Olde Florida Golf Club's streak ends at 1472 days!

It has been 1472 days since Southwest Florida has seen a low temperature as cold as we did this morning! The air temperature (measured at 4’) dropped to 35 degrees; however, the ground temperature was even colder. At sunrise the temperature of the turfgrass was 31 degrees. 

1/30/2022 - 7:30 a.m

A frost typically occurs when the sky is clear and the air close to the ground drops to 32 degrees. When a frost occurs, the grass blades internal water freezes causing its cells to expand and rupture. Driving or even stepping on frozen turfgrass causes the ice to penetrate more deeply increasing the damage. Cart or foot traffic on turfgrass when the leaf blade is frozen is like stabbing it with an "ice dagger." 

Even without cart or foot traffic, a frost will have a visual effect on our TifTuf bermudagrass. Over the next few days some of the turfgrass will turn brown and have patchy appearance. Fortunately, with the favorable forecast beginning this Tuesday (2/1/2022) the look will be short lived. Some examples of what you might see over the next week are below. 

1/27/2014 - Hole 12 Olde Florida 

1/27/2014 - Hole 12 Olde Florida

With the lake water temperature being significantly warmer than the air and ground temperature, once the sun is high enough in the sky and the ground temperature is above freezing, the agronomy staff utilizes the irrigation system to knock off the frost so we can get play on the course quicker.

1/30/2022 - Hole 1

A Short Agronomy Lesson:

Bermudagrass is a warm season perennial species adapted to tropical and subtropical climates. It grows best under extended periods of high temperatures, mild winters and moderate to high rainfall. Extended temperatures below 30 degrees can kill bermudagrass. 

Bermudagrass grows best when the average daily temperature is above 75 degrees. Soil temperature is also very important to the growth of bermudagrass. Soil temperatures above 65 degrees are required for significant plant growth and the optimum soil temperature for root growth is around 80 degrees.

1/30/2022  8:50 a.m. - Soil Temperature Practice Green 

Golf Cart Etiquette 

Golf cart etiquette this winter has been very good, certainly much improved over previous years. As a result we are seeing and playing off turfgrass this winter that is healthier and has better vigor.

 

With the extended cool streak we have been experiencing over the last few weeks, and now with a frost, golf cart traffic will inevitably become more evident. More than ever continued good etiquette (staying on paths around tees and greens, staying outside of the green/white posts and just generally dispersing cart traffic on turfgrass) is important and will be very much appreciated by all golfers. 

Golf Course Management - "Olde is New Again"

The December issue of Golf Course Management magazine included a story on the recent renovation at Olde Florida Golf Club. The title of the story is "Olde is New Again," and it begins with, "Led by a former GCSAA president, venerable Olde Florida Golf Club undergoes the most extensive renovation in its 29-year history." The remainder of the story can be downloaded by clicking on this link: "Olde is New Again". 

Lead Photo in "Olde is New Again"

Golf Course Management is the monthly publication of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). Founded in 1926, GCSAA is the leading course management association in America. GCSAA is the professional association for the men and women who manage and maintain the game’s most valuable resource — the golf course. 

Cover of the December Golf Course Management  

GCSAA provides education, information and representation to over 18,000 members in more than 78 countries. Its mission is to serve its members, advance the profession and enhance the vitality of the game of golf. The golf industry recognizes the association as a key contributor in elevating the game and business, which makes it truly an honor for me to have served as the associations 82nd president in 2018.