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.