As storms approach U.S. Open, this single weatherman has lots to watch (and a great view)
Storms that just rolled through Texas, causing severe flooding in areas like San Antonio, will reach the U.S. Open at some point this weekend, with many expecting the rain to come through on Saturday during the third round of play at Oakmont Country Club.
Since the weather has a massive impact on a golf tournament, the USGA uses an on-site forecaster to keep an eye on potential issues.
Meteorologist Jake Swick is that person.
According to a story at the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Swick has taken residence in the women's locker room at Oakmont, where he's constantly monitoring the weather, including any lightning that can stop play.
From the story:
'Oakmont is one of my favorite spots because I've been in this area of the clubhouse overlooking part of the golf course for pretty much every time I've worked here,' he said. 'And it's one of the best offices I could possibly imagine.'
Swick, 45, of Orlando is the vice president and chief meteorologist at Thor Guard, an independent company the United States Golf Association has used as its main lightning prediction company for about 30 years.
Thor Guard, which is based out of the Fort Lauderdale, Fla., area, started monitoring all of the weather for the USGA in 2007.
Swick joined Thor Guard in 2005, and he's been forecasting the weather at U.S. Opens and other PGA golf tournaments consistently since 2012. It's his fourth time at Oakmont.
'We work with the USGA and give them our advice, and they take that information and make the right call,' he said.
According to Swick, there are two lightning prediction systems and three weather stations at Oakmont this year, with much of the apparatus on the roof of the clubhouse.
Thor Guard systems, which are made in the United States and sold worldwide, monitor lightning, wind, humidity, temperature, rainfall and any other weather knowledge needed.
With a setup that includes three computers and an iPad, he's monitoring the club's almost 200 acres daily.
'Honestly, doing this job, I grab every bit of weather information I can because I want it to be as accurate as possible,' Swick said. 'Every little bit of information helps.'
So what does Swick see for the weekend? He's hoping it will stay similar to Thursday, which saw calm, sunny weather.
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