'Tis the Season for Frost Delays

Is there any part of the winter season that is less likable than frost delays?  From my viewpoint, there's nothing worse.  Frost delays reduce our number of rounds, drastically reduce the productivity of the maintenance crew, and there's the potential for turf damage.  So, I'm sure you understand that frost delays are a necessary evil that nobody cares for.


The good news, in San Diego, is the greens very rarely get frost.  The temperatures need to drop below 32 degrees for frost to occur on the greens.  The greens are always the last part to get frost and the last part to thaw out when temperatures climb.


Our frost is limited to the rough, fairways, tees and approaches.  The rough is the first section to turn white on a cold morning as cool air surrounds the leaf blades and freeze the morning dew.  The cells inside the turf are also frozen, so foot and cart traffic will break the leaf blades and cause weeks worth of damage.  If the plant cracks down at the growing point, it will not recover.



I'm a big fan of the email system to alert the membership of a frost delay.  I will include an estimated start time that is my best guess.  If conditions change and the frost delay is lengthened or shortened, than the update will be relayed to the Golf Shop and on to you.


Our range is in a great position to get early morning sunlight and hasn't been frosted yet.  The putting greens have also been frost free so you can practice while you wait for your delayed tee time.


In no time at all, the frost will be yesterday's news, the bermuda will be greening up, and warm spring temperatures will greet you each morning.  Ahhhhh, sounds good.