecast with chance of precipitation built in.
GolfWeather.com
This is the type of detail we are looking for. Please don’t tell me the forecast for today is rain. Let’s nail down the details with times and percent chance of rain.
Interactive Radar Map
Channel 5 Boston is back in the good graces of Southers Marsh. Our current favorite interactive radar site.
National Weather Service Northeast Radar
A quick loading radar that will give you an idea if it is going to rain later on in the day or tomorrow.
Wunderground Current Conditions and Forecast
Lots of details!
National Weather Service Hourly Graph
The best part is the hour by hour chance of precipitation
A Rant About Weather Forecasts
Allow me to digress. In New England it is really difficult to forecast the weather.
Our estimates of forecast accuracy:
Today, Tonight, and Tomorrow – Pretty Accurate
3-4 Days Out – Possibly an idea of what it might be like
5+ Days Out – Not very accurate at all
Please keep this in mind when a meteorologist says on Monday that it is going to rain on Sunday. Anything beyond a three day forecast should be illegal in New England, and the weather graphics are the worst. How can someone summarize 6 AM-6 PM over the area from Springfield, MA to Orleans with a picture of a rain cloud? If you have lived in New England for more than 5 minutes, you know that it could rain all day in Marshfield and be bright and sunny in Plymouth.
A Rant About Smartphones
Also, smartphone apps are killing us. If there is a 10% chance of a shower, your phone will show a rain cloud for the day. Make sure you check the forecast details and the actual chance and amount of rain before you decide to make other plans!
Best Smartphone Apps
Weather Underground
NOAA Weather Radar App – Apple – Android