Issue 1 p . 10
FROST DELAYS : 5 THINGS EVERY GOLFER
SHOULD KNOW
It ’ s a frosty time of year across much of the country , so be prepared for delays . Here are five things every golfer should know about frost delays :
1 . CRUNCHY GRASS IS VULNERABLE TO DAMAGE . Golf course turf is normally resilient to traffic , but when ice crystals form inside the plants , they become brittle and vulnerable to damage . Walking or driving over frost-covered grass may rupture plant cells , leading to dead turf . Or the plants may be weakened without immediately showing the effects . It can take grass more than a month to recover from this damage .
2 . WHEN IT COMES TO FROST DELAYS , LOCATION IS EVERYTHING . Many of us have looked out our windows at home and seen no signs of frost , only to find a frost delay when we reach the golf course . This is because frost can linger in colder microclimates long after other areas have thawed . North-facing slopes , low-lying areas and areas sheltered from the wind are especially likely to remain covered with frost . If you are worried about a potential frost delay it is best to call the golf shop to check on conditions at the course before leaving home .
Frost can linger in low-lying and shaded areas long after temperatures have warmed elsewhere .
3 . CLOSELY MOWN TURF IS AT HIGH RISK . Frost damage can occur on any part of the golf
course , but it poses the greatest risk to closely mown turf . Putting greens are particularly vulnerable because they experience the most concentrated traffic . A foursome typically takes 300 steps or more on each putting green ; if there is frost present , all those steps could cause serious damage .
4 . A LITTLE FROST CAN CAUSE BIG DELAYS . No signs of frost on the first tee ? That doesn ’ t mean you will get the “ all clear ” sign . If frost remains in areas that are unavoidable early in the round , the course must remain closed . It is also important to remember that once the frost is totally clear , the maintenance staff will need time to catch up on course preparations before play can begin .
When large trees shade primary playing surfaces , especially on early holes , the course must remain closed even if the frost has melted elsewhere .
5 . MORE LIGHT GOES A LONG WAY . Shade extends frost delays by preventing sunlight from melting the frost . Pruning or removing trees that shade primary playing surfaces can improve the course ’ s overall health and reduce the duration of frost delays . This is especially true on holes played early in the round . The shade from a few trees can keep an entire course closed .
Article by USGA . org