frost

Have you seen the remarkable USGA Green Section Record from last week? It’s got a podcast with Chris Tritabaugh ahead of this year’s U.S. Amateur Championship on the topic of playability.

I used to think of frost covers as a way to protect the grass. After I worked as a golf course superintendent in Japan, I learned that frost covers can also be used as a customer service.

Frost delays. As a standard reference, I recommend this one: PACE Turf’s Clubhouse Edition on why frost delays are necessary. That reference explains what can happen and how to remove any risk from frost damage.

Mike Richardson shared an image of aerifying half a green at a time. The purpose of this, the superintendent said, was to always have a good surface for the hole.

Steve Chappell shared these photos of snow and ice at Gleneagles, and I joked that it would be nice to play golf in such weather: The mist is lifting @Gleneagleshotel but the snow & ice isn't so no golf today ☹️ Stunning scenery to be enjoyed though @VisitScotland 😀👍😎 pic.

I’m bombarded at this time of year with reminders, notices, descriptions, and articles telling me about the importance of frost delays. Apparently, frost delays are essential for the health of the turf.

Play on frosted bentgrass greens in Japan is not uncommon. Winston Mirmow’s thesis on Fall potassium fertilization and winter traffic effects on a creeping bentgrass putting green has some surprising results.

Once upon a time, I was the greenkeeper (golf course superintendent) at a golf course in Chiba prefecture, just east of Tokyo. The first time it snowed, I was shocked to receive a call from the course owner asking when the course would be opening.