The March thaw is underway, and temperatures are above-average for this time of year.  With the volume of snow this winter, the rains and warmer conditions have created a good deal of run-off.  As a turf manager, my concern at this point would be an aggressive dip into very cold temperatures, much like we experienced in 2009.  Free water, exposed turf and plummetting temperatures is a solid recipe for fine turf loss.  Fortunately, the extended 10 day forecast is calling for highs in the 40's and low 50's, with nighttime temperatures hovering in the mid to upper 20's. 

The few exposed areas of grass that I can see right now are encouraging, but we still have a long way to go before I would state that the golf course made it through unscathed.  At this point, I am cautiously optimistic regarding the current state of the golf course.  Further melting in the days ahead will allow for a better view of the course. 

On a positive note, there is currently very limited frost in the ground ( less than 4 inches ) which bodes well for getting everything thawed and pushing the water down into the soil.  Again, free water is the enemy at this point - as the ground opens up and the water penetrates, risk of damage begins to decrease. 

As far as an open date goes, well, one never knows what March still has in store!  I will continue to keep the membership posted.  The staff and I are eagerly awaiting an opportunity to get out on the course and begin our spring cleanup, and the weather will let us know when we can get started.