As golf courses across the UK continue to experience one of the driest summers on record, The R&A is encouraging clubs to make use of its Golf Course 2030 Water Portal – a free online resource designed to help facilities better prepare for the increasing challenges of water management and climate change.
The call comes as provisional figures show England and Wales have recorded their driest July on record, with Southern England experiencing its driest month since records began in 1836. England recorded just 5.6mm of rainfall throughout July – only 8% of the long-term monthly average – while Wales received just 7.9mm, also around 8% of its average rainfall.
Extended periods of drought can place significant pressure on golf facilities, affecting turf health, irrigation demand and long-term course resilience. As weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable, sustainable water management is becoming an ever more important consideration for golf course managers, clubs and owners.
The R&A’s Golf Course 2030 Water Portal has been developed to provide practical, science-based guidance to help golf facilities better understand and respond to these challenges. Originally launched in 2023 and recently updated with the latest research, legislation and best practice, the portal provides a comprehensive range of tools and resources to support informed decision-making around water management.
The online resource includes:
- An interactive climate mapping tool showing how rainfall and temperature patterns are projected to change over time.
- Practical guidance on improving water efficiency and resilience.
- Information on sustainable solutions, including drainage, irrigation, water monitoring and abstraction.
- 22 case studies from golf courses across the UK and Europe demonstrating real-world approaches to water management.
- A dedicated legislation section with links to relevant water regulations and guidance.
- A downloadable PDF report for offline planning and reference.
Golf courses are also encouraged to work closely with their national federations and industry bodies, including BIGGA, alongside the resources available through the Water Portal, to ensure they are following region-specific guidance and best practice.
To further support golf facilities, The R&A has also produced a video featuring Paul Woodham, Sustainable Agronomy Lead, discussing the impact of prolonged dry weather, the importance of sustainable water management and how golf courses can make the most of the Golf Course 2030 Water Portal.