Understanding Frost Delays
Presented by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America
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As winter starts to give way to spring-like temperatures, the
desire to hit the golf course intensifies. It also signals a
change in golf course management activities that can affect
one's game and the conditions found on the course.
In many regions of the country, golfers occasionally face frost
delays in the spring, thus pushing back starting tee times.
When frost is present golf course superintendents delay play
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. 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.
Golfers who ignore frost delays will not see immediate
damage. The proof generally comes 48-72 hours later as the
plant leaves turn brown and die. The result is a thinning of the
putting surface and a weakening of the plant. The greens in
turn become more susceptible to disease and weeds. While it
may not appear to be much of an issue if a foursome begins
play early on frost covered greens, consider the number of
footprints that may occur on any given hole by one person is
approximately 60. Multiply that by 18 holes with an average of
200 rounds per day and the result is 216,000 footprints on
greens in a day or 6,480,000 in a month.
As golf enthusiasts superintendents do not like to delay play,
but they are more concerned about turf damage and the
quality if conditions for the golfer. Frost also creates a
hardship on a golf facility's staff as all course preparations are
put to a halt until thawing occurs. Golf carts can cause
considerable damage, therefore personnel cannot maneuver
around the course to mow, change cup positions, collect range
balls, etc.
One technique employed to reduce possible frost damage is to
raise the cutting height of mowers to create a hardier surface.
It may also be possible to reroute play to holes where the
frost melts more quickly. But regardless of these methods, the
best medicine is for all to understand the hows and whys of
the delay and in turn gain a greater appreciation for the golf
course. It would also be wise to give the course a phone call
before heading out to play to see if tee times have been
pushed back due to frost.
For more information regarding golf course maintenance and
etiquette, contact your local superintendent or the Golf Course
Superintendents Association of America at 800/472-7878 or www.gcsaa.org
"Where walkers have trod on frosted grass, footprints remain to reveal the damage to the turf."
