Frost

Luckily enough in Southern California we do not experience too many days throughout the season where frost becomes an issue. However, in the mornings where frost is present a delay in tee times is warranted. The frost delay is a protective measure to ensure optimal playing conditions. Frost can form when the temperature (or wind chill) is near or below the freezing point and usually at the coldest part of the day, which tends to be the minutes just before sunrise. With the sun rising at later hours in the winter months and tee times not adjusted forward from the standard 7 am start, it makes it difficult to predict the existence and degree of frost and the duration of the delay.

Frost is essentially frozen dew. It can indicate that water inside the grass blades or crown are frozen. The ice crystals that form on the outside of the plant can also harden or even freeze the cell structure of the plant. When frosted, the normally resilient plant cells become brittle and are easily crushed. When the cell membranes are damaged, the internal fluids can leak out causing the plant to die. Cart and foot traffic can be equally damaging, so please consider this even if you intend on going out for a jog or walking your dog in the winter season.

A photograph of a single person walking across the course this fall is present below. Can you imagine multiple people or golf carts? Underneath that photo is the typical traffic volume of a four some on a putting green. You can see the damage this would cause.

So once again please be patient when it comes to frost delays, they are in place to protect your golf course and it’s conditions.