This morning we experienced our first frost delay of the fall season after the temperature dropped to 34 degrees last night. Frost is common this time of year and can even occur when the air temperature is above freezing, as was the case last night. Frost will usually be evident at sunrise, as the air at ground level is warmed it becomes lighter and rises. Colder, denser air will take the place of the warm air and can be 5-10 degrees cooler, thus creating frozen turf. Frost usually "burns off" quickly in direct sunlight, but certain areas of the course are heavily shaded and take longer to thaw. The maintenance staff monitors specific areas throughout the property on cool mornings to determine whether frost is present, and the decision to allow play is based on when those areas will be frost-free.
The picture below is from two years ago on Orchard 1, but it's a good example of what happens when you walk on frozen turf. You can clearly see the black footprints in the rough and fairway which indicate dying grass. When out for your morning walk, please stay on the cart paths and sidewalks. This also applies to your pets, as dogs can damage frozen turf the same way humans do.
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