As the calendar turns to December, many of us start to look back on the year that was. While there were several common themes in the Northeast this season, the one that will be remembered by most is the drought to end the year. Many areas of the region went months without measurable rain and remain in a deficit. This puts pressure on maintenance teams and the grass they care for. As of late November, I heard from several superintendents who still had to purchase water for golf course use. This might be necessary some years in July or August, but not in October and November. So, don’t be shocked when the water bill is higher later in the year than normal.

There are a number of courses that are planning ways to mitigate their exposure to drought should this happen again. After two droughts in three years, it may be wise to be prepared should extended periods of dry weather become more common. Planning and budgeting for a new irrigation system, relying on improved varieties of drought-resistant grasses and improving growing environments are important ways courses can reduce the impact of drought. Developing a drought emergency plan is always a good idea as well.

Congratulations for getting through a difficult and unusual season. As you start to look back on 2024, don’t just focus on what happened but investigate why things happened and how to fix them, so that you are better prepared next time. And thank you from the USGA Northeast Region agronomists for allowing us to be a part of your team. Not just this year, but in years past and in the future. Golf course management is a team effort, and we never take it for granted that you trust us enough to be a part of your team.

Northeast Region Agronomists:

Darin Bevard, senior director, Championship Agronomy – dbevard@usga.org

Elliott L. Dowling, regional director, East Region – edowling@usga.org

Brian Gietka, agronomist – bgietka@usga.org

Information on the USGA’s Course Consulting Service

Contact the Green Section Staff