USGA The Drought of the Lower Mid-Continent

 Most of Texas, Louisiana, and New Mexico are suffering an incredibly severe drought. Many areas are at record drought levels, and some parts of west Texas have not received measurable rain since October 2010. Superintendents in Houston have recorded measurable rain since October 2010.
 This has created significant problems for superintendents--not just drought concerns, but other problems that dovetail into drought issues. These include:

* Rapid total salts and sodium build-up

* The significant cost of water purchases

* The challenge of monitoring water allocations for June, July, and August instead of just August as is the case

Firm and fast conditions have been brought by the drought, whether or not the superintendent or golfers are ready. A picture at the Champions Golf Club (Houston, Texas) is a perfect example of significant browning in golf course fairways and roughs, while the greens are maintained in high quality condition. Superintendent Charles Joachim, CGCS, has a tremendous handle on dealing with these issues and has planned ahead for unrelenting heat and drought for the rest of the year. Charles is taking the approach of providing only enough water in the fairways and roughs to maintain survivability of bermudagrass and trees. he has purchased many water bags for trees, and has two people dedicated to filling these bags to protect the trees as best as possible without using overhead irrigation.
 For the most part, the greens and tees are in top-quality playing condition. Although aesthetics are greatly affected by the severe drought, playing conditions are not. This is exactly what proper water management entails. Not only is Charles keeping water costs down as much as possible while maintaining turf survival and preventing turf loss, he is still providing a golf course with tremendous playability. At the same time, he is proactively dealing with future water availability should the drought persist.

 Water cost is certainly a factor, but so is managing water availability to that the supply is adequate in late July and August if the drought persists. In addition, a superintendent must manage the salt issues by using gypsum applications and flushing. This has to be a careful balance of heavy watering and flushing on as infrequent a basis as possible to maintain turf health.
 Golf cart tracks makes a substantial negative impact on the already stressed turf. To prevent additional turf loss, cart restrictions are an even more important program when the turf is in significant drought stress. This program as handed differently by every golf course, depending on their situation, but must be considered by all.

USGA Article posted June 6, 2011