April Update

As we head toward the month of May, the back to back dry winter (rain) seasons are becoming reality. We have already heard of clubs being mandated to reduce water use by 40% and discussion of well usage with government entities has been rumored. Yesterday, Governor Newsom stood in a depleted Lake Mendocino and declared a drought emergency in Mendocino and Sonoma counties. What that drought emergency declaration means at this time is yet to be determined, but rest assured, water use reduction is more than likely in our future. During the drought years of 2014-2015 the club reduced their usage by 30%.

Here at Sonoma Golf Club, our water sources are winter runoff from Sonoma Mountain and three wells that we have on the property. Due to the extremely dry winter there was no runoff this season and the underground reservoirs did not get replenished. As of now we have no restrictions on usage, but the reality of the ongoing drought will change that.

Our area of California only received 60% of rainfall in 2020 and at this time 53% of rainfall in 2021. The combined average is 57% of rainfall received the last two seasons. We have some rain in the forecast for the upcoming weekend, but it will not be enough to relieve the situation.

The reality of the drought will result in drier conditions on the golf course this summer, which could be fun from a playability standpoint. We will have to accept the fact that the golf course will have some off-color. We deal with this on a normal basis to a certain point due to the aging irrigation system, environment, and local climate, but it will be more pronounce during a drought period like we are in. As we go through this, we will continually communicate with the membership to keep everyone informed.

One of the results of the impending drought is we made a conscience decision to modify our spring fairway aerification. Opening 26 acres of holes would have an impact on our water usage, so we will perform the core aeration this fall right before the winter season begins. Hopefully next year brings us a more normal rainfall pattern.

Starting next week, we will be using a vertical blade slicer/aerator to relieve soil compaction without removing a core. Core removal is necessary to control thatch, but we feel we are in a position to put this off until fall to help us conserve our water usage this spring. Following is a video for you to download and see the operation.

This process will provide minimal effect on play other than the day of performing the operation. We appreciate you understanding as we all go through this drought. It will have an effect on everyone’s water usage in the State of California.

Yours in turf,

Stacy L. Wallace, Golf Course Superintendent