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The spring of 2025 was the hottest and driest on record. Four heatwaves, rainfall 40% below the average and soaring evapotranspiration have left reservoirs low and much of England officially in drought. For turf managers, this isn’t a one-off challenge — it’s the new pattern. Fairways, in particular, have taken a hit with heavy traffic and hydrophobic ‘dry patch’ soils slowing recovery and reducing the overseeding window. Beneath the surface, next season’s outcomes are already being decided so what can you do create surfaces than not only survive, but thrive? Stuart Yarwood, Regional Technical Manager at DLF Seeds explores.

It’s every greenkeeper’s worst nightmare – to receive a call informing them of vandalism on the course. That nightmare was the unfortunate reality for David Byron of Thorndon Park who returned from BTME 2025 to discover the ‘destruction’ of six greens, three tees and numerous fairways. With sheer determination, a concerted team effort and the outstanding recovery demonstrated by mixtures from across the Johnsons Sports Seed range, the surfaces were fit and ready for club championships just a few short months later.

The benefits of DLF’s 4turf® tetraploid perennial ryegrass have been well documented - the additional strength, winter performance and tolerance of a range of environmental stresses making them a popular choice for sports turf surfaces. One such sport reaping the rewards is equestrian, where the need for density, quick establishment, persistence and recovery makes 4turf® mixtures a firm favourite!

As one extensive improvement project comes to an end, another unexpectedly begins at Stockport’s Reddish Vale Golf Club – and once again, Johnsons Sports Seed is playing a key role in recovery and renovation. For the past few seasons, J Premier Tee has been transforming tees and aprons, bringing big benefits to play and praise for Head Greenkeeper Aaron Watkinson and his team. However, widespread flooding over the New Year period means a major recovery programme is now underway on the fairways – with the tried and tested Johnsons J Fairway ready to come to the rescue!