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Climate change is making golf hotter, drier and more challenging
TL;DR
Climate change is increasing extreme heat, impacting golf tournaments and player safety. Health risks such as heat stress and dehydration are becoming more prevalent during events.
Key points
- Climate change is increasing global temperatures.
- Extreme heat affects golf tournaments and player safety.
- Health risks include heat stress and dehydration.
- Prolonged exposure to heat can lead to serious illnesses.
- Various organizations are addressing these challenges.
Symptoms of climate change, including rising global temperatures, are increasing the frequency of extreme heat and negatively affecting the game of golf.
Extreme heat during professional tournaments can pose health risks for players, caddies, officials and spectators, according to the International Golf Federation.
Heat stress, dehydration, and heat illness are growing concerns, particularly during multiday events that require hours of walking and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Heat-related illnesses include heat stroke, heat exhaustion, rhabdomyolysis, heat syncope, heat cramps, and heat rash.
Climate change is also affecting golf in other ways, according to various sources, including the Environmental Protection Agency.
- Extreme weather events, including thunderstorms, high winds, and torrential rainfall, are increasing the frequency of tournament delays and schedule changes.
- Changing temperature and precipitation patterns can alter how championship courses play and appear.
- Increased rainfall can damage bunkers, wash out fairways, and leave greens unplayable for days or weeks.
- At the elite level, these changes can affect competitive outcomes by reducing predictability in course setup.
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Climate-driven pest and disease pressure is also increasing turf maintenance challenges, raising costs and altering course aesthetics.
Professional golf relies on water-intensive course maintenance, making the sport especially vulnerable to drought and tightening water regulations.
Research shows climate change-driven water scarcity has already forced golf courses, particularly in arid and semiarid regions, to reduce irrigated acreage, experiment with drought-resistant turf, or accept less visually pristine playing conditions, according to the United States Golf Association.
Maria Jose Marin of Colombia hugs little brother Emilio, 10, after finishing on No. nine during the first round of the Augusta National Women's Amateur golf tournament at Champions Retreat.
Storm-related disruptions also reduce tournament revenue by limiting spectator attendance and forcing cancellations or shortened events, increasing financial risk for tour operators and host clubs.
In response to a changing climate, professional golf organizations are adopting adaptation strategies, including redesigned courses, climate-resilient turfgrasses, improved drainage, smarter irrigation systems, and revised tournament scheduling, according to the United States Golf Association.
This reporting content is supported by a partnership with Journalism Funding Partners.
Erica Van Buren is the climate change reporter for The Augusta Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network. Connect with her at EVanBuren@usatodayco.com or on X: @EricaVanBuren32.
This article originally appeared on Athens Banner-Herald: Climate change impacts golf courses and tournaments
Q&A
How is climate change affecting golf tournaments?
Climate change is causing more extreme heat, which poses health risks to players and spectators during tournaments.
What health risks do golfers face due to rising temperatures?
Golfers face risks like heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration, especially during long events in direct sunlight.
What organizations are concerned about heat-related issues in golf?
The International Golf Federation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are highlighting the health risks associated with extreme heat in golf.
