As you
have- without a doubt- noticed the entire country is facing temperatures well
below normal. The same goes for our micro climate at Royal Mougins. Even though I understand the
desire to hit the golf course, we have to close (part of) the course from time
to time. This of course is not done just for fun but to ensure a good course
all season long. We have to adapt and change our golf course management
activities that can affect one's game and the conditions found on the course.
When
frost is present our green keeper delays 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.
The most
dangerous time is when frost is leaving the ground and the top 12 mm is thawed out making
the greens look playable to the membership.
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.
Thankfully
managing frozen turf is not something that we have to encounter too often. We
dislike frost delays as much as you do, if not even more.
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.
I thank
you for your understanding and look forward to great golfing days ahead of us.
Jurgen Wondergem
