The Northeast saw both extremes of rainfall this year. Northern and western areas saw extreme drought while the middle and southern section was nearly underwater in July and August. Both extremes present plant health challenges that often lead to turf decline.
The perfect golf weather that most of the Northeast is now experiencing is also perfect weather for recovery. We’ve heard many golfers comment lately that this weather should mean the course can be firm and fast every day. While that may be true, firm and fast might not be what the course needs right now.
Take advantage of nice weather to get the course recovered before winter. Once frosts and below-freezing temperatures are the norm, turf growth and subsequent recovery will cease for the year. Turf health and reliability will be better next summer if the grass recovers this fall.
Take note of why your course experienced turf decline this year and work toward correcting the issues. For example, if your area was in a drought, perhaps a better irrigation system or more water holding capacity would help. If your area was wet and you saw damage, perhaps additional drainage is needed to get water away from the primary playing surfaces. There will be less recovery needed next fall when the weather is perfect for golf if work is done to correct the deficiencies that caused turf to decline this year.
Northeast Region Agronomists:
Adam Moeller, director, Green Section Education – amoeller@usga.org
Darin Bevard, director, Championship Agronomy – dbevard@usga.org
Elliott Dowling, agronomist – edowling@usga.org
Paul Jacobs, agronomist – pjacobs@usga.org
Information on the USGA’s Course Consulting Service