During the winter months, as temperatures drop across much of the country, warmer regions like the Southeast and Southwest become seasonal havens for golfers. However, maintaining high-quality playing conditions in the winter is not easy, even if the weather is perfect for golf. Golfers should expect some changes in course conditions and maintenance practices during winter as superintendents try to help their courses perform as well as possible through shorter days, cooler temperatures and lots of play.

Grass and Playability

In winter golf destinations, most courses are planted with warm-season grasses such as bermudagrass, zoysiagrass or seashore paspalum. These grasses thrive in the heat of summer, but their growth naturally slows down or stops completely during winter, which may be the busiest season for play. That means playing surfaces will be slow to recover from damage and traffic, the grass may lose some or all of its green color, and lies may get increasingly thin or trampled as the winter wears on.

Freezing Temperatures

Even in typically warm places like Florida and Arizona, there can be cold snaps and frosty mornings. When frost forms on grass, walking or driving a cart over it can lead to potentially long-lasting harm. That’s why winter tee times are sometimes delayed until temperatures rise enough for the frost to melt. If extended periods of subfreezing temperatures are expected, courses may cover their putting greens to reduce the risk of winter injury. That often means the course will be closed completely until warmer temperatures return.

Overseed Versus Non-Overseed

To help playing surfaces withstand traffic and maintain green color, many courses in winter destinations choose to overseed with a cool-season grass such as ryegrass. This creates a vibrant, lush appearance and more-consistent lies throughout the cooler months. However, fewer courses are opting to overseed – often because of the disruption that comes with establishing overseed in the fall, the recovery needed in spring, and the increased resources required to establish and maintain the overseed. Each course makes this decision based on their goals, player expectations and the resources available.

Winter Weeds

Another challenge is managing winter weeds like Poa annua and chickweed, which can be very disruptive to both the appearance and playability of a course. Superintendents try to suppress winter weeds by maintaining a dense stand of turf and applying preventative herbicides, but as winter weeds emerge, controlling them can be a nonstop battle that is very hard to win at some courses.

Protective Measures

During the winter months, golf courses often take steps to protect high-traffic and heavily played areas. Don’t be surprised if you’re using artificial mats on the driving range – or even some par-3 tees. Cart restrictions are also commonly used to minimize wear. These precautions are usually temporary, but they are essential for maintaining the best possible conditions during periods of heavy play and slow growth.

Even in places where the weather stays warm, winter brings a different rhythm to the golf course. The grass grows slower, playing conditions change, and the maintenance team adapts. Superintendents have to play some defense to get courses through a busy season of winter golf. For golfers, a little awareness goes a long way, and respect for the course is as important as ever.