GOLF
Why was the PGA Championship round 1 delayed? Weather conditions in Rochester, NY
Temperatures dropped in Upstate New York early Thursday morning. With temperatures in the 40sFº, a layer of frost covered the course delaying play.
The PGA Championship day 1 tee times got pushed back two hours this morning due to frost covering Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester. The first groups finally teed off at 8:50 p.m. once the course thawed out.
Temperatures over the next three days are expected to be in the 60s Thursday and up to almost 70F Friday. Rain is expected on Saturday in Upstate New York and Sunday should be sunny and almost reach 70F.
The PGA Championship isn’t the first tournament to be delayed this season due to frost. Oddly enough the first round of the Phoenix Open was also delayed due to cold weather conditions, yes, that’s Phoenix Arizona. The American Express Tournament in La Quinta, California in January was also delayed. Jon Rahm went on to win that tournament.
Why can’t golfers play on frost covered courses?
Crunchy, frozen grass is easily damaged and can be vulnerable to rupturing plant cells. Players should always check in the pro shop before going out on the course if frost is visible. Restrictions to using golf paths and not using carts may be put in place.
A frozen course’s best friend is sunlight, which will unfreeze the grass a lot quicker than if conditions are cloudy or fog sets in. Obviously, shaded areas make take longer to thaw out.