August Rainfall - Impacts on Turf Conditions

WGN's weather expert, Tom Skilling, reported that the month of August is the highest rain fall average based on perennial records.   Rainfall is only one of the factors that contributes to playing conditions.   Rainfall, higher humidity and hotter temperatures in August combine to impact the turf to a point it gets a bit "puffy" and not as firm and tight as normal.   This is an annual occurrence for every golf course in the North portion of the country. 

It has rained 9 of the  first 21 days of August. When it is warm and humid, it takes 3-4 days of sunshine and windy conditions to dry the course after a rain.

 

 

 

It takes a number of days following rainfalls for the course to dry.

 

 

 

Driving Range Practice Patterns

The photos below, presented by the USGA, exhibit the turf damage resulting from 30 practice shots.  The purpose of the photo is to emphasize how the linear divot patter can aide in a quicker turf recovery.   Please utilize the linear divot pattern during your practice sessions.   Thanks for your help.

The photo below exhibits how much more turf is impacted by a random divot pattern.
This pattern will take longer for the turf to recover and be of lesser quality for a longer period.

Summer On The Golf Course

Below is a video from the USGA sharing some of the factors relating to golf course management challenges during the summer months.   Enjoy.