Golf courses have always relied on nature for their scenic fairways, lush greens, and challenging landscapes. However, maintaining these high standards has become increasingly challenging, as climate change introduces unprecedented weather patterns, from flooding and storms to droughts and heatwaves. For greenkeepers, the job is more demanding than ever, requiring extensive knowledge, adaptability, and effort to maintain quality conditions for players. Let’s explore how climate change is reshaping the game and how Inturf is equipped to support golf courses in this evolving environment.
The growing challenges of climate change for golf courses
As weather patterns become more erratic and unpredictable, golf courses worldwide face increasing climate related challenges. In the UK, 2023 stands out as a striking example of these changes. According to the Met Office’s UK Climate Summary 2023, the year was both warmer and wetter than average, reflecting a trend of intense weather variability. Frequent downpours, along with periods of higher-than-average temperatures, placed significant stress on golf courses, making it harder for greenkeepers to maintain consistency in course conditions.
In regions facing drought, such as parts of southern Europe, water scarcity creates challenges for courses, while in the UK, the frequent heavy rainfall leads to course closures and damaging floods. Coastal courses are also seeing the physical impacts of rising sea levels, with erosion affecting fairways and greens along shorelines. For golf course managers and greenkeepers, this increase in both rainfall and temperatures underscores the need for adaptive strategies, often requiring more resources and innovative solutions to protect playability and quality.
The demands on greenkeepers in an unpredictable climate
Greenkeepers are highly skilled professionals responsible for maintaining the tees, fairways, and greens. But with climate change, their role is becoming increasingly complex. Extreme heat, intense rainfall, and stronger storms not only make it harder to maintain course quality but can also make playing conditions unpleasant and even unsafe for golfers. This heightened unpredictability places a strain on resources, time, and finances for golf courses, impacting the overall golf experience.
In some cases, especially for the smaller clubs, the adverse weather can reduce playing time available which in turn threatens the financial stability. With recreational golfers being the main source of income, the sport itself may see a decline in participation.
A changing landscape and the impact of flooding
Historically, golf courses have relied heavily on water and chemical treatments to maintain pristine conditions, often using significant amounts of pesticides and gallons of water. Yet, as awareness of environmental impacts grows, many golf courses are moving towards eco-friendly practices. Greenkeepers are turning to wetting agents to reduce irrigation, and some courses are even implementing desalination plants to provide water for fairways in areas affected by drought.
In the UK, climate change has led to increasingly severe rainfall, especially during winter. This can overload rivers, causing them to flood nearby courses. Regions like Norfolk and Suffolk have seen repeated closures due to high water levels, with the potential for even more severe flooding where inland rivers meet tidal surges in low-lying areas. The winter of 2023-2024, marked by near-constant rainfall from July 2023 to the beginning of 2024, made it difficult for golfers to enjoy uninterrupted play, often frustrating members who pay significant annual fees.
How Inturf can support golf courses
At Inturf, we understand the challenges that golf courses face due to climate change. Our team offers extensive expertise in turf maintenance within the golf industry, helping courses adapt to and manage these evolving conditions. Whether you need advice on selecting resilient turf solutions or maintenance tips to keep your greens in top condition, we are here to assist.
Ready to elevate your course’s resilience? Contact Inturf today to discuss how we can assist with your turf maintenance and project needs.
