England Golf has highlighted the growing importance of responsible water management for golf clubs as prolonged dry weather, rising temperatures and increasing pressure on national water supplies create a mounting challenge for the sport.
Around 71% of England is currently experiencing drought conditions, with a number of golf clubs already operating under Temporary Use Bans (TUBs), commonly known as hosepipe bans.
For clubs affected by a TUB, mains potable water can only be used on essential playing areas. Greens and teeing areas are permitted, while the use of mains water on fairways, approaches, rough, ornamental grass, landscaping and decorative planting is prohibited. Clubs are being urged to check regularly with their local water supplier, as restrictions can change rapidly.
Although there are currently no active Non-Essential Use Bans (NEUBs) in England, tighter restrictions are being considered in some regions. England Golf is encouraging clubs to plan ahead, with BIGGA also advising clubs to maintain close contact with their water suppliers and prepare for potential disruption.
The pressures facing golf extend beyond the immediate drought situation. Under the Environmental Targets (Water) (England) Regulations 2023, legally binding national targets have been established to reduce pressure on public water supplies.
These include a 20% reduction in water put into public supply by 2038, alongside a 9% reduction in total business water consumption by 2038 and 15% by 2050. Golf clubs, as part of the wider business community, will therefore need to reduce their reliance on mains water and consider alternative supplies.
England Golf has made water one of three priority areas within its Sustainability Drive 2025–2030, with responsibilities identified across the governing body, golf clubs and facilities, and golfers and volunteers. The long-term objective is to build greater water resilience across the sport.
As part of that approach, England Golf has published a Water Security Toolkit designed to help clubs assess their current consumption, prepare for future restrictions and investigate alternative water sources, including boreholes, reservoirs and rainwater harvesting.
Further support is available through The R&A’s Golf Course Water 2030 initiative, which provides guidance, case studies and examples of water-management innovation.
As reported in Golf Business News earlier this week, The R&A has also urged clubs to make use of its GC2030 Water Portal as the current drought situation increases the urgency for more resilient water practices.
England Golf is working with the Environment Agency, water companies, BIGGA and other partners to provide clubs with clear and timely guidance. In the meantime, clubs are being encouraged to use mains water only where permitted, reduce consumption wherever possible, plan for alternative sources and communicate clearly with golfers about changing course conditions.