I am sure that you have heard the joke 'How did Golf get it's name?....All the other four letter words were taken.' Golf provokes every emotion and sense one has. As in life, there are highs and lows, birdies and bogeys, 90 degrees and Cart Path Only, 8:30 a.m. Shotgun Starts and 11:00 a.m. frost delays. All of these scenarios have ideal situations and situations that golf enthusiasts, like myself, despise.
At the end of the growing season, just prior to dormancy, turfgrass growth has slowed to a minimum. The process of dormancy (when the grass turns a beige color) is an attempt to protect the plant from freezing temperatures, frost, snow and other winter damage. While the plant is still alive and well during dormancy, it is not able to recover from damage. Raising our mowing heights, limiting traffic, and implementing the correct agronomic practices can maintain plant health and protect the club's investment.
-Damage can occur from cart or foot traffic in frost or frozen conditions-
Along with dormancy, frost delays are prevalent this time of year. We had our first frost delay yesterday. Frost on the grass blades tells us that the water inside the leaves is frozen. Water is the primary component of plant tissue. When this water is frozen, traffic on the turf causes the ice crystals in the cells to puncture through the cell walls, killing the plant tissue. Little damage is done to the crowns (growing points) or roots if only a light frost appears; however, when the frost is heavy, cell disruption may occur at the crown, thus killing the entire plant. Frost damage symptoms include white to light tan leaves where traffic has passed. Even if you do not see frost on the putting greens, we may have frost on a few greens on the golf course. Shade and location both affect how long it takes for frost to burn off of greens. Frost delays affect every tee time but overall membership satisfaction, quality of the turf and golf course conditions have to be taken into consideration. We also have to allow time for maintenance ahead of play so thank you for your patience on these cold mornings.
