Drought

We are in the midst of a drought, on the East coast, Maryland, and Montgomery County. We are fortunate to have Bermuda grass during times like these, but even Bermuda grass still requires water, and it is showing the indications of the drought.

From January 2026 through May 2026, we are about 5” behind our normal rainfall. Last fall, we had to recharge our irrigation pond due to a shortage. Luckily, with significant snowfall over this past winter, the pond was able to reach full capacity to start the season. But the shortfall of rain again this spring is creating water deficiencies that are becoming increasingly obvious across the course.

We work hard to manage the moisture on all turf areas on the course. Greens and the rough immediately around the greens take priority because they are cool season turf and of highest value. Using water and labor for these areas is paramount or the turf would suffer quickly, and recovery would be slow if at all. Beyond this turf though, we have a luxury with Bermuda grass being a very drought-tolerant species and having lower water requirements than other grasses. Nevertheless, when it gets this dry, even the Bermuda grass can show signs of stress.

Cool nights and relatively low daytime temperatures have allowed us to stretch our water reserves further than expected. There have been very few rainstorms rolling through, but some of them have come at just the right time to help us extend our water. These quick shots of rain help the Bermuda grass stay hydrated too and it can go longer between water events than other turf. But now the Bermuda grass is turning brown in many locations, showing the tell-tale signs of drought stress. Brown Bermuda grass can be seen on edges of fairways and tees where sprinklers don’t reach well or at all. Even areas that get good irrigation coverage are showing signs of stress just because they aren’t getting enough water. All these areas will rebound once there is ample water in the soil again (rain is forecast today) but it will take time.

We will continue to balance judiciously using our water supply while also maintaining the health of the turfgrass. Bermuda grass comes with a full set of problems at certain times of the year, but when it is this dry, we are glad to have the Bermuda grass.

 

 

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Golf carts are capable of a very tight turning radius, but please don’t turn that sharply in the grass because it can tear the turf.

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