Southern California is well known for its trend-setting nature, especially in the film and fashion industries. But one discouraging regional trend is causing a small segment of the population to lose sleep: drought.

The Golden State is facing a water deficit of 11 trillion gallons, according to former USGA Green Section agronomist Mike Huck, principal at Irrigation & Turfgrass Services, in Mission Viejo, Calif., for the past 13 years.

“We’re hurting,” said Pat Gross, director of the West Region for the Green Section, who is based in Fullerton, Calif. “This is our rainy season and we’ve only gotten a few sprinkles.” Read the complete story>>

Did You Know

Great golf course conditions and efficient water management are not mutually exclusive.

Golf’s use of water directly impacts the cost of golf. Courses in drier areas of the country can spend as much as $1 million on water alone, annually, based on their geographic region.

Approximately 80 percent of golf course turf is irrigated in the U.S. – and more than 60 percent is irrigated rough. Reducing that percentage by small amounts with a maintenance-up-the-middle approach promotes quality playing conditions and responsibility.

More than $40 million has been dedicated to research developing science-driven solutions like drought-resistant turfgrass, efficient irrigation systems and water meters to produce results.

Golf’s management of water is not a question of color, but effective use. Certain turfgrass strains cannot survive if brown. We encourage owners and superintendents to develop plans best suited to their region.

When it comes to water use and golf course #sustainability, let's start at the top: What is recycled water? http://ow.ly/JwqNL

The seven-letter word that causes sleepless nights for the golf industry: Drought. What can your course do? http://ow.ly/JwudS

Photo gallery about turfgrass removal to manage irrigation use View Gallery>>

USGA: Conservation Through Turf Removal

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