With winter on the horizon and having already experienced a few frost delays, I would like to remind everyone for the reasoning of course and/or hole closures. Turf is made up of 90% water and during periods of frost this water freezes in the cell causing the structure of the plant to be very brittle. If turf is walked on under these conditions the cell walls will shatter and can cause the plant unneeded damage and stress. If one walked on a green with frost, it can cause irreversible damage that can potentially kill the turf.
When frost is present, the grounds team will notify the Golfshop of course conditions and potential openings right away. Once the course is ready for play, the grounds team will once again notify the Golfshop of any temporary greens or hole closures due to persistent frost. The grounds team will periodically re-assess the course throughout the day with hopes of re-opening holes for play. Our goal is to allow golfers to play as soon as possible while playing as much golf on as many regular greens as possible. I've attached a few photos below of frost damage provided by Larry Gilhuly from the USGA.
Damaged caused by ducks walking on a frosty green
Damage caused by golfers walking on a frosty fairway
