Wacky Weather

If it seems as if weather is a topic frequently focused on, that is likely a correct assumption.  This is because of the fact that the weather has a very significant impact on most every decision made in the daily operation of the golf course.

After teasing us with October-like temperatures at the beginning of September, and plentiful rainfall throughout the summer, we should have known that there would be some form of payback required.

Despite a very cool beginning and ending, September was 2.5 degrees above average.

While this weekend was cool, the past week's temperatures in the upper 80's and low 90's felt more like July than the last week of September.  And, after averaging five inches of rain for the four month period of May-August, we had close to an 80% reduction in September with a mere 1.1".  As a matter of fact, since September 7, the golf course has only received 1/10" of rain.

The buried fairway sensors tell the tale of a slow dry down throughout September.  

It probably shouldn't come as a great surprise given the above average precipitation of the summer, but we are only now finding irrigation issues that hadn't surfaced all year.  This includes a handful of sprinklers not running in the rough, and part circle heads out of adjustment in their arcs.

When we think of fall, what often comes to mind is some of the best playing conditions of the year.  Cool temperatures and adequate rainfall means that the irrigation system can take a break, and there's little concern of turf disease or insect issues.  However, the long-range forecast looks like we'll be back in the 80's this week and there's little rain heading our way.

As we've said before, 2017 might end up being an "average" weather year when the books are closed, but from beginning to end, it continues to be a roller coaster ride, keeping us on our toes.