Drought of 2012

Well, it's been rumored that the drought of 2012 is here.  I can assure you that it is.  The golf course has had about 1" of rain in the last 30 days, of which .76" came in a shower at the end of May.  This on top of warmer than usual temps and lower than normal rainfall.

The course is fairing OK, stressed turf, stressed staff, summer stresses that usually don't occur until July.

You'll find staff hand watering putting surfaces as needed.  The irrigation system and I are on a love/ hate relationship right now. I hate operating it nightly, however have to love that it actually is working.

We've been experiencing desert type evaporation and transpiration of water at .25" + per day.  With an irrigation system that is designed only for limited makeup of daily losses, it makes for extended station run times.  Most times in the fairways and teeing complexes have doubled. 

I add a wetting agent to the irrigation system, a product called Dispatch, which is injected through the pump station.  So far this season I've used a complete 55 gallon drum, and just ordered a 2nd.  I usually use this product at times of need, well this is a time of need. This cost is offset by the fact I've had to spray for less disease since the lower humidity's and lower than normal evening temps.

Thanks Mother Nature.

Thanks for playing and enjoying the course!