Yelverton Golf Club

Greens Department - Frost Greens Policy In the main there are two types of frost, a Surface Frost and a Sub-Surface Frost. In both cases Temporary Greens will be used at Yelverton Golf Club for the following reasons:

Surface Frost:	When the Grass plants cells become frozen. (Generally, early am up to approx 11.00am.)

Damage caused:	During a surface frost, when the leaf blade is frozen, any weight or pressure from golfing traffic will bruise and rupture cell walls thus causing significant long term damage to the grass plant. If greens are played on regularly during these periods, surfaces will deteriorate rapidly without sustained growth for repair.

Sub-Surface Frost:	When the lower thatch layer and/or soil profile become frozen. (Can last from a few hours to many days depending on severity!)

Damage caused:	A sub-surface frost often happens along with a surface frost. It is when the surface begins to thaw that any pressure or weight will cause irreparable damage to the grass plant. During thaw, the surface layers become soft and the underlying soil will remain frozen and solid. This creates an interface where any movement will severe the plant at the crown, stem or root and kill the grass plant.

Temporary Greens:	Temporary greens will be positioned either in the collar or on the fairway of the hole in play. They will be cut and rolled from time to time and top-dressed to provide a reasonable playing surface. Normal size hole cups will be used and moved on a regular basis when in use.

Checking Greens:	Surface frost: During a surface frost, the greens will be monitored by a designated member of the Greens Staff or a “trained” member of Staff from the Clubhouse/Pro-shop/Committee. An estimated time, as to when the main greens will be back in use, will be communicated to the Club and Pro-shop. As main greens are put back in use, this too will be communicated to the Club and Pro-shop.

Checking Greens:	Sub-surface frost: During a sub-surface frost the greens will be checked on an hourly basis. The greens will be checked by a designated member of the Greens Staff or a “trained” member of Staff from the Clubhouse/Pro-shop/Committee. An estimated time, as to when the main greens will be back in use, will be communicated to the Club and Pro-shop. As main greens are put back in use, this too will be communicated to the Club and Pro-shop.

This Policy has been put in place to ensure the long term health and performance of the main greens at Yelverton Golf Club. Research and studies have been used to back this Policy. The Club appreciates the understanding, patience and co-operation of both members and visitors during these periods.

Greens, Competitions and Handicaps Committee 27th September 2010