Fall Foliage and Leaf Drop
The fall scenery and colors this year have been the most vivid I can remember here in Greensboro. The leaves are rich with deep color, almost waiting for the weather to finally bring them down. Because we’ve had so little wind and rain, they’ve managed to hold on longer than usual. Today’s incoming system should change that—the moderate winds and hopefully measurable rain will likely bring plenty of them to the ground.
While approximately 75% of our labor is dedicated to leaf cleanup and removal during November and December, there will be days when the rate of the fall far exceeds our ability to keep up. On these heavy days, we ask for your patience and understanding. Our team is working incredibly hard to stay on top of the course conditions, even while knowing Mother Nature is sometimes impossible to beat.
To help, we are experimenting with a new program this year: we are providing up to 12 small, handheld electric blowers to golfers on a first-come, first-served basis. These are available to assist you on windy days when the staff is either stretched thin or off-duty.
Additionally, please remember to discuss the "Leaf Rule" with your group before teeing off. If your group agrees, you may treat piled leaves as Ground Under Repair (GUR), allowing for free relief even if a lost ball cannot be found. Please note that this casual agreement does not apply to tournament play, where a committee must formally enact Model Local Rule F-14 for such relief to be taken without penalty.
Water Restrictions Escalate to Stage 2
It has been nearly 20 years since a major drought last threatened Greensboro and the wider North Carolina water supply, but that dry cycle has officially returned. Stage 2 water restrictions are back in place—and for good reason. So far in 2026, our region has received only 60% of its normal rainfall, leaving us with a staggering 13-inch year-to-date deficit. In fact, the past 12 months have officially marked the driest period on record.
Fortunately, the timing of these restrictions mitigates some immediate impact, as golf course water consumption naturally drops during the winter months from November through February. However, the current winter forecast does not predict enough rainfall to fully replenish our reservoirs. As a result, these restrictions will likely remain in place heading into the 2027 growing season. When spring arrives, the compounding effects of these—or potentially even harsher—mandates will significantly impact the Irving Park course, which relies solely on city water for its irrigation.
