Winter Play & Frozen Ground

A recent article, written by Tim Moraghan in Golf Course Industry Magazine(August 2019), discusses the two things superintendents have no control over; the weather and golfers. He wrote a series of “Dear NARP” letters.  NARP stands for “Non-Agronomic Real Person.”  For example, if a storm just went through, even though the sun is now shining, it doesn’t mean the course is dry and ready to play.  Here are his thoughts on WINTER PLAY/FROZEN GROUND. If you live somewhere with real winter, you know how quickly temperatures and conditions can change. The ground can go from frozen solid to thawed in a matter of hours. The grass covering the ground may appear ready for play, but the soil is still frozen, making the plant susceptible to root fracture or crown crushing. Those terms mean exactly what they say and neither are good for a golf course.Unfortunately, sometimes operators have to allow winter play at the expense of the golf course. It’s an economic reality that might, in the long run, cost more in repairs and additional labor once winter is over. So, your round in January could severely affect your rounds in June.If you are lucky enough to play on a winter’s day, enjoy it but don’t expect perfect conditions. Last December, I was able to get in a round with a NARP who nearly ruined it when, while tallying our scores, he said, “You need to talk to the superintendent about the slow green speeds today.” I wanted to stab him with my pencil.

Tim Moraghan, principal, ASPIRE Golf (tmoraghan@aspire-golf.com). Follow Tim’s blog, Golf Course Confidential at www.aspire-golf.com/buzz.html or on Twitter @TimMoraghan

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