WILL THE MID-ATLANTIC GOLF AGAIN?
    With winter weather producing record snows and putting playing golf on ice for several weeks, GolfStyles wondered what golf courses would look like once the snow receded. Keith Happ, senior agronomist for the USGA's Middle Atlantic region, provides some insight.

What effect will the historic winter have on course conditions?
    It is hard to say at this point. There are many weather scenarios that could occur that could affect the health of the turf. In the north, freeze and thaw cycles are a concern. In the south (warm-season grass) Bermuda grass could be affected. Many superintendents were able to re-treat the turf during the last thaw, which provided an opportunity to protect against disease. The unknowns are more associated with the physical response from weather fluctuations to come.

If a course is covered by snow for six or seven weeks, how does grass survive without sunlight and air circulation?
    The turf goes through a natural process known as "hardening." This is similar to having antifreeze in your car. The change in day length in the fall accompanied by frost trigger this process in turf. A great deal of research has been conducted on this issue. Cool-season grass can tolerated 45 to 60 days under snow cover without major concern. Bermuda grass goes dormant in the late fall, which helps protect it against cold temperature stress. A great deal has been invested in research to develop Bermuda grasses that tolerate cold temperature stress. Many of these grasses are on courses in the mid and southern portions of the Middle Atlantic region.

What happens if the snow cover turns to ice?
    The worst-case scenario is wild fluctuations in temperature that would cause a rapid meltdown followed by a rapid refreeze. The problem of crown hydration then becomes a concern. The crown of the plant is its growing point. If it is severely damaged, the plant is dead. We have experienced this in the past in the northern tier of the region. Most that I have spoken with about this issue are not yet concerned about this condition.

Will newer trees and shrubs buried in snow for long periods be harmed?
    The biggest issue for trees and shrubs is the physical damaged caused by the weight of the snow fall.

What kind of playing conditions should Middle Atlantic golfers expect come May 1?
    This can't be answered yet simply due to the fact that we have winter weather still to come. All parties concerned should be prepared to do what is necessary to help the golf course turf transition to a healthy growing condition this spring. Aeration/cultivation programs should be scheduled and implemented in a timely fashion. This more than anything else will aid in preparing and then presenting the expected playing conditions for golfers. May 1st is the beginning of the golfing season for most in the Middle Atlantic region. No one should expect mid-season conditions that early in the year. While surfaces could be very good, Mother Nature still will have a lot to say about how golf course turf performs. The good news is that turf managers often prepare for the worst-case situation. I am looking forward to teeing it up this spring.