16/07/2025
Parched Fairways: How Hot Droughts Are Reshaping Golf Course Management in the UK
The UK’s golf courses are facing a new kind of hazard—not from storms or floods, but from the sun. Mardyke has always been a dry course but....
With 2025 bringing the driest spring since World War II, hot drought conditions are forcing course managers to rethink everything from turf care to member communication.
Hot droughts—periods of high temperatures combined with prolonged dry spells are becoming more frequent and intense. Mardyke also has to endure drying winds that can crisp the surface.
In 2025, some regions like Wales, East Anglia and the south east recorded their driest March in over 70 years. This has led to soil moisture levels at Mardyke plummeting to as low as 1 % in our fairways, far below the ideal 10–15%
We are seeing an increased fire risk at Mardyke in our unmanaged areas, of course, with rainfall scarce and temperatures soaring, irrigation systems are being pushed to their limits:
Our water allowances are being used up earlier in the year, leaving us vulnerable later in the season.
Greens, tees, and aprons are prioritised, while fairways often go without, leading to patchy and stressed turf.
Calls for investment in more efficient irrigation systems and water recycling are growing louder but we can only water within our water allowance.
Hot droughts are not just about dryness—they also disrupt turf biology:
Cool-season grasses struggle to survive, leading to browning and dieback.
Recovery is delayed, as warm days and cold nights confuse growth cycles.
Stress-tolerant grass species are being trialled, but adaptation takes time and money.
One of the biggest challenges isn’t just the turf—it’s managing expectations. Members often expect pristine conditions in spring, not realising that drought is preventing recovery
Greenkeepers are under pressure, both physically and emotionally, to deliver results.
To cope with the new climate we are introducing drought-tolerant grass plants to reduce water useage, investing in soil health, using organic matter, and wetting agents to retain moisture.
Exploring alternative water sources, such as greywater and rainwater harvesting.
Hot droughts are no longer rare anomalies they’re becoming the new normal. For UK golf courses, this means adapting fast or risking long-term damage. With smart planning, sustainable practices, and strong community support, the industry can weather the heat and keep the game going.
