Significant dry weather

Although the weather has been pleasant, with comfortable highs during the day and cool nights, the lack of rain is significant. Last year, we had a dry fall. So far this year, we are drier, earlier in the year.

Last year, in September we received slightly below normal rainfall for the month. But then, October turned very dry, with less than .25” of rain for the entire month, which was 3.5” below normal. Unfortunately, it seems we are trending towards a similar autumn this year.

August 2025 was 2” below normal rainfall. Our last significant rain event was August 17^th, which means we are now just days short of a month without any meaningful rain. Last year, the drought arrived in September and then into October. Being dry in August can affect the turfgrass in different ways.

August is the start of recovery time from a long summer. Despite still technically belonging to summer, August tends to feel different than July. Day lengths shorten, we are usually afforded several cooler nights and sometimes cooler days too, and overall, the stress levels for the plants decrease. All of that was true this year, except we also turned very dry. A necessity for recovery is moisture, and we have been lacking thus far. We have supplemented with irrigation, but we are now refilling our pond after depleting the reservoir.

Being this dry at this time of year is also concerning for the Bermuda grass. The Bermuda grass is slowly transitioning to dormancy, although it is still green and growing, its growth has slowed. Adding a stressor as the plant prepares for its most stressful time of the year is not ideal. We are adding water as we can, but sufficiently irrigating all the Bermuda grass does not leave much water for the cool season turf, so we must balance letting the Bermuda grass dry out, so we have water in reserve. We have even been out spot hand watering the Bermuda grass, which is a first in my 12 seasons.

Overall, the course is playing about as good as it has all season. Greens are firm and fast, and the ball is bounding down the fairways. But keeping the turf healthy while the season changes and processes within the plant shift is still our priority. Hopefully, Mother Nature will send some soaking rain our way soon.

 

 

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please do not climb up the steep face of the bunkers.

 

Also, as part of a Golf Committee initiative to improve course etiquette, we have included links to videos teaching proper on course etiquette. Please take a moment to watch:

Ball Marks - How to properly repair

Golf Cart tips

 

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org