Temperatures increased dramatically in February which caused snowmelt around the course. When these thaw-freeze ocuurences take place, it most often times kills the plant.
The plant takes up the water and then freezes at night, rupturing the saturated cells, and kills the plant. This generally only takes place in low lying areas around the course that don't have drainage. The course has a few greens that also do not drain, or are bowl shaped, but we do everything possible to keep the water off.
Below is a perfect example of this process, better known as crown hydration.
Mid Feb. on #10 fairway (notice the large puddles starting to form) |
#10 fairway in spring (dead grass has already been seeded and shows sign of new growth) |