Irrigation is an essential component of management on all modern golf courses in both arid and temperate climates. It is used to control the growth and quality of fine turf, to maximise playability, and to maintain the aesthetic conditions demanded by players and spectators (Weatherhead et al., 2005). The main objective of sports-turf irrigation is to control the soil moisture content, which influences bounce and playability, and to produce and maintain a safe, high-quality playing surface. Although irrigation is important for optimising turf growth (roots require both oxygen and water in the root zone to thrive), it is also used to alleviate compaction, maximise aeration and control drainage. In many parts of Europe water resources are under increasing levels of stress. Recent droughts, rising competition for water between different sectors (e.g. public supplies, industry, agriculture) and demands for greater environmental protection have all highlighted the limitations on available water supplies. In some countries, particularly in southern Europe, there is also a perception that irrigating golf courses creates significant additional abstraction, and that this is having major impacts on the environment and other abstractors (Rodriguez-Diaz et al., 2007). Climate change threatens to exacerbate the water supply-demand problem, with hotter drier summers reducing water availability and increasing water demand. Changes in climate, notably temperature and rainfall, and their consequent impacts on soil moisture, will have significant impacts on golf course management. Agronomic practices and the design and management of irrigation and drainage infrastructure are likely to be most affected. This paper outlines the likely impacts and adaptation options available to respond to changing water availability.