Control What's Possible, Manage the Rest.

Monitor golf cart traffic and make every effort (with the cooperation of golfers) to shift wear patterns during this recent period of heat. Even foot traffic can be damaging, especially near bunkers and walk-on/walk-off areas to greens.

Consider not mowing during the hottest part of the day. Mowing during extreme heat can damage the grass leaving wheel tracks that will affect the playability of the course.

Mowing programs may have to be shifted to earlier in the day or later in the evening to groom the course for play. Early in the morning the soil temperatures are closer to the air temperatures. In the late afternoon, the warmer soils dissipate heat to the atmosphere as the air temperatures drop. This radiation effect can be monitored, providing a point of reference to begin late afternoon or evening mowing procedures.

Carefully mange the water applied to the turf. Syringing to cool the grass is just that -the blades of the grass are watered to stimulate a cooling effect. As a breeze moves over the turf heat is dissipated to the air. If at all possible, syringe with hand-held hoses rather than overhead irrigation.

The soils should not be overly moistened. Wet soils conduct heat rapidly and this condition can be lethal to the turf. Surface temperatures reading in excess of 100 degrees F. were recently observed. Prompt action is necessary under these conditions to save turf. Research has provided evidence that Poa annua becomes nonfunctional at 85 degrees F.

Golfers may have to tolerate minor inconveniences early in the morning. Applying a very brief syringe after morning mowing can be beneficial. Depending upon the weather conditions, this practice could save grass.