FROST DELAY!! WHY??

When frost is present golf course superintendents delay play until the
frost has melted. This is done to prevent damage that affects the quality
of the playing surface and could potentially be very expensive to repair.

Frost is basically frozen dew that has crystallized on the grass, making it
hard and brittle. A grass blade is actually 90 percent water, therefore it
also freezes. Because of the short mowing height (sometimes as low as 1/8
inch) and fragile nature of the turf, putting greens are most affected by
frost. Walking on frost-covered greens causes the plant to break and cell
walls to rupture, thereby losing its ability to function normally. When the
membrane is broken, much like an egg, it cannot be put back together.

Golfers who ignore frost delays will not see immediate damage. The proof
generally comes 48-72 hours later as the plant leaves turn brown and die.
The result is a thinning of the putting surface and a weakening of the
plant. The greens in turn become more susceptible to disease and weeds.
While it may not appear to be much of an issue if a foursome begins play
early on frost-covered greens, consider the number of footprints that may
occur on any given hole by one person is approximately 60. Multiply that by
18 holes with an average of 200 rounds per day and the result is 216,000
footprints on greens in a day or 6,480,000 in a month.

As golf enthusiasts superintendents do not like to delay play, but they are
more concerned about turf damage and the quality of conditions for the
golfer. Frost also creates a hardship on a golf facility's staff as all
course preparations are put to a halt until thawing occurs. Golf carts can
cause considerable damage, therefore personnel cannot maneuver around the
course to mow, change cup positions, collect range balls, etc.(Cybergolf News)

Thank you for understanding the importance of delaying the play do to frost
and freezing conditions.