As we bid farewell to a troublesome El Niño weather pattern that significantly impacted various parts of the Southeast this past winter and spring, weather experts believe that a La Niña pattern will likely affect the region over the next few months. June also marks the beginning of hurricane season, and La Niña and other factors are expected to make it busier than normal this year.

This transition from El Niño to La Niña should not be taken lightly. During El Niño, the weather pattern brought ample rain to the Southeast but we have quickly shifted to dry conditions in Florida as it fades. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, a large portion of Florida is already grappling with drought and higher-than-normal temperatures. This situation could escalate and expand with the impending La Niña and potentially prolong existing dry conditions from summer through winter, leading to possible water restrictions.

If your golf course experiences dry weather in the coming weeks and months, successful management will require precise planning, communication and execution. Here are some key strategies for dealing with drought:

Water Management

• Water deeply but less frequently to encourage deeper root growth and improve drought resilience.
• Test and evaluate water quality to determine if drought conditions are causing excessive pH, sodium, or bicarbonate levels that could be detrimental to the turf.
• Don’t wait until you’re in a drought to start developing a drought-emergency plan.
• Ensure sprinklers and irrigation system components are functioning properly.

Communication

• Communicate the present conditions to management and golfers frequently through newsletters, social media, emails and announcements.
• Provide honest updates on course conditions and measures you’re taking to address drought issues and conserve water. Make sure golfers know what to expect during drought.
• Use signage around the golf course to inform players about water usage and conservation measures.

Regulatory Compliance

• Stay informed about local water use regulations and restrictions.
• Ensure all water usage and conservation practices comply with state and local laws.

Soil and Turf Management

• When conditions allow, regularly aerate the soil to improve water infiltration and plant health.
• By improving water infiltration and retention, surfactants help maintain healthy, resilient turf with reduced water usage.
• If the opportunity for a renovation presents itself, choose grass species or varieties that are more drought tolerant.