Continued Heat Stress

This week I have been chatting with numerous Superintendents both locally and a few in various areas of the country. The song remains the same, everyone is dealing with heat stress, very little moisture and paying more for water this year than ever before.

This is the time of year that water management is most critical. Humidity levels are higher and the wind has been turned off. When the wind was blowing in June, we could not water enough, it was extremely dry. Pushing for faster green speeds can be dangerous in the hot weather. We still have a long season and we can not afford to lose grass.

The recent moisture in the air reduces evaporation rates, yet it can create some different challenges with water management. Expect to continue seeing hoses on the courses through the heat keeping grass cool. The staff is doing a great job hauling around many 100 foot, 1 inch diameter hoses and putting water where it is needed. Stay cool out there and enjoy the course.