Frost Delays Are on the Way

With colder temperatures upon us frost delays are coming. When frost is present play will be delayed until the frost has melted. This is done to prevent damage that affects the quality of the playing surface and could potentially be very expensive to repair.

Frost is basically frozen dew that has crystallized on the grass, making it hard and brittle (Figure 1). A grass blade is actually 90% water, therefore it freezes. Because of the short mowing height, putting greens are most affected by frost. Walking on frost-covered greens causes the plant to break and cell walls rupture, thereby losing its ability to function normally. Once the membrane is broken, much like an egg, it cannot be put back together (GCSAA.org).



Figure 1. Close up photo of frost on a turfgrass plant.

Damage from ignoring frost delays will come 2-4 days later (Figures 2,3). Thinning and off color turf will result. Because of the cold temperatures the grass will not be able to regrow in the area leaving thin turf or even dirt.

Figure 2. Damage to grass after carts have driven through frost (photo courtesy Tommy Witt).

Figure 3. Footprints on a putting green after someone putted during a frost delay.

Here is a USGA educational video explaining further the effects of frost.

Please do your part to keep our grass healthy during winter months by adhering to frost delays. Call the pro shop on chilly mornings to see what time the frost delay is tentatively scheduled to be lifted so you will not be inconvenienced.

It's That Time of Year Again...Frost Delays

It's that time of year again when mother nature begins to interrupt golf course maintenance programs as well as suspend the start of your golf round. During late fall and winter months golf is often interrupted by frost delays.

Grass blades can be damaged during periods of early and light frost if walked or driven upon (Figure 1). 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.
 

Figure 1. Grass can be damaged during periods of frost by foot and cart traffic.

For these reasons, the course will not open until until the frost has lifted. It is recommended that you call the pro shop before 9:00 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.

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.

Frost Delay Video

This helpful video explains why we must delay golf during frosty mornings.