BOISE -- Between the heat and persistent smoke from wildfires, many folks in Idaho have opted to stay indoors this summer.
That's bad news for some area golf courses struggling to get customers out on the links.
Experts say the last six to eight weeks has been tough for the game of golf, because of the poor conditions. They say golfers and those managing courses have dealt with the disrupting effects of both heat and smoke for several months.
Frank Taylor, general manager of the Indian Lakes golf course in south Boise, says he's seen a 30 to 40 percent drop in business compared to previous years. Taylor says the heat combined with smoke has affected his business.
"The month of August, because of the smoke, has been really rough -- but July, the heat," Taylor explained. "With the records that we set and the extent of the heat that we had, was pretty rough on golf."
Taylor says due to the bad conditions, Friday afternoons at Indian Lakes just haven't been the same.
"When you're talking on a Friday hitting 2 p.m. and having only 30 players out for the day because it's hit 108 degrees, that's a significant drop," said Taylor.
Other golf courses in the Treasure Valley are struggling too.
Falcon Crest, Purple Sage, and Quail Hollow golf courses all noted a decrease in golfers due to July's record heat.
Boisean Ko Senet still plays but goes early in the morning to avoid the heat. "After nine or ten it's too hot and you can't come out and play if it's too hot,” Senet said.
Roger Konkol is one of the stalwart golfers who tees-up regardless of the conditions. "It's been great except for the heat,” Konkol said. “There's been days that it's been pretty miserable.”
Experts say one factor currently helping golf courses stay busy is organized summer leagues, which typically take place in the evening. They say golfers pay upfront for those leagues and are thus more likely to play regardless of the conditions.
Another upside: while the summer has been extraordinarily hot, many courses report an annual uptick in business. They say that's thanks to 2012's mild winter which allowed golfers to be on the courses year round.
Despite the current weather outlook for the Treasure Valley now calling for cooler temperatures, many folks say the persistent smoke is still making golfers think twice about taking a swing.
"Everybody is battling the smoke but making the most of it," said golfer Pauline Peterson. "My doctor tells me if it's in yellow, I can go out and play. If it's in orange, I stay home.”
Those type of warnings have Indian Lakes general manager Frank Taylor waiting and watching.
"For right now,” said Taylor. “We're at the mercy of the weather and the conditions.”
