Prolonged dry weather has been an ongoing challenge for many golf courses in the central U.S. Unseasonably warm temperatures have also extended the golf season, resulting in increased wear on turf that is somewhat dormant from a lack of moisture and will soon enter winter dormancy. Many superintendents are wondering if this situation spells trouble for the spring of 2025.
Weather throughout the remainder of fall and winter will play a major role in whether or not recovery efforts will need to be put in place next spring. A mild winter with adequate moisture would be ideal but if harsh conditions like subzero air temperatures, high winds and no snow cover occur, winter injury could be a concern.
For the remainder of fall, focusing on promoting turf health and not pushing the turf too hard from a maintenance standpoint - especially putting greens - is the best plan. Hopefully, steps have already been taken to begin protecting against winter injury on putting greens. If not, raising mowing heights if you are still mowing and topdressing to protect the plant crowns should be a priority.
With warmer-than-normal temperatures recently, some superintendents have delayed irrigation system winterization so playing surfaces can continue to be irrigated. If your irrigation system has already been winterized, watering with a sprayer or developing a mobile irrigation backup plan may be a good idea. Additionally, the timing of snow mold applications can be impacted by mild temperatures and may need to be later in the season than usual. Be sure to watch the forecast closely to determine when the proper time is to make this application.
Areas of the rough, especially those that are not irrigated, tend to be some of the hardest hit by prolonged dry conditions. Research conducted at the University of Minnesota has shown promising results when dormant-seeding turf-type tall fescue. This could be a good option for getting a jump-start on establishing a more drought-tolerant and disease-resistant turfgrass in non-irrigated portions of the rough.
The 2024 golf season was certainly filled with challenges, and hopefully Mother Nature will provide some relief soon. There is no reason to hit the panic button, but having a plan in place to reduce the risk of winter injury and recover in spring if necessary is always a good idea. Reach out to your regional USGA agronomist for assistance with navigating the remainder of the season.
Central Region Agronomists:
Zach Nicoludis, regional director – znicoludis@usga.org
Tom Gould, agronomist – tgould@usga.org
Information on the USGA’s Course Consulting Service
Contact the Green Section Staff