Frost Delays

A recent article written by Tim Moraghan in Golf Course Industry Magazine(August 2019), discusses the two things superintendents have no control over are 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, doesn’t mean the course is dry and ready to play.  Here are his thoughts on FROST DELAYS.

In areas free from snow or deeply frozen ground, it’s possible to play almost year-round. Unless there’s frost, which won’t dissipate until the temperature gets above 35 degrees Fahrenheit. Even then, the superintendent will need a bit more time to prepare the turf for play, which is easily damaged until the ground and the turf warm up.Just because you see the grounds crew out on the course working doesn’t mean it’s time to go play. Not yet. The crew knows where to go, where it’s OK to walk and work, and keep their vehicles on the paths.“But there was no frost on my windshield this morning,” one NARP said to me. I asked, “Did you park your car in the garage overnight?” Just because you don’t see frost doesn’t mean it isn’t there, affecting the turf. Sit tight, have another cup of coffee and wait until the superintendent tells you the course is ready.

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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