Winter golfing tips: How to avoid frost delays
(Nov. 6, 2023) With winter fast approaching, local golfers will find themselves facing the annual conundrum of frost delays.
These delays can vary greatly from one course to another and are largely left up to the whims of the always unpredictable Eastern Shore weather.
Helping to keep the course healthy will make it easier for the maintenance staff to keep the course in great shape, and keep it open longer for golfers.
Below are a few tips to help you stay on the course, and not get bitten by frostbite delays:
When in doubt, call the Ocean Pines Golf Club at 410-641-6057, or email Golf Director Bob Beckelman at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to subscribe to daily course updates.
These delays can vary greatly from one course to another and are largely left up to the whims of the always unpredictable Eastern Shore weather.
Helping to keep the course healthy will make it easier for the maintenance staff to keep the course in great shape, and keep it open longer for golfers.
Below are a few tips to help you stay on the course, and not get bitten by frostbite delays:
- Location matters: Frost delays are unpredictable, as frost can linger in colder microclimates long after it has thawed elsewhere. North-facing slopes, low-lying areas, and wind-sheltered spots are particularly susceptible to prolonged frost coverage. Call the pro shop for course condition updates before setting out to avoid any unwelcome surprises.
- Avoid “crunchy” grass: While golf course turf is typically resilient to the rigors of play, the formation of ice crystals can leave grasses brittle and prone to damage. Walking or driving over frost-covered grass can rupture plant cells, leading to dead turf. Even when damage isn't immediately evident, it may take more than a month for the grass to fully recover.
- Watch the greens: While frost damage can affect any part of the course, closely mown turf, like putting greens, is at a heightened risk. The concentrated foot traffic on greens can cause significant damage when frost is present.
- Little frost, big delays: Even if there are no apparent signs of frost on the first tee, the "all clear" signal may not be given. If frost persists in areas that are unavoidable in early rounds, the course may remain closed. Even after the frost is gone, the maintenance staff will need time to prepare the course for play.
When in doubt, call the Ocean Pines Golf Club at 410-641-6057, or email Golf Director Bob Beckelman at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to subscribe to daily course updates.