As the year begins, golf course superintendents across the Southeast should anticipate a seasonal progression in weather patterns that will directly influence turf performance, maintenance timing and resource allocation. While daily weather is always unpredictable, recognizing seasonal trends allows superintendents to plan proactively, reduce weather-related risk and maintain the best possible playing conditions.
Early Expectations
The early part of the year has featured milder-than-average temperatures combined with extended dry periods across much of the Southeast. While cold fronts will continue to pass through the region, they are typically brief and rarely result in prolonged cold or saturated conditions. These weather patterns create both opportunities and risks for turf managers. Key management considerations during this period include:
- Expanded opportunities for winter improvement projects like installing drainage and light cultural practices like venting and topdressing.
- The potential for excessive wear and compaction from cart traffic if dry and mild weather encourages increased rounds.
- Increased drought stress on turf, whether it’s overseeded or not, especially in roughs and non-irrigated areas.
- Greater potential for localized dry spot development and hydrophobic soils.
Warm and dry winter conditions can also promote premature bermudagrass activity, particularly in sand-based or well-drained rootzones. Although early greenup may be visually appealing, it increases susceptibility to cold temperature injury if freezing weather returns. Nitrogen applications, vertical growth stimulation and aggressive cultural practices should be delayed until sustained soil and air temperatures support consistent turf growth.
Transition Period
As winter progresses, superintendents should expect increased weather variability, including rapid temperature fluctuations and more-frequent storm systems. This period often creates the greatest agronomic risk for warm-season grasses due to inconsistent soil temperatures and uneven turf response.
Timing of early spring maintenance practices is critical. Aeration, herbicide applications and fertility programs should be scheduled based on soil temperature trends rather than calendar dates. Weed pressure typically increases during this transition phase, particularly from winter annual species and early emerging summer weeds that exploit fluctuating conditions. Preventive strategies and close monitoring of herbicide application windows is essential.
Late Winter Into Spring
As the region moves into spring, a cooler and wetter pattern can often become established. Increased rainfall and reduced solar radiation due to cloud cover can slow turf growth, prolong saturated soil conditions and limit equipment access. Primary agronomic concerns during this period include:
- Elevated disease pressure on all closely mown turfgrass.
- Soil saturation that leads to compaction, reduced oxygen exchange and root decline.
- Delayed bermudagrass recovery.
Drainage performance, traffic control measures and preventive disease monitoring should be prioritized to protect turf quality in early spring. Avoiding unnecessary traffic on saturated surfaces will be critical to limiting long-term damage.
Planning and Communication
While year-to-year variability is inevitable, understanding the typical progression from warm and dry winter conditions into a cooler, wetter spring provides a framework for sound decision-making. Conservative fertility strategies, flexible scheduling of spring practices, and close monitoring of soil moisture and temperature should guide management decisions.
Clear communication with golfers, course leadership and staff regarding weather-related limitations will help manage expectations and support agronomic priorities. By remaining adaptive and proactive, superintendents in the Southeast can better protect turf health and position their courses for a successful growing season.
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