RECAP OF 2012

DRY and HOT.  I think that explains the 2012 season.  Year to date, we have received 22" of rain for the year which is 11" below normal.  There is a positive and negative side to this:
POSITIVE SIDE:
     1.  Course conditions are more controllable.  We can manage the water in accordance to plant needs.  Deep and infrequent irrigation along with the use of wetting agents created fast, firm conditions. 
     2.  Lower humidity reduces disease pressure which reduces the number of pesticide applications.
     3.  All member and outside events ran.  This is the first time in my 11 years at CRCC that we had no cancellations due to weather. 
     4.  The top 6" of the soil profile, which is where the majority of the root system is for the turf grass,  seems to have adequate moisture even with the drought.
     5.  Projects are completed with minimal disruption. 
     6.  The locker room and facility smell better due to the lack of wet clothes. 
NEGATIVE SIDE:
     1.  There is an increase in the cost of electricity due to the increase use of the irrigation system.
     2.  Grass seed doesn't germinate.
     3.  Irrigation water doesn't give you a good flushing of the soil profile like a good rain does.
     4.  Drought conditions affect trees more than the turf due to the lack of sub-soil moisture.  Trees that are diseased or weak will be extremely affected. 

Along with the drought came the heat.  I recorded at the golf course 36 days over 90 degrees and 3 days over 100 degrees.  The best thing about the heat was the lack of humidity.  The days were very dry which made it tolerable.  The majority of time this summer was spent hand watering greens and fairways to keep conditions consistent.