Winter Course Play
Every year during the winter months our golf course play is affected by several varying conditions. Daily judgement calls are made as to the time play will be allowed depending on the amount of freezing or precipitation that has occurred overnight.
If the golf course is covered in frost all access must be delayed. The reason is as follows: any pressure to the frozen grass blades will break them off at their crown (ground level) thereby killing them. Results are blackened tracks, which eventually turn white, and remain noticeable until the spring growing season begins. In extreme damage cases the area must be re-seeded. In all instances the appearance and playability may be affected for several months. Another aid during freeze/thaw months is to help repair all ball marks after the greens have thawed.
IN the case of excess water on the course, play and/or cart traffic may also be restricted. The reasons are as follows: The weight of carts through soaked (softened) ground causes the turf to become spongy and any further traffic will create ruts and raise mud to the surface. Wet muddy areas that are driven through leave tracks that damage the turf afterwards. Soil also in certain circumstances may be so compacted from carts that turf growth is weakened, and later during the season’s normal traffic bare sport can develop. This is why cart trafic should be restricted to the rough along the fairways during wet conditions. Ball retrieving along banks in muddy areas can also create similar damage to banks and leave footprints that remain for months.
Please help us to maintain the condition of our course at a high level by recognizing all of the above. By doing so Harbor Links’ appearance and playing conditions can reach their optimujm level sooner in the spring.