Course Update:
Frost, Thawing Conditions and Temporary Closure
Dear Member,
The Decision has been made to close the course Tommorow (Saturday) with the next review on Sunday 11th January.
Over recent days, large areas of the course—particularly shaded sections—have remained fully or partially frozen, a situation that has persisted since Saturday. During this period, we have also received in excess of 50mm of rainfall, with further
precipitation forecast with Storm Goretta bring excess rainfall and freezing conditions.
Because the ground remains frozen beneath the surface, this volume of water is unable to penetrate into the soil profile or drainage system effectively. As a result, water is sitting on the surface, creating saturated and unplayable conditions. Once the ground fully thaws and begins to accept water again, these conditions will gradually improve and normal drainage will resume.
Why Thawing Conditions Are a Risk
A key consideration at this time is the thawing process following prolonged frost, particularly on closely mown areas such as greens, tees and approaches.
While playing on frozen ground itself causes minimal surface damage, the thawing phase presents a significant risk to turf health. During this period, the course is vulnerable to a process known as root shear, which can quickly set back turf quality and, in severe cases, lead to grass loss.
How Root Shear Occurs
• Layered thawing: A sudden temperature rise causes the surface layer of turf to thaw and soften, while the soil beneath remains frozen.
• Traffic and movement: Footfall or play causes the softened surface layer to shift, while the frozen subsoil stays rigid.
• Root damage: This movement creates a shearing effect at the boundary between layers, tearing grass roots and weakening or killing the plant.
Damage caused during this phase is often not immediately visible but can take weeks or months to recover, particularly at this time of year.
Decision to Remain Closed
For these reasons, the decision has been taken to keep the course closed. This is a preventative measure aimed at protecting the long-term condition of the course and ensuring that when play resumes, surfaces are not compromised for the remainder of the season.
We appreciate that closures are frustrating, particularly when weather conditions appear to be improving. However, acting conservatively now avoids far greater disruption and repair work later.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support. Further updates will be provided as conditions change.
The Decision has been made to close the course Tommorow (Saturday) with the next review on Sunday 11th January.
Over recent days, large areas of the course—particularly shaded sections—have remained fully or partially frozen, a situation that has persisted since Saturday. During this period, we have also received in excess of 50mm of rainfall, with further
precipitation forecast with Storm Goretta bring excess rainfall and freezing conditions.
Because the ground remains frozen beneath the surface, this volume of water is unable to penetrate into the soil profile or drainage system effectively. As a result, water is sitting on the surface, creating saturated and unplayable conditions. Once the ground fully thaws and begins to accept water again, these conditions will gradually improve and normal drainage will resume.
Why Thawing Conditions Are a Risk
A key consideration at this time is the thawing process following prolonged frost, particularly on closely mown areas such as greens, tees and approaches.
While playing on frozen ground itself causes minimal surface damage, the thawing phase presents a significant risk to turf health. During this period, the course is vulnerable to a process known as root shear, which can quickly set back turf quality and, in severe cases, lead to grass loss.
How Root Shear Occurs
• Layered thawing: A sudden temperature rise causes the surface layer of turf to thaw and soften, while the soil beneath remains frozen.
• Traffic and movement: Footfall or play causes the softened surface layer to shift, while the frozen subsoil stays rigid.
• Root damage: This movement creates a shearing effect at the boundary between layers, tearing grass roots and weakening or killing the plant.
Damage caused during this phase is often not immediately visible but can take weeks or months to recover, particularly at this time of year.
Decision to Remain Closed
For these reasons, the decision has been taken to keep the course closed. This is a preventative measure aimed at protecting the long-term condition of the course and ensuring that when play resumes, surfaces are not compromised for the remainder of the season.
We appreciate that closures are frustrating, particularly when weather conditions appear to be improving. However, acting conservatively now avoids far greater disruption and repair work later.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support. Further updates will be provided as conditions change.