1988 2012
May 0.92" 3.19"
June 2.06" 0.31"
July 2.44" 3.28"
August 2.95" 1.80"
September 2.43" 0.78"
Total 10.8" 9.66"
Since September isn't over and because I couldn't find daily data for 1988, I pro-rated the total September 1988 rainfall (4.29") over the 17 official days that we have had thus far. Looking at the 10-day forecast, there are currently no days with greater than a 20% chance of rainfall, and the discrepancy is thus likely to grow by the end of the month; we're hoping that it doesn't.
Since only the edges of our roughs receive water from the fairway irrigation heads, the above-pictured portable sprinklers are part of our roller-base fleet that have been used on a nearly-daily basis since June to prevent the deep roughs from going dormant. In areas where shallow-rooted trees predominate and compete very capably for soil moisture, this mission has become very difficult, but we will continue with it until either winter or rain arrives.
Otherwise, the greens are healing very nicely from the aerification that was completed on September 10, and it's hardly noticeable on many of the greens. As of yesterday, the natural grass range tees have been closed for the year to allow for divot recovery. Today, we aerified these tees, and we will be seeding, fertilizing, and filling-in the divots over the next day or two.
The cool temperatures that dominate the extended forecast are a welcome relief from the heat that was, and the turf will regenerate the roots that were lost in summer. Soon the leaves will begin falling in earnest, and leaf mulching will consume much of our time. Yes, the year is certainly winding down, but we hope that you're still able to enjoy some great fall golf.
