Drought in England: BIGGA calls for communication with golfers

The ongoing drought in the UK is forcing many golf courses to restrict watering – and now the greenkeepers’ organization BIGGA (British & International Golf Greenkeepers Association) is calling for active communication with golfers. The aim is to create understanding for the necessary measures and at the same time raise awareness for sustainable course maintenance. England is facing the worst spring drought in 70 years.

After some exceptionally wet winters in recent years, spring 2025 brought a stark contrast. According to the weather service, rainfall reached an all-time low in many regions. Wales recorded its driest March since 1944, while East Anglia experienced its second driest March on record. With May promising little improvement, greenkeepers are under extreme pressure to maintain playing surfaces amid increasing turf stress.

“It’s very, very dry. It’s the driest start to spring for nearly 70 years,” explains David Byron, Head Greenkeeper at Thorndon Park Golf Club in Essex. “We’ve had almost no rain, and what we have had has come in just one hit. ““In our fairways, we’re down to about 3–4% moisture content. Normally, you’d want 10 to 15% for the grass species we have.” Richard Johnstone, golf course manager at Royal Aberdeen, feels the same way. “We’re experiencing extreme weather patterns. There’s no longer a balance. Instead, we’re seeing one extreme or the other – either constant pouring rain or complete drought. There doesn’t seem to be much consistency anymore, and that presents some big challenges.”

Open communication necessary

“The current weather conditions are posing significant challenges for course managers across the UK,” explains BIGGA. “We strongly recommend open and proactive communication with golfers to explain any visible changes on the course or temporary watering restrictions.”

Fairways and semi-roughs are particularly affected, as the scarce amounts of water are primarily used for the greens. This can have a major impact on the maintenance condition and appearance of individual areas. According to BIGGA, transparent communication is therefore essential – even beyond short-term changes.

“Golfers who understand the reasons for the condition of the course tend to show more support and stay engaged,” continues BIGGA.

The organization offers specific communication tools on its website and in the members’ area – including templates, argumentation aids and examples of how the situation can be explained in a factual and understandable way.

At the same time, BIGGA also sees an opportunity in the tense situation: “This is an opportunity to inform golfers about the importance of sustainable course maintenance and to actively involve them in this process.”

The droughts of recent years in the UK – as in other parts of Europe – have made it clear that the management of water on golf courses needs to be rethought in the long term. BIGGA is therefore appealing not only to greenkeepers, but also explicitly to club management.