Much of the region has been inundated with frequent rains over past few weeks. In May, monthly rainfall records were broken for parts of Oklahoma and Texas. The rain has been a welcomed sight for several drought-impacted areas as it increased soil moisture and helped substantially raise reservoir levels. However, broad, heavy rain events have led to widespread flash flooding, some of which has caused damage to several golf courses. Recent rains on a course in southwest Missouri triggered the formation of a gaping sinkhole that swallowed up part of a practice area.

Even golf courses fortunate to avoid property damage have had to deal with a barrage of other challenges resulting from all the rain. Rapid turfgrass growth and the inability to mow without creating damage have created a domino effect of lanky rough. As mentioned in a previous update, incremental adjustments in height of cut may be necessary to avoid scalping and reduce clumps of grass.

A wet spring also has increased the prevalence of many troublesome weeds (Fig. 1). Excessive rain has reduced the efficacy of preemergence herbicides leading to weed breakthrough. Untimely rains have further complicated weed control by forcing spray rigs armed with postemergence herbicides to remain in the maintenance facility. More hand removal will most likely be required as weeds grow larger and are more tolerant to herbicides.