Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Frost and or frozen grass

Late fall and winter golf is interrupted on a frequent basis due to frost and or frozen turfgrass.  Early/light frost covers the blades and can be damaged more cosmetically if walked or driven upon.  As temperatures begin to drop further, the individual cells of the blades can become frozen and traffic can lead to plants being damaged severely and or die.  For these reasons, the course will not open until until the frost has lifted. 
In an effort to respect your time, I would recommend that you call the pro shop if you have times before 10 a.m. and the temperature is below 40 degrees.  We will make every effort to give the pro shop an approximate time when play might begin. 

There are occasions during the winter that the temperatures are cold enough to where the grass blades remain frozen and the course will not be opened.  We do not have a large number of winter players on the course but there are a few who are hardy enough to try to play during some of the colder periods. 

The course will also remain closed when greens are covered with snow and or ice.  There are also times when the turf is clear of snow and ice but the greens are softening from the freeze that begins to come out of our soil push up greens.  Roots can be sheared and long term damage may occur.  I will make additional posts regarding this issue when we get into the winter thawing periods of the year.

Below is a very informative video from the USGA regarding frost and the damage that can occur from both foot and cart traffic on frost covered turf.

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