Wettest January on Record Disrupts Golf Season in Ireland

Golfers across Ireland are facing significant disruptions to the start of the season as unprecedented rainfall leads to widespread course closures. January 2026 has been exceptionally wet, with Dublin Airport recording 110mm of rain up to February 14th, compared to 48mm during the same period last year.

Record Rainfall and Course Closures

The recent deluge has impacted courses nationwide, particularly in the south, southeast, east, and northeast of the country. County Dublin experienced its second wettest January on record, with both Phoenix Park (225% of its Long Term Average) and Dublin Airport (223% of its LTA) seeing record rainfall levels. Nationally, rainfall was 123% of the 1991-2020 Long Term Average, ranking as the 18th wettest January nationally and the wettest since 2018.

Historical Perspective: It’s Happened Before

Even as the current conditions are frustrating, it’s not an entirely new phenomenon. Similar monsoon conditions forced course closures even during the summer months in 2023, with Met Éireann recording 187mm of rainfall in Ireland in July 2023 and 154mm in September of that year.

Expert Optimism: Recovery is Possible

Despite the challenges, industry experts are urging patience and highlighting improvements in course management. Joe Bedford, an independent management consultant, offers a reassuring message: Don’t panic. He points to advancements in soil quality, fertilization, and grass sward development as factors that will aid in quicker recovery.

Versus years ago, soils on golf courses are quality; there’s better fertilisers and courses are covered in a grass sward. Once upon a time your greens were good and your tees were good, but now your fairways are good. People are keeping fairways like they used to keep tee boxes 20 years ago and that sward of grass is hugely helpful.

Joe Bedford, Independent Management Consultant

Bedford as well emphasizes the increased sophistication of greenkeepers in managing traffic flow on courses, utilizing ropes and stakes to protect vulnerable areas.

Greenkeepers Focused on Reopening Courses

Bedford stresses that greenkeepers are highly motivated to get courses back into play. I’ll tell you, there isn’t a greenkeeper out there who doesn’t aim for his golf course open. Some people think [greenkeepers] err on the side of caution and shut the place [for no reason], that’s not case at all. They know. They are customer focused and they want the golf courses open. Golf clubs have better course managers now than ever, they are trying hard.

Looking Ahead

With January and February being the wettest months, experts believe courses will recover as the weather improves. Bedford advises against hasty decisions regarding drainage improvements, advocating instead for a focus on good agronomy.

The overall outlook remains positive, with a belief that better days are ahead for Irish golf.

Stay tuned to 247sports.news for further updates on the Irish golf season.