How Matlock’s Course Came Through the 2026 Drought

Golf course conditions have been a major talking point throughout the summer of 2026. As the British Masters gets underway at The Belfry this week, attention is understandably on the condition of the Brabazon Course and the work that goes into preparing a golf course for one of the biggest events on the British golfing calendar.

But the challenge has stretched far beyond championship golf. After an exceptionally dry summer, the Environment Agency confirmed in August that the East Midlands had officially moved into drought status. For golf courses across Derbyshire and the Peak District, keeping courses healthy, playable and presented to a high standard has required a huge amount of work.

Here at Matlock Golf Club, that challenge comes with an added dimension. Our course sits around 850ft above sea level, and is exposed to the elements on the hills overlooking Matlock. Despite everything the summer of 2026 has thrown at us, including the PH water levels, the course has come through and all is looking well!

One of the Driest Summers in Years

Anyone who has played golf the course regularly this summer doesn’t need statistics to tell them it has been dry. But the figures put the scale of the situation into perspective.

The Environment Agency reported that the East Midlands moved from prolonged dry weather into official drought status during August. Across England, reservoir storage had fallen to 62.6% by 18 August, while rainfall for August to that point stood at just 17% of the long-term average.

It followed an exceptionally dry July and months of pressure on water supplies, rivers, reservoirs and the wider environment. For golf courses, those conditions create an obvious challenge. Grass needs water, but maintaining a golf course during a drought isn’t simply a case of turning the sprinklers on.

Keeping Matlock Golf Club Playing Through the Drought

Maintaining any golf course through an extended dry spell requires careful management. At Matlock, our elevated position brings its own set of challenges. At around 850ft above sea level, the course is exposed to wind and changing weather conditions, while prolonged sunshine and dry ground can quickly affect playing surfaces.

The aim isn’t necessarily to keep every inch of a the course bright green throughout a drought. In fact, the course should naturally change with the seasons. The priority is protecting the important playing surfaces and maintaining the quality of the course while working sensibly with the conditions.

Throughout the summer, that has meant careful attention to the greens, tees and other key areas of the course, alongside the day-to-day work required to keep the course playing as well as possible.

A Golf Course Doesn’t Have to Be Green to Be Good

This is perhaps one of the biggest misconceptions about summer golf. Brown doesn’t necessarily mean bad. When fairways become firmer and faster, the way a golf course plays changes. Drives run further, slopes become more influential and suddenly shots that normally stop quickly can travel another 20 or 30 yards.

At Matlock Golf Club, where course management is already an important part of playing well, those conditions can make things particularly interesting. You start thinking differently from the tee. Landing areas change. Approaches require more consideration and sometimes the best shot isn’t necessarily the one aimed directly at the flag.

It is golf as it was designed to be played, with the conditions becoming part of the challenge.

The Greens Are Where It Really Matters

Ask most golfers what matters most about course condition and the answer will usually be the greens.

Fairways can firm up. Rough can change. The colour of the course can come and go with the seasons. But golfers still want good putting surfaces. Protecting greens through prolonged periods of heat and limited rainfall requires constant attention from the greenkeeping team. Water management, cutting heights, plant health and the amount of stress placed on the turf all have to be considered.

The fact that golfers have continued to enjoy good playing surfaces at Matlock throughout such a difficult summer is testament to the work that goes on behind the scenes. Most of it happens before many of us have even arrived at the club.

Even The British Masters Has Faced the Same Challenge

The scale might be different, but the issue isn’t. The 2026 British Masters is taking place at The Belfry from 27 to 30 August, with some of Europe’s leading golfers competing on the famous Brabazon Course. The Belfry has also had to tackle the consequences of the exceptionally dry conditions.

Its solution includes an onsite water recycling system that treats wastewater from across the resort before returning it to lakes and a reservoir for course irrigation. Combined with monitoring technology and precision irrigation, it allows the venue to protect its playing surfaces while reducing its reliance on freshwater. It is a considerably different operation to maintaining a members’ golf club in the Derbyshire hills, but the underlying challenge is exactly the same. Use the resources available intelligently and put the water where it matters.

What Does the Drought Mean for Golf in Derbyshire?

The 2026 drought has demonstrated just how adaptable golf courses need to be. For golfers, it has also produced some fantastic summer playing conditions.

Firm fairways can mean more distance from the tee, but they can also punish shots that are slightly offline. Approaches need more imagination and golfers have to think about where the ball is going to finish rather than simply where it lands.

For anyone searching for golf courses in Derbyshire or somewhere to play golf in the Peak District, summer conditions can provide a very different test from the same course played during spring or autumn. That is certainly true at Matlock.

Golf at 850ft in the Peak District

One of the great things about playing golf in Derbyshire is that the seasons genuinely change the golf. Matlock Golf Club’s elevated position provides fantastic views across the surrounding countryside, but it also means the course is influenced by the weather throughout the year.

A calm summer evening can provide completely different conditions to a breezy spring morning. Likewise, a firm golf course after weeks of dry weather requires a different approach from the softer conditions golfers might experience at other times of the season. It means the course rarely plays exactly the same way twice.

A Huge Thank You to the Greenkeeping Team

Golfers naturally notice when a putt rolls well or a fairway looks good. What is less visible is the amount of work that goes into making that happen, particularly during a summer as dry and demanding as 2026.

A huge amount of credit has to go to our Course Manager, David Coop, and the rest of the greenkeeping team. Maintaining the course through prolonged drought conditions. While continuing to provide members and visitors with excellent playing surfaces has required plenty of hard work, careful management and long hours behind the scenes.

As we approach the latter part of the summer season, we’d like to say a huge thank you to David and the entire team for everything they have done to keep Matlock Golf Club playing so well in some extremely challenging conditions.

The weather might be beyond our control. What happens to the golf course isn’t.

Play Golf at Matlock Golf Club

If you are looking for golf courses in the Peak District or somewhere to play golf in Derbyshire, Matlock Golf Club welcomes visitors throughout the season. Alongside our 18-hole golf course, golfers can take advantage of the TrackMan driving range, indoor golf simulator, PGA professional coaching and clubhouse facilities.

And after one of the driest summers in recent years, there is probably no better time to experience just how interesting golf at 850ft can be.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How high above sea level is Matlock Golf Club?

Matlock Golf Club occupies an elevated position at around 850ft above sea level, providing fantastic views across Matlock and the surrounding Derbyshire countryside.

Has Derbyshire been affected by the 2026 drought?

Yes. The Environment Agency confirmed that the East Midlands moved into official drought status during August 2026 following prolonged dry weather and exceptionally low rainfall.

Can golf courses stay open during a drought?

Yes. Golf courses can continue operating during drought conditions, although course management and water use become particularly important. Greenkeeping teams may prioritise essential playing surfaces and adapt maintenance practices according to conditions and any applicable water restrictions.

Why do golf courses turn brown in hot weather?

Grass can naturally become dormant during prolonged hot and dry conditions. Brown or firm fairways don’t necessarily mean a golf course is in poor condition. Firm summer turf can actually produce fast-running playing conditions that add another challenge to a round.

Can visitors play at Matlock Golf Club?

Yes. Visitors are welcome at Matlock Golf Club, making it a great option for anyone looking to play golf in Derbyshire or searching for golf courses in the Peak District.