Written by Jack Creveling, our Golf Course Superintendent.

When morning lows dip into the 20’s and with conditions otherwise calm, frost forms on the grass leaf blades throughout the golf course. Frost is essentially frozen dew that has crystallized on the grass, making it hard and brittle. The grass blade freezes because the blade itself is made up of 90 percent water.

Hole 13 on a frosty morning

Following the frost, the grass species in the rough here at Golden Ocala will go dormant and turn a light brown color. Contrary to how it looks, this is actually not harmful to the grass. Instead, it is a natural way for the plant to protect itself from the cold temperatures and it will green up when spring arrives.

Hole 13 after frost has melted away

Golf course rough is the most affected by frost, while the grass species in the fairways does not go dormant from the frost and will remain green throughout the year. Visually, this provides our golf members with great contrast as they play the course once the frost has broken.

Hole 3 from the tee box with dormant rough

When temperatures get consistently higher with lows in the 70’s, the grass will green up again. For now, enjoy the great color contrast on the course!