We find ourselves in the middle of the “dog days of summer” – those sweltering weeks when the sun beats down, the heat clings to everything, and the air is thick and miserable. For maintenance teams, this stretch is not just uncomfortable – it is a real test for the golf course. Scorching summer days call for more than just grit, they require strategic planning, adaptable cultural practices and constant vigilance to keep turf healthy under extreme conditions. While golfers try to beat the heat with early tee times, maintenance crews are already deep into the workday, pushing through rising temperatures that often hit dangerous levels before noon.
Staying ahead of heat stress – for both the turf and team members – becomes a daily priority during the peak of summer. Crew safety must remain front and center. Proper hydration, regular breaks, using sun protection and knowing the warning signs of heat-related illness are not simply good habits – they are critical for keeping teams safe, healthy and effective during these challenging weeks.
One of the best ways to protect your crew during extreme heat is by building heat safety directly into the daily schedule. Consider establishing additional break times throughout the day to ensure everyone has a chance to cool down, rehydrate and recharge. Physically demanding tasks like bunker maintenance, edging or push mowing can take a serious toll during peak heat, so consider scheduling those jobs earlier in the morning when temperatures are lower. Providing simple comforts like iced towels, coolers stocked with cold water, and fresh fruit in the staff fridge goes a long way in keeping morale up and bodies fueled. Designating a team member to regularly check in on everybody to make sure they have water and are taking breaks shows your staff that their well-being matters. Encourage shade breaks, rotate tasks when possible, and make open conversations about heat illness symptoms a part of your culture. Small adjustments like these send a powerful message: We are in this together and taking care of each other is part of the job.
As I travel around the Southeast, I continue to be encouraged by the creative and thoughtful ways superintendents are prioritizing crew wellness during the heat of summer. One example that stood out was a course that extended its clubhouse water beverage contract to include the maintenance facility. By installing a smart water dispenser that offers chilled water with options for flavoring and added electrolytes, they not only made hydration more appealing but also sent a clear message that the crew's health and comfort matter. It’s these kinds of decisions that can make a real impact, especially during the most demanding stretch of the year. As you navigate these hot days, keep leaning on each other, look for ways to support your team, and remember that taking care of the crew is always the top priority.
Southeast Region Agronomists:
Jordan Booth, Ph.D., senior director, USGA Course Consulting Service – jbooth@usga.org
Chris Hartwiger, director, Agronomy – chartwiger@usga.org
Chris Neff, agronomist – cneff@usga.org
Mitch Leininger, agronomist - mleininger@usga.org