Refresher on frost

It is the time of year for frost. The Grounds department likes frost delays about as much as golfers, but we all have to deal with them. Below are a few reminders regarding frost as we get into the colder months.

Here is a link to a previous blog talking more generally about frost. Here is a post about fall frost in general and how they differ from frosts that occur in the spring. Since we are in the fall season now, this is particularly pertinent.

Frost by itself is not damaging to turfgrass, especially cool season turf. The damage occurs when the frozen cells inside the plant are ruptured from pressure. This damage occurs from walking on frosted turf or driving carts across it. This is why frost delays are for the entire grounds.

Bermuda grass is not injured by frost either, but the cold mornings expedite the onset of dormancy. So, over the next few weeks, the Bermuda grass will be losing its green color, but this is not a sign of any issue.

It is also important to note that sometimes frost is not visible as you stand at the clubhouse or pro shop. The frost may be either down in the turf canopy or it may be only on certain areas of the course. Frost will always form in the most open areas and lower areas first. So, there may not be frost up on the hill near the clubhouse, but down lower, in the rough near #3 and #15 it may be very heavy.

This leads to the last point: the course does not need to be blanketed by frost for there to be a delay. We make every effort to allow play as early as possible, but even if the frost is only in the rough in a few places, that still necessitates a delay. It is not possible to expect people to stay out of the frosty areas but allow them to play in the other areas. Therefore, we are forced to close the entire course.

We keep a very close eye on when frost conditions exist as well as monitoring as it lifts. Each time, we make sure to allow play as early as we can.

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please leave bunker rakes inside the bunker once you are finished.

Also, as part of a Golf Committee initiative to improve course etiquette, we have included links to videos teaching proper on course etiquette. Please take a moment to watch:

Ball Marks - How to properly repair

Bunker etiquette

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org