Columnist Peter Benton: Frost can put damper on local golf courses

Peter Benton

Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2003 | 11:23 a.m.

As we are all fully aware, our fall/winter season is upon us, and surprisingly, we have already experienced two frost delays on some of the low-lying courses in the area.

This is something we have come to expect at this time of year of course, and something we must all take in our stride, as there is absolutely nothing we can do about it. This is Mother Nature at work, gang, and one does not -- or should not -- mess with Mother Nature.

Sure, it's somewhat cold these early mornings, but overall we are experiencing some pretty good weather and have no real cause for complaint.

However, over the years I have noticed that many local golfers have become increasingly irritated -- and sometimes downright rude -- with postponed starting times because of frost delays.

Yes, it is aggravating to arrive at a course with a confirmed tee time only to be told that it could be another hour or so before you can tee off. To add to your frustration, both the putting green and driving range are also closed.

The secret to coping with these delays, whether at a private country club or a public layout, is not to become too uptight. Naturally, it's annoying; you're wasting time and you can't wait to get started. But believe me, getting yourself all riled up isn't going to help anybody -- least of all you or your upcoming golf game.

The situation is completely out of your control and getting upset will only frustrate you further. So, kick back, grab yourself a coffee or a hot chocolate and think how fortunate you are that you're at a golf complex and not hard at work at your place of employment. Or worse, home sick in bed.

At the risk of sounding repetitive (as I have written a similar column previously), the following are some of the major reasons why golf courses refrain from opening when Jack Frost makes his appearance: How can there be frost when the local news channel reported this morning that it was 38 degrees? Some clubs are in low-lying areas with the consequence being that they are invariably far more affected than layouts at higher elevations. Plus the ground temperature can be up to 6 degrees colder than the air temperature.

Is there any reason the irrigation system cannot be turned on to possibly wash off the frost? As previously stated, the ground is invariably colder than the air temperature. By watering the frost it would make the water freeze, thus causing not only further delays, but a huge wet mess when it all finally thawed.

What harm would there be if we walked the course? Some grasses that are permitted to go dormant over the winter months would have no damage done to them at all. However, walking on live frozen grass crushes and bruises it, damaging the grass and causing it to turn black. Continued abuse would cause plant death.

Why can't the driving range and practice greens be used during the frost delay? Those areas are also part of the course and naturally all of the complex must be protected from damage during these irksome delays.

Maintenance men are seen out on the course, so why can't the players tee off? No maintenance can be attended to while the ground and grass is frozen. However, when it does thaw, the grounds crew must be ahead of any play to attend to their appointed duties.

Normally they will only have a 15- to 30-minute start before play begins.

There it is, fellow golfers. It is a nuisance having to wait, I know, but it's absolutely necessary. Hopefully, you now have a better understanding on the "whys and wherefores" regarding frost delays.