forecast. I prepare at least two weather forecasts every day.” While golf has a reputation of being played in glorious sunshine, that’s not always the case. “We have days on Tour that are cold, damp, and rainy, but as long as there’s no thunder or lightning, tournament play will continue in the rain. My job is to keep an eye on any weather that’s coming toward the golf course, as much as a week in advance.” The LPGA Rules officials rely heavily on Hustedde’s knowledge and expertise every day, but especially during the weekend, after the cut is made when there are fewer players left in the field. “Based on my projections, especially if bad weather is headed our way, the LPGA will adjust tee times for the following day so we can maximize open windows of good weather to finish tournament play before stormy conditions arrive. They will always ask me what tomorrow’s weather is likely to be.” In addition to working professional golf tournaments, Hustedde is the meteorologist for Notre Dame home football games in the fall and their outdoor graduation ceremony in the spring. “When the weather is nice in the fall, I sit in the press box at Notre Dame Stadium and enjoy a great game of college football. Then I travel to another golf tournament.” When he’s not traveling the world with professional golf, he enjoys storm chasing throughout the Midwest. Based in St. Louis, Hustedde also told us, “It’s been a busy and interesting year for weather. I’ve taken some amazing pictures of the skies this year.” As a golf tournament meteorologist, he tracks bad weather, but as a storm chaser, he pursues it, but when the weather is calm, he relaxes and watches golf being played by some of the world’s best golfers.
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