Rogers, Ark. – The Greens on Blossom Way Golf & Country Club is confronting a critical water shortage as a stretch of hot, dry weather continues through the summer. Pro shop manager Rick Tidwell said the course’s on‑site pond, which supplies irrigation water for all nine holes, has receded to unusually low levels, exposing shoreline that is normally submerged.
“It’s getting down to some really low levels right now, so it’s kind of critical,” Tidwell told reporters. “There’s a ring out there where we have a reservoir in it, and that’s exposed. That’s usually not exposed during this time of year.” The creek that runs through the property, another source of moisture, is currently completely dry.
The water shortage comes as the Benton Washington Regional Water Authority continues to ask residents to limit lawn watering in order to replenish municipal storage. While the authority’s request does not directly affect the golf course—because the club does not draw water from the city system—Tidwell explained that the club is still taking steps to conserve water and protect playing conditions.
During the hottest months, the course adjusts its irrigation schedule, moving watering to nighttime hours when evaporation is lower. The staff also monitors green temperatures with a ground‑level probe. When the probe registers a temperature that could create a “hot spot,” a crew member manually hoses the area to cool the surface and prevent the turf from becoming brittle.
“If it’s not watered, it’s going to get dry and brittle, and so the ball doesn’t roll well,” Tidwell said. “You still can play, but it’s not the quality an experienced golfer expects.” Proper hydration, he added, is essential for maintaining the course’s reputation and for ensuring that members and visitors enjoy a safe, playable surface.
The situation at Greens on Blossom Way mirrors challenges faced by other local courses. The Walmart Northwest Arkansas Championship, slated to return to Pinnacle Country Club in September, will also have to contend with the same heat and limited water resources.
Local officials have not indicated any immediate changes to water‑use regulations that would impact private recreational facilities, but the ongoing drought underscores the broader regional strain on water supplies. Residents of Rogers and the surrounding Benton County area have been urged to practice water‑wise landscaping and to stay informed about any future advisories from the regional water authority.
What golfers can expect
For members and guests of Greens on Blossom Way, the club’s proactive measures mean that play will continue, albeit with potentially slower greens and firmer fairways. Tidwell encouraged golfers to be patient and to understand that the club is balancing the need for quality conditions with responsible water stewardship.
“We’re doing everything we can within the limits we have,” he said. “Our goal is to keep the course in good shape while also respecting the broader water concerns that affect the whole community.”
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
