Why Does Golf Course Grass Turn Brown in Summer? The Science Behind Dormant Turf and Green Irrigation at Brynhill Golf Club
Every summer, especially during periods of prolonged sunshine and low rainfall, we receive questions from members and visitors asking the same thing:
"Why is so much of the golf course brown while the greens remain beautifully green?"
It's a great question, and the answer lies in understanding how grass naturally responds to hot, dry weather and how modern golf course management works.
At Brynhill Golf Club, maintaining excellent playing conditions isn't simply about watering everything in sight. It involves science, careful planning, environmental responsibility and the experience of our dedicated greenkeeping team.
Summer Weather Presents a Challenge for Every Golf Course
Grass is a living plant, and like all plants it reacts to changes in weather.
When temperatures remain high for long periods and rainfall becomes scarce, grass naturally begins to conserve energy and moisture. This process is known as summer dormancy.
Dormancy is often misunderstood.
Many people believe brown grass is dead grass.
In reality, it is usually doing exactly what nature intended.
Rather than continuing to grow and using valuable water reserves, the grass slows its growth dramatically, allowing the plant to survive until cooler temperatures and rainfall return.
This is why many golf courses across the UK take on a golden appearance during hot summers.
Dormant Grass Is Alive
One of the biggest misconceptions is that brown grass has died.
In most cases, this simply isn't true.
During dormancy:
The leaves lose their green colour.
Growth slows significantly.
The plant conserves moisture.
The root system remains alive beneath the surface.
Once rainfall returns, dormant grass quickly begins producing new green shoots and the course recovers naturally.
It's a remarkable survival mechanism that has evolved over thousands of years.
Why Don't Golf Clubs Water Every Fairway?
This is probably the question we hear most often.
The simple answer is that watering an entire 18-hole golf course every day is neither practical nor environmentally responsible.
A golf course covers many acres of land.
To irrigate every fairway, semi-rough and rough during prolonged dry weather would require an enormous volume of water every single day, together with significant energy and running costs.
Modern golf course management focuses on using water where it has the greatest impact.
Why the Greens Receive Priority
The putting greens are the most valuable playing surfaces on any golf course.
They are cut extremely short—typically between 3mm and 5mm—and because of this they become stressed much more quickly than longer grass.
Without careful irrigation during hot weather, greens can suffer:
Heat stress
Turf thinning
Surface damage
Poor ball roll
Long-term deterioration
Protecting these surfaces is one of the greenkeeping team's highest priorities.
Irrigation Is About Precision—Not Just Watering
Many people imagine irrigation simply means turning sprinklers on.
In reality, it's far more scientific than that.
Our greenkeeping team continually monitors:
Soil moisture levels
Turf health
Weather forecasts
Air temperatures
Wind conditions
Humidity
Daily evapotranspiration (how quickly moisture leaves the soil)
Using this information, irrigation is adjusted to provide just enough water to keep the grass healthy while maintaining firm, fast and consistent putting surfaces.
Too much water can be just as damaging as too little.
Overwatering encourages shallow root growth, softer greens and increased disease pressure.
The aim is always to apply the right amount of water—not the maximum amount.
Why Are the Sprinklers Usually On During the Evening?
Many members notice the irrigation system operating late in the day or during the evening.
This is intentional.
Watering outside the hottest part of the day offers several important benefits:
Less water is lost through evaporation.
Wind speeds are generally lower, improving sprinkler efficiency.
More moisture reaches the rootzone where it's needed.
The course remains available for golfers throughout the day.
The greens have time to absorb moisture overnight.
It's a far more efficient and sustainable way of managing water.
The Role of Our Greenkeeping Team
Behind every healthy green is a tremendous amount of work that most golfers never see.
Throughout the summer months our greenkeeping team is constantly:
Monitoring moisture levels
Adjusting irrigation schedules
Hand watering areas that require extra attention
Checking turf health
Managing green speeds
Maintaining smooth putting surfaces
Protecting the long-term health of the course
Every decision is made with one goal in mind—providing the best possible playing conditions while protecting the course for future seasons.
Sustainability Matters
Golf clubs today have an important responsibility to use water wisely.
Responsible irrigation isn't simply about reducing costs—it is about protecting natural resources and ensuring water is used efficiently.
By concentrating irrigation on the greens and other priority areas, we can maintain excellent playing conditions while minimising unnecessary water consumption.
This approach benefits both the golf course and the wider environment.
A Brown Golf Course Can Still Be a Healthy Golf Course
Some of the world's most famous golf courses—including Open Championship venues—regularly display golden fairways during dry summers.
Firm, fast-running conditions are often highly regarded by golfers and are perfectly natural.
A greener course does not always mean a healthier course.
In fact, allowing non-essential areas to naturally enter dormancy often encourages stronger, deeper-rooted turf in the long term.
Looking Ahead
While we all enjoy sunshine, prolonged dry weather presents unique challenges for every golf club.
Our greenkeeping team continues to monitor conditions daily and will keep using our irrigation system carefully and responsibly to protect the greens while allowing the rest of the course to respond naturally to the changing seasons.
The next time you see the sprinklers operating across the greens at Brynhill Golf Club, you'll know they are helping preserve the most important playing surfaces on the course—ensuring they remain healthy, true and enjoyable for everyone throughout the summer.
Experience Brynhill Golf Club Throughout the Seasons
Every season brings its own character to Brynhill Golf Club. From lush spring growth and firm summer fairways to stunning autumn colours and year-round golf, our dedicated greenkeeping team works tirelessly to present the course at its very best.
Whether you're a member, visitor or society, you'll always receive a warm welcome and experience a course that is managed with pride, expertise and respect for the environment.
If you'd like to experience Brynhill for yourself, we'd love to welcome you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is brown grass on a golf course dead?
No. During hot, dry weather the grass often enters dormancy, a natural survival process. Once rainfall returns, it usually recovers and becomes green again.
Why don't golf clubs water the whole course?
Watering an entire golf course would require huge volumes of water and isn't environmentally sustainable. Most clubs prioritise greens, tees and other key playing areas.
Why are the greens always green?
Greens are cut extremely short and are the most important playing surfaces. Carefully managed irrigation keeps them healthy and consistent throughout the summer.
Why do sprinklers run at night?
Watering during the evening or early morning reduces evaporation, improves efficiency and allows moisture to reach the roots before temperatures rise.