Granted, sports in Tampa is the not the biggest reason we need rain in the Bay area. Not when we’re in a drought, and there are approximately 33 wildfires currently burning, according to the Florida Forest Service. But Tampa Bay golf courses are hurting. Several are dry and brown and in danger of losing their fairways. The courses are open for play, but without green grass, they’re not a lot of fun. And if golfers aren’t enjoying the courses, the loss of revenue is not good for business.
What Can You Do to Help Your Drought Challenged Course?
Tampa's rainfall is down more than 50% in 2017. We’ve had 5.04 inches of rain this year. In an average year, we would have 10.41 inches by this time in May. “If the drought lingers into June, you might start seeing cart path restrictions pop up,” said Gregg Gagliardi, President of Paradise Golf and a longtime PGA Professional. “There will be weak, burned-out areas because a course’s irrigation system is meant to complement Mother Nature and the rain, and in most cases are not adequate for going it alone without rain. Plus rain has natural minerals in it that irrigation water does not, so there would be a greater need to spend on chemicals and fertilizers.”
Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons - Cover photo from Author
Gregg also said many area courses have postponed their summer greens and fairway aerification, because of the fear they might not have enough water from their irrigation systems due to water restrictions. “Many courses that receive effluent water have been complete shut off from getting effluent, as there just isn’t enough water to go around.” But courses with higher watering budgets, and that’s not all of them, are still doing okay despite the dry conditions.
Gregg says there are things golfers can do to help the situation.
“Don’t throw lit cigars or cigarettes on the ground, or even into garbage receptacles, without dousing them in water,” advised Gregg. “And golfers should not drive carts into areas that are brownish, off-color or thin. The cart traffic will only cause the grass to die and then you will start getting even worse weed intrusion due to weak turf conditions. So stay on paved surfaces as long as possible.”
And it wouldn’t hurt to pray for rain. It will be a few weeks before we get into the official rainy season - until then, simply be respectful of the course as you play and do your part towards preserving what is there. Together we can make a difference by consciously protecting plant life until the rains come.
