Course closure when frosty

Course closure when frosty

There as you know have been instances recently where play in the winter league has suffered a delayed start due to frost.

The Head Greenkeeper has asked that we review the guidelines for declaring the course open as some damage seems to have been done to a few of the greens caused by golfers playing when there was still an element of frost around.

It seems that one or two golfers have gone out to play in frosty conditions before the bothy has opened. Generally whoever is in charge of the bothy will decide whether the course can open or not. We would request that members wait for the all clear from the starter when frost is in the air. We do appreciate that often the frost only comes when the sun rises but on these occasions the starter should be given the opportunity to decide before play begins.

Normally the website will be updated as soon as information is available. If it is obvious that frost is on the ground this will be reflected on the website from an early point and an indication given when the course might open. The course closed sign will be put up on the steps at the bothy as soon as possible but if the course is open the day before it may be that the course closed sign will not be up on the steps until the starter gets there.

May we therefore ask that all golfers consider the course when deciding to go out to play if this is before the starter arrives as damage can be done. Preferably they should wait until the starter arrives which should be at 8-15am. The website will be updated as often as possible.

Last Saturday was a difficult example in that the first ,second and eighteenth fairways were green but the third fairway was like a brick and was totally white but the third green itself was green. Despite this we started at the 4^th to give the sun a chance to work its magic and protect as much of the course as possible. Generally when there is a slight  frost delay we will start at the 4th.

Your cooperation would be appreciated-it is a difficult decision to make on whether the course should be open but rest assured the course will be open as much as possible without damaging it. The club needs its members to be out and about.