Srike Guard Procedures

Once again it has been far too long since I sat down to write a blog post, but things have been a little busy with tournament preparation and the recent heat wave.  We were just called in from the golf course by the Strike Guard Lightning Detection System.  Considering the recent incident at Lake of Isles I thought I would provide some information about how our system works so that everyone clearly understands what the warnings mean, and that we can avoid any similar problems here at POYCC.
During the 3 Day Member/Member we had one brief weather delay when the Strike Guard system sounded an alert that lightning was in the area and golfers were called in from the course.  There was some confusion about what the signal meant, and what they were supposed to do.  The main detector is located in the golf shop, and it is connected to a computer that shows any potential risks in the area.  Once lightning is detected within 15 miles an alert goes off in the golf shop indicating that there is potential for lighting in the area and that we should prepare to call people in.  Once a strike is detected within 5 miles, the system will sound an alarm on the golf course, and a strobe light will flash at the pool.   The units on the golf course have small lights on the side that flash green to signal that the system is working, and turn red when in alert mode until the "All Clear" signal sounds.  The system will be in alert mode for 30 minutes, or until lightning is detected again which resets the 30 minute delay.  There is no manual "all clear" option.  The system is completely automated to prevent possible accidents from people making judgement decisions.
So, to clarify what you should do when the alarm sounds:

1. Everyone must clear the golf course and pool/dock area and seek shelter immediately when the alarm is sounded.  Mark your ball and head in immediately.  Do not finish the hole or continue on.
2. Seek shelter inside an enclosed building.  The clubhouse, maintenance facility, or golf shop are appropriate.  During the tournament the field returned to the golf shop, but people remained outside, and some were even practicing putting (which may be a violation of USGA rules).  We should have directed everyone to go into the clubhouse until the all clear signal had been given.
3. Wait for the "All Clear" signal to sound and the strobe light to turn off before returning to the course, pool, or docks.

The club leadreship made a decision to make a significant investment in this system to protect its members, and they should be applauded for it.  You can recognize and reward their forethough and committment by following a few simple steps to make sure we do not have a tragedy here at Pine Orchard.
Thanks for checking in, and we look forward to seeing you on the golf course.