Temp Greens

Unfortunately, the last couple of days we've been having to use our temp greens for play.  Reason being is that with the below freezing temperatures the greens themselves are freezing, but not deep enough to allow play on them.  They must freeze at least 4" below the surface to avoid damage.  If they are frozen less than 4", traffic on them will cause the frozen turf to shift above the unfrozen subsurface layer which literally results in shearing of the root system killing the turf.

Here is a well-written article to help you better understand why it is necessary to restrict play on frosty or frozen turf:

  Decisions Regarding Winter Play on Greens Never Easy 

By Patrick O’Brien and Christopher Hartwiger, USGA Green Section

  

Some golfers are always in the mood to play golf it seems – even on the coldest days of the winter months.   Each year our office receives numerous inquiries from golfers and Green Committees on why the putting greens are closed or the opening delayed due to frost or freezing conditions.  

Most superintendents and course officials do a good job communicating the agronomic reasons for doing this. Science and experience shows that foot traffic on greens when frozen and then thaw and refreeze damages the plant. The resulting injury to the turf may not be noticeable until the hot weather arrives.  

Even with science on their side and an armful of letters and articles, a certain segment of the golfing population is reluctant accept the superintendent’s decision.  This scenario places the golf course superintendent in a difficult position.  This is a classic case of agronomics, economics, and politics clashing.   

Golf course superintendents have excellent agronomic information regarding play on frozen or frosted putting greens. What is missing in most cases is strong leadership to support the superintendent regarding their daily decisions to open or close the course.  There is a reason why superintendents are left with the important decision on whether to close the golf course due to cold temperatures, frost, etc.  They are trained in agronomy and know the infrastructure of the golf course better than anyone else.  Additionally, they also understand the financial impact that a frost delay or course closing can have on the golf course.   

Superintendents realize that frost delays and course closings are not the way to make friends in the short term.  However, superintendents also carry the responsibility of making sound agronomic decisions so that playing conditions will be maximized over the long term. 

We encourage course officials and golfers to accept the decision of the superintendent.  It doesn't matter whether the course down the street is open or closed.  Every site is different.  We are fortunate to play golf 12 months of the year.  Cold weather is sure to interrupt play from time to time, but keep the faith; another golfing day is just around the corner!