As we approach this time of year, a question I get asked annually is: How do you know when the golf course should close for the winter?



Without an annually scheduled closing date, the day we close changes year to year; which is mainly dependent on weather conditions. The decision is not based on one cold and/or snowy day but what the future forecast is predicting. Basically, we are waiting for trends showing lows in the upper teens to the lower 20s, with the high temperatures right around freezing. According to the the National Weather Service, below-average temperatures are expected for the coming weeks.

There are no signs of above normal temperatures for the foreseeable future. Normal highs this time of year are near 50, but the forecast calls for highs 10 to 15 degrees colder than that through next week. pic.twitter.com/r6KHDQol57

— NWS Twin Cities (@NWSTwinCities) October 30, 2019

The reason for choosing those temperature ranges are the conditions do not allow frost to leave the soil readily, which could result in turf damage, if play were allowed. 

When temperatures are within the previously mentioned ranges, plant and root growth slows and eventually stops, and the Grounds Crew must adapt the care for the course accordingly.  The main concern during periods of freezing temperatures is the reduced recuperative rate, especially turfgrasses that continue to receive traffic.  The cumulative stress and damage caused by traffic during periods of freezing temperatures will mount; which will carry-over into the following golf season.  The term winter injury is used to describe any damage that occurs (either naturally or as a result of traffic) under the wide variety of wintery conditions. 

When closing conditions arise, the Grounds Crew has minimal time to properly winterize the golf course and grounds.  Many of the tasks must wait until play is officially done, otherwise staying open could negatively affect course playability and the overwintering process.  With that being said, the Grounds Department needs approximately two weeks to prepare the golf course for winter.  Listed below are just some of the tasks needed to complete before the snow and constant sub-freezing temperatures.

• Spray dormant fungicide, herbicide and anti-desiccants

• Dormant fertilizer applications

• Remove and trim all drains

• Remove and store all course furniture

• Blowout irrigation system  

• Fill ALL Divots v  Mulch or blow leaves 

• Heavy topdressing all greens for winter protection

Many courses carryout different practices when closing their golf course.  At Green Bay Country Club, we like to not only protect the golf course from winter injury and/or kill but also perform some practices that will beneficially set the course up for the 2020 golf season.