Winter Challenges and the Road to Reopening

We’ve received many questions about when the golf course will reopen, and we appreciate your patience as we navigate the challenges that winter weather has brought us this month. While snow may have melted in your yard, the golf course faces unique challenges due to its many microclimates. Shady areas, wind patterns, and rolling terrain create conditions where snow drifts pile up deeper and ice persists longer.

This January has been particularly brutal for golf and turf. We recently endured a low of 9°F, and overall, we are experiencing the 7th coldest January on record, nearly 6 degrees below normal. For comparison, last January was 10 degrees ABOVE normal, showing how unpredictable weather can be. Thankfully, the Arctic air has moved out, and we’re expecting more seasonable temperatures in the coming days.

Current Course Conditions

Despite improving temperatures, several greens and shaded pockets remain covered in snow and ice. Here’s the latest update on specific greens:

 • Snow and ice-covered greens: #3, #4, #8, #15, #16

   • Recently cleared of snow and ice: #1, #6, #11, #13, #14

Our team has made significant progress today, aided by sunshine and a high temperature of 52°F. We’ve worked diligently to clear snow and ice from the greens and cart paths. Ice melt was applied to cart paths with icy buildup, improving accessibility and safety.

We successfully cleared all the snow from greens #1, #6, #11, #13, and #14. However, greens #6 and #13 have significant standing water due to the melting ice sitting atop frozen soil profiles. Additionally, we began clearing snow from greens #3, #4, #8, #15, and #16. These greens are more challenging because the overgrown trees surrounding them block sunlight, slowing the melting process. The lack of adequate sunlight and air movement prolongs snow and ice coverage, making these some of the most difficult greens to manage. Adequate sunlight is critical not only for turf health but also for melting snow and ice during winter weather events.

Reopening the Course

We are excited to announce that the golf course will reopen on Tuesday, January 27th! However, play will be partially open with holes #3, #4, #6, #13, #15, and #16 remaining closed temporarily due to lingering snow, ice, or standing water. These greens will not have flagsticks while they are closed, and we encourage golfers to check with the pro shop for the latest details on hole closures.

The course will also remain cart-path-only until conditions dry out further. We will continue to monitor progress daily and update the pro shop and the course conditions section of our website.

Looking Ahead

The good news is that in Virginia, winter weather doesn’t last forever, and better golf conditions are always just around the corner. With temperatures returning to normal this week, we’re optimistic about making progress and getting the course ready for full play soon.

We thank you for your understanding and support as we work to overcome the challenges of this cold January. Our team is committed to ensuring the course is safe and in the best possible condition. We look forward to seeing you back at Brickshire Golf Club, where the course is now open with 7 holes temporarily closed. 

Winter’s Grip on Brickshire

It has been years since I’ve seen a golf course remain snow-covered for weeks at a time, but here we are. For the past two weeks, Brickshire has been buried under snow and enduring severe low temperatures, with no relief in sight. The extended forecast doesn’t look promising, and it’s safe to say that January is shaping up to be a month without much golf. Until we see a shift in the weather—likely not until February—temperatures will remain too cold for any significant snow melt, keeping the course largely inaccessible.

Currently, a few greens are clear of snow, and some are partially uncovered, but much of the course remains well-buried under the snowpack. We did see some melting last weekend, but this week’s frigid conditions quickly froze everything solid again. It’s highly unlikely that any turf will be ready for play this week or weekend.

 

That said, we have been able to open the driving range and practice greens this week for those brave enough to bear the cold. If you’re looking to get in some swings or putts, please check with the pro shop or our website for timing, as frost delays are still a factor.

Despite these challenges, the Golf Course Maintenance team has been staying productive during this extended downtime. Winter often gives us a chance to tackle important projects that get sidelined during the busier months, and this year is no exception. Here’s a glimpse at what we’ve been working on:

• Vegetation Management: We’ve cleared overgrown vegetation in native areas that are difficult to mow during the growing season.

• Tree Care: Dead branches, low-hanging limbs, and ornamental pruning have all been addressed to improve the health and aesthetics of our landscape.

• Refurbishment Projects: Tee markers and posts have been removed from the course and are being refurbished to ensure they look their best come spring.

• Equipment Servicing: Full servicing of our maintenance equipment is well underway, ensuring everything is in top condition for the start of the season.

 On a more strategic level, the extreme winter weather has given me a rare opportunity to reflect and fine-tune my agronomic plan for the upcoming season. After three seasons at Brickshire, I’ve been able to identify opportunities for improvement and build on what’s been successful. I’ve also been working on a potential new flag and flagstick color scheme for the course. Samples of new flag prototypes are on the way, and I’m excited to finalize a fresh new look that I think everyone will enjoy.

In addition to these preparations, we’ve been receiving deliveries of fertilizers and chemicals that we ordered last fall through the Early Order Program (EOP). Participating in these programs is essential to our operation, as it allows us to save money, secure inventory, and take advantage of extended payment terms at discounted price points to be paid during optimal cash flow periods of the season.

As we wait for the snow to melt and temperatures to rise, the Brickshire team will continue working behind the scenes to ensure everything is ready for the moment the course reopens. Like you, we’re eager to see green fairways and sunny skies again. Warmer days are coming, and when they do, Brickshire will be prepared to welcome you back.

Stay warm and we’ll see you soon!

Snow, Turf, and Winter Maintenance at Brickshire

 

Over the past week, we’ve received 7.5 inches of snow, marking the return of winter weather we haven’t seen in quite some time. While the snow creates a picturesque scene, it has also kept the course closed and made maintenance work more challenging.

Our team has been hard at work clearing snow and ice from sidewalks and the clubhouse parking lot to ensure the restaurant remains open and accessible. With cart paths still covered, we’ve avoided working on the course itself to minimize safety risks. The elevation changes throughout our property make snow and ice particularly hazardous, so we are prioritizing the well-being of our crew.

While the weather has posed challenges, we’ve taken advantage of this time to focus on key tasks that will set us up for success in the upcoming season. Unfortunately, with temperatures remaining low, golf this week and the upcoming weekend looks unlikely.

Staying Productive During the Snow

Though the course is inaccessible due to snow and ice, our team has shifted focus to important off-season projects:

      •     Pruning and Clearing:

We’ve continued trimming ornamental grasses and bushes around the clubhouse to enhance aesthetics and promote healthy growth for spring. Additionally, we’ve removed low-hanging branches to improve mower access next season and create a better growing environment for the clubhouse lawns.

      •     Updating Records:

We’ve used this downtime to update all material safety data sheets (MSDS) for pesticides, fertilizers, and other products. Keeping accurate records ensures compliance and safety for our team.

      •     Equipment Maintenance:

Ron has been busy servicing equipment, ensuring it’s in excellent shape for the demands of next season.

      •     Safety and Training Initiatives:

I’ve implemented safety training and developed standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all equipment and tasks performed by our staff. These SOPs promote consistency, ensure expectations are met, and prioritize safety across all operations.

The Impact of Snow on Turf

While snow can be beautiful, it has both benefits and challenges for the course:

      •     Protection from Temperature Swings:

Snow acts as a natural insulator, shielding turf from harsh winter winds and temperature fluctuations.

      •     Risks of Ice Formation:

However, prolonged snow cover that transitions into ice can block oxygen exchange in the turf, potentially causing damage if left unresolved. To protect the turf, we’ve avoided unnecessary traffic on the course, ensuring it’s in the best possible condition when the snow clears.

Looking Ahead

With temperatures remaining low, we anticipate being stuck in winter conditions for the next few weeks. Unless we get a lucky break in the weather, golf this weekend looks unlikely. We’ll continue to monitor conditions and carefully evaluate the course once the snow clears to address any damage and implement recovery practices.

We appreciate your patience and support during this time. Our team is working diligently behind the scenes to prepare for an excellent season ahead, and we’ll keep you updated as the situation evolves.

Thank you for your continued trust in Brickshire Golf Club!