Yes, it's that time of year.  'Cart paths only' is a common term and ball roll in the fairways has screeched to a halt.  This winter is predicted to be drier than average, but so far, we are in line for the wettest winter on record.  Take a look at this link showing a graph of the current year precipitation compared to previous wet/dry/average years.

The effect on the golf course is constant wet conditions because the tight soils and proximity to ground water limits the ability to firm up.  We worked on a drain yesterday and our connection point had ground water just 18 inches below the surface.  However, this is just part of the problem.

The other limiting factor is the fog.  If it isn't raining it is usually fogging.  I doubt that is a correct term, but it should be.  We've actually been recording precipitation at our weather station on foggy days.  Take a look at this cart path which was fogged on while we prepared the course in the morning.


The staff has been busy cleaning up the leaves without use of the larger equipment like tractor mounted blowers or our tow-behind sweeper.  The process is slow and time consuming, but it has to end eventually, doesn't it?  The sycamores are finished dropping leaves, the beech and zelkova are nearly done, and the ash and nut trees are about halfway there, with the fruitless pear (in the photo above) dropping all of their leaves within the last few days. 

With a substantial amount of rain expected over the next week, we are biting the bullet and mowing turf that should be left to dry.  This will result in some tire streaks and smearing of worm castings.  However, if we don't get the turf cut today and tomorrow, then we may not get our next opportunity for two weeks or more. 

On lighter and drier note, the greens are still rolling fine.  There is a lot to be said for proper drainage which our greens have.  So battle your way to the putting surface through the soft and the wet.  Once you're there, you'll have some solid ground to roll towards the hole.