Q and A on Frost Delays
by Mike Parker
Tuesday, March 10, 2009 9:19am (PST)
Each year, as we move from winter into spring, golf courses in many regions of the country experience frost delays. Unfortunately, Wolf Run is no exception to this seasonal challenge that can often frustrate morning golfers.
While frost delays are no fun for golfers or golf course operators, they are definitely a "necessary evil" for golf course superintendents who work so hard throughout the year to make our rounds of golf enjoyable. Pete Fleming, the Superintendent here at the Wolf Run Golf Club, is well aware of the frustration caused by delays to tee times, but is even more aware of the impact that ignoring the frost can have. Earlier this week I talked with Pete about the frost delays and he wanted to communicate through our blog about the delays in an effort to ease any concerns in advance of the first delay. What follows is a little Q&A that can serve as your guide to the most frequently asked questions about frost delays…courtesy of Wolf Run Golf Club staff.
Why do golf courses impose frost delays?
Frost is frozen dew that has crystallized on the grass, making it hard and brittle. A grass blade is actually 90 percent water, therefore it also freezes. Because of the short mowing height (sometimes as low as 1/8 inch) and fragile nature of the turf, putting greens are most affected by frost. Walking on frost-covered greens causes the plant to break and cell walls to rupture, thereby losing its ability to function normally. When the membrane is broken, much like an egg, it cannot be put back together.
If you walk on frost-covered turfgrass, you will not see immediate damage. The impact of walking on the turf comes 48-72 hours later when the plant leaves turn brown and die. The result is a thinning of the putting surface and a weakening of the plant. The greens then become more susceptible to disease and weeds. It is also important to note that driving golf carts on fairways and in roughs has essentially the same effect during frost.
Why can we play in cold weather during the winter but not during Spring frost delays?
During the winter months grasses that are permitted to go dormant have a more minimal level of damage done to them during cold weather play. However, walking on live frozen grass in the spring crushes and bruises the grass, damaging the grass and causing it to turn black.
Why can't the practice greens be used during the frost delay?
Like all other greens the practice green is also fragile turf grass. Naturally all parts of the Wolf Run facility must be protected from damage during the delays.
Never fear! The Wolf Run driving range will always be open during delays and the Wolf Run Grill will have great breakfast options and hot coffee while we wait for the frost to melt.
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