If you’ve played the same golf course in different seasons, you’ve probably noticed there are times when the course just seems to shine. The ball rolls better, the lies are tighter, and the greens have that satisfying “true” feel. Every golf course has a seasonal rhythm, and understanding why can help answer the age-old question: “Why can’t the course be like this all the time?”
Grass Types and Growth Cycles
The single biggest influence on seasonal playing quality is the type of grass in use. Cool-season grasses like bentgrass, Poa annua, ryegrass and fescues thrive in cooler temperatures – generally between 60-75 F. They tend to be at their best in spring and fall, when growth is steady, color is rich and stress is low. During summer, these grasses require more-frequent watering, which means the course may play softer. There could also be times during summer when the height of cut on greens needs to be raised, or mowing and rolling frequency is decreased to limit stress. These adjustments can lead to temporarily slower green speeds.
Warm-season grasses like bermudagrass, zoysiagrass and seashore paspalum experience peak growth in summer when temperatures climb into the 80s and 90s. Turf health is normally at its best during this time, but the grass is growing so well that it’s hard to maintain faster green speeds. Warm-season grasses need less water than cool-season grasses during summer, which can allow them to play firmer during hot and dry weather. Warm-season grasses in most parts of the U.S. go dormant as temperatures drop, which can mean slower recovery and less color, but also some surprisingly fast playing conditions.
Weather and Climate Patterns
Weather can make or break turf quality. Temperature, sunlight and rainfall all influence how a course plays. A common example is the change that cool-season courses experience from cooler temperatures and dry air in the spring to warm and humid weather in the summer. The same course can change from virtually rock hard to softer and slower in just days. Cooler fall temperatures usually mean a return to firm and fast conditions as the need for irrigation decreases. Once temperatures get below a certain point, all grasses will grow slowly, if at all. Courses can still play well during periods of slow growth, but any wear and tear will linger.
Rainfall is another important variable in playing conditions. Adequate rainfall keeps turf healthy and firm while only temporarily softening fairways and greens. Excessive rainfall will obviously leave a course playing slower and softer for longer – and the impact of any rain will last longer when the weather is cooler and days are shorter. Courses that experience a distinct rainy season will almost inevitably play softer and slower during that time.
Humidity also plays a key role. High humidity keeps moisture on the grass longer during the day. Added moisture is added friction, which will slow green speeds down. This is part of the reason why we commonly see green speeds increase in fall on both cool-season and warm-season greens.
Often, the best playing conditions come when the weather is just right – mild temperatures, balanced rainfall, and enough sunshine for healthy turf without excessive growth.
Can Superintendents Make Every Season Prime?
While Mother Nature sets the baseline, there are ways for superintendents to extend peak conditions and get the most from off-peak seasons:
Water management: Water management is one of the most difficult aspects of golf course maintenance – and one of the most important. Applying the right amount of water to maintain good plant health and playability while not overapplying can take years to master. Investing in irrigation system upgrades and devoting more staff time to water management will help improve playing conditions throughout the year.
Removing excess water is also critical. Improving drainage infrastructure and practices like aeration and topdressing help water move through the soil, which helps superintendents maintain better and more-consistent conditions through the ups and downs of rainfall.
Growth management: Balancing fertility to maintain healthy grass without creating too much growth can be the difference between optimal playability and conditions that are lush, slower and vulnerable to various types of stress. Most superintendents also rely on plant growth regulator applications to control growth rates and promote dense, upright turf.
No matter what, all golf courses have a natural ebb and flow. There are always going to be “peak seasons” regardless of grass type, location or maintenance budget. When the weather is optimal for plant health, the look and playability of the course will show it. When the weather is suboptimal, course conditions won’t be at their best either. These changes don’t mean the maintenance team did or didn’t do something. The weather and the time of year are going to change how grass grows, how it looks and how it needs to be maintained. The goal for superintendents is to narrow the gap as much as possible between peak and off-peak conditions.