FOREST, Va. (WSET) — Area golf courses aren’t quite as green as usual due to the lack of rain. The recent dry spell is creating challenges on the links.
The rain that fell today was needed, but officials at Ivy Hill Golf Club say it wasn’t enough to make up for months of below-average rainfall.
While the course may not look as green as it once did, crews are working hard to maintain conditions despite the dry weather.
“Our maintenance crew… they have to do a little extra work. They’re out there watering greens, syringing, turning sprinklers on. We do have an automatic system, so that does help us run that at night,” said Jacob Mast, head golf professional at Ivy Hill Golf Club.
At Ivy Hill Golf Club, crews have been working overtime to keep the course looking its best, from watering to cutting weekly.
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As dry conditions continue to stretch across our area, golf courses are feeling the effects.
“You can see it on the golf course. There’s some stressed area, and they have to water those a little more specifically,” Mast said.
Landscapers say the grass is high maintenance, and many have had to adjust their care routines this season because of the weather.
“We sharpen our blades at least once a week, so having a clean blade to cut grass has actually really helped in the past year to cut down on the disease in the grass. And this year it’s just knowing when to cut,” said Cody Richmond, owner of Champions Lawn Care.
But golfers don’t seem to mind. In fact, Mast says they’re enjoying fewer weather cancellations.
Plus, the firm ground makes their golf balls roll even farther.
“You need the right balance. Mother Nature is a little tricky when it comes to navigating all those things,” Mast said.
While the weather has made things tricky, officials say they’re doing what they can to keep courses in good shape.