The member club is more likely to
protect the surfaces, therefore greens are more likely to be in and out of play but in line with a fully transparent policy
Management dilemmas
From the above, the greatest potential for damage is during a thaw, but it is short lived. Permanent frost becomes more of an issue the longer the period that the greens remain in this state. A white frost can lead to some ‘superficial’ damage but, generally, it is temporary and the potential for damage is slight, as long as there are periods of reasonable recovery in between. The decision on playability should be at the recommendation of the Course Manager on a daily basis, since it is he/she who has the greatest agronomic knowledge of turf management. The General Manager/Secretary should then be advised, although the final decision will rest on his/her shoulders but in line with club or company policy. Since no two courses are alike, the dilemmas facing clubs will need to take into consideration the following aspects: CLUB TYPES: Public, Member or
Resort. The former has the greater potential for revenue loss if greens are not in play and customers are more likely to opt for another venue if this is the case. The potential for damage and lower levels of income in the spring may cancel out the winter gain,
therefore careful consideration should be made and the pros and cons considered.
The member club is more likely to
protect the surfaces, therefore greens are more likely to be in and out of play but in line with a fully transparent policy. The resort course, which is likely to
charge the highest fees during main season, is less likely to open the greens for play during frost, since poor conditioned putting surfaces could have a negative impact on both the golf course and hotel revenue during peak season. GRASS & SOIL TYPES: To some
extent, the differing grass types and rootzones will have varying degrees of tolerance to play on frost. Annual Meadow Grass has a moderate tolerance to frost but has a faster rate of recovery due to its ability to re- colonise. Common Bent has a better tolerance but is slower to recover. Fescue dominated surfaces albeit likely to be drier, will take a long time to recover from any damage and it is more than probable that the ‘open’ sward would lead to AMG invasion. Soils tend to be wetter and colder during winter but there is a better balance of
nutrients and bacteria to aid recovery. Sands, however, are largely the opposite.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS: These include green size, access to and from the green, shade, available pin positions, drainage, level of play, sward density and overall turf health. The better these aspects then the healthier the turf and, subsequently, the stronger the surfaces will be to withstand short periods of winter stress. A small shaded green with poor drainage and access would almost certainly be more vulnerable to long term damage if continuous play was promoted.
Playing options
Public, or daily fee courses, are more likely to remain fully playable in order to attract the green fee player, whereas the club member is more likely to accept moderate levels of protection to the main greens as long as there is a clear and consistent policy. All courses should adopt the two hole system throughout the winter, whereby at least one of the two pin positions are close to the front and side of the green. This effectively becomes a damage limitation exercise, with any resultant harm confined to a small corner of the green.
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