Prolonged drought in the Southwest has once again brought water issues to the forefront for golfers and nongolfers alike. On August 18 at Los Serranos Country Club in Chino Hills, California, the USGA and Southern California Golf Association will host the 2022 Southern California Golf and Water Summit. The event will bring together industry experts to discuss current water-saving strategies as well as ideas for the future to help courses meet imposed water restrictions while continuing to optimize the playing experience.

More than ever, golf facilities in areas with limited or unpredictable water supplies are adopting new irrigation technologies, changing to grasses that use less water, and removing irrigated turf to meet water restrictions and reduce water costs. Technological advances and new ideas will help golf courses reduce their water use even further, but a big hurdle to navigate is the court of public opinion. The narrative around what are deemed acceptable conditions for golf courses needs to change. There needs to be greater acceptance of turf that is off-color and dormant grass in winter months with no overseeding. Industry experts need to disseminate a cohesive message to golfers and nongolfers on the benefits golf courses bring to local communities and the regional and state economy, as well as explaining their commitment to conserving water.

Golf course superintendents and water experts in the West have long been looked upon by the rest of the nation as the leaders in water management and conservation. This summit is an opportunity to showcase that knowledge.

West Region Agronomists:

Brian  Whitlark, senior consulting agronomist – bwhitlark@usga.org

Cory Isom, agronomist – cisom@usga.org

Information on the USGA’s Course Consulting Service

Contact the Green Section Staff