As we go through the winter, many people question how we determine to open the golf course for a particular day.  Opening of the golf course for play is determined by the Superintendent and his staff.

Our goal during winter months is to protect the putting greens from damage as much as we can to allow for a better, healthier playing surface during the playing season.  The best way to protect the greens is to not allow play when the surfaces are frozen or in the early stages of thawing. 

The process of thawing is when the most damage can occur. Grass plants have a fibrous root system that extends to a depth of 4 to 7 inches this time of year.   We will not allow play to occur if the soil is not thawed to a depth of 4 inches. If the soil is only thawed on the top few inches but frozen below, damage from walking can occur.  As you play the game and walk across the surface, your foot can slightly move the grass plant. With the roots frozen in place above the 4 inch depth it is easy for those tender roots to shear at that interface of thawed and frozen soil. The lifeblood of a putting green grass plant is its roots.  When the roots are sheared the plant has less reserves to fight off environmental factors such as foot traffic and the strains of severe cold or high temperatures.  With consistent overnight temperatures below freezing the soil below the putting greens begin to freeze.  The grass plants act as an insulation blanket over the soil and slows its thawing relative to a few short hours of afternoon warming.

Here is an example to keep in mind.  The forecast calls for an overnight low for 5 consecutive days in the 22-25 degree range with daytime highs of 39 -42 degrees.  During the winter months there will be a greater number of hours with temperatures below freezing than hours with temperatures above freezing.  In fact, in this example, it may only be 39-42 degrees for an hour or so.  Therefore, the soil will not thaw to our safe 4 inch mark on those days. Understand also that several of the greens have more shade than others and these greens will thaw at a slower rate.  Our staff checks greens before 9:00 AM daily and notifies the Pro Shop with the results.  Many times we will indicate a re-evaluation at noon if we think there is a realistic possibility of opening in the afternoon.  I realize it is frustrating that it may be a beautiful winter day with sun for several hours and you want to get out for fresh air, a walk, and to play a little winter golf.  However, if you are that person, you are an avid golfer and really should understand and want the conditions of the putting greens to be the highest priority.

On another note, if you are playing, please know that all the tee markers on the par 3 tees have been moved off the regular tee for the remainder of winter.  We had many rounds of golf in November and December and the divot damage was severe.  Please play from the markers that are set up in front of the regular tee box.