Ava Romero
Mowing and rolling greens is a meticulous task that requires a balance between creating smooth, fast surfaces for golfers and preserving the health of the turf. Golf greens are typically mowed to a height of less than 0.25 inches, and sometimes even below 0.1 inches, to provide the desired fast and consistent playing surface. This process is often done using reel mowers, which cut best at heights below 1 inch. However, mowing injures the grass, so it is crucial to ensure the grass is healthy and actively growing to withstand the stress caused by mowing and rolling. Golf course superintendents face the challenge of meeting golfer demands for faster greens while preventing turf loss and maintaining optimal playing conditions.
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What You'll Learn
Mowing and rolling patterns
The first step to mowing a nice green is the first stripe. The straightness of the first line is important as any mistake will be magnified by the time you get to the fat part of the green. One method is to mow towards a point in the distance. This can help to make straight lines even on weird slopes. Starting in the middle is also a good way to minimise mistakes.
The type of mower used will also impact the mowing pattern. Flail-type and rotary mowers are best for cutting heights above 1 inch and are used in rough and out-of-play areas. Reel mowers are best for cutting heights below 1 inch and are used on most golf courses. The mower type will also depend on the shaping of the green. For example, there are flex-head versions of reel mowers that are made for greens with substantial shaping.
The season will also impact the mowing pattern. Turfgrasses have an increased growth habit in early spring. They can be mowed closer without substantial consequences compared to other seasons. Mowing closely in early spring increases turf density, controls thatch, removes dead leaf tissue or excess residues, and encourages earlier green-up. Mowing heights should be raised during more stressful times, such as extended periods of cloudy weather or high temperatures and humidity.
It is important to find the right balance between mowing and rolling. Mowing and rolling too frequently or at the wrong time can cause turf loss and turf injury. If the turf is experiencing stress, practices need to be adjusted and scaled back until the turf recovers.
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Grass height
The grass height on a golf course is a key concern for groundskeepers. Mowing and rolling the grass are the primary practices used to achieve smooth, fast greens. However, the height of the grass is a delicate balance between golfer demands for faster greens and the health of the turf. If the grass is mowed too low, it can damage the crown of the plant and reduce its ability to recover from injury. This can lead to turf loss.
The height of the grass is determined by several factors. Firstly, the type of grass and its use. Golf greens are usually mowed to less than 0.25 inches to provide a fast and smooth surface for players. Different grass types have different ideal mowing heights, and groundskeepers need to be aware of the optimal height for each species. The mower type also affects the grass height, with flail and rotary mowers cutting best at heights above 1 inch, and reel mowers used on most golf courses cutting best below 1 inch.
The season also impacts grass height. Turf grasses have increased growth in early spring, so they can be mowed closer without issues. Mowing closely at this time of year has several benefits, including increased turf density and removing dead leaf tissue. During more stressful times, such as extended cloudy periods, the grass height should be raised. The grass's growth rate should determine the frequency of cuts.
Other factors that influence grass height include shade, mowing frequency, equipment, root growth, and stress. Groundskeepers need to be mindful of these variables to maintain optimal grass health and performance.
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Turf health
Maintaining turf health is a challenging task for superintendents, especially when golfers demand faster and faster green speeds. Mowing and rolling practices need to be adjusted to preserve the health of the turf. Turfgrasses consist of a ratio of root-to-shoot tissue that is optimal for supporting developing grass. If the turf is mowed too low, the ratio is imbalanced, with more roots present than the plant physiologically needs, and this extra root mass is then removed. Therefore, mowing height is crucial for turf health. Golf greens are mowed to less than 0.25 inches to offer a fast, smooth, and consistent playing surface. However, if the grass is mowed too low or too irregularly, crown damage can occur, and extra photosynthetic tissue is removed. This leads to off-coloured turf with reduced recuperative ability.
Additionally, the mower type being utilized also affects the mowing height. Flail-type and rotary mowers cut best at heights above 1 inch, while reel mowers cut best at heights below 1 inch. The season of the year also impacts the mowing height. Turfgrasses can be mowed closer in early spring without substantial consequences compared to other seasons. Mowing closely in early spring increases turf density, controls thatch, removes dead leaf tissue or excess residues, and encourages earlier green-up. During stressful times, such as extended periods of cloudy weather, mowing heights should be raised.
Furthermore, mowing injures the grass, so healthy and actively growing grass is necessary to withstand and recover from the injury caused by mowing and rolling. If the putting green turf is experiencing any type of stress, such as high temperatures, humidity, frozen conditions, or a pest infestation, mowing and rolling practices need to be adjusted and scaled back until the turf recovers. Otherwise, there is a risk of additional decline in turf health.
To summarize, maintaining turf health requires careful consideration of mowing height, mower type, season, and the stress levels of the turf. Superintendents need to balance the demands of golfers for faster green speeds with the preservation of turf health to ensure the turf can withstand and recover from mowing and rolling practices.
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Mowing equipment
Reel mowers, also known as cylinder mowers, have a cylindrical blade that rotates vertically and cuts against a fixed bottom blade, producing a scissor-like cutting action. The blades on reel mowers are extremely sharp and require frequent sharpening to maintain their precision. These mowers are designed for lower cutting heights and can handle the fine turf of golf greens effectively.
In contrast, flail-type and rotary mowers are more suitable for cutting heights above 1 inch and are primarily used in rough and out-of-play areas. They feature a horizontal cutting blade that rotates parallel to the ground, making them more versatile for taller grass.
The flexibility to adjust mowing heights is essential in golf course maintenance. Turfgrasses have varying growth habits throughout the year, with increased growth in early spring. Mowing heights can be lowered in early spring to increase turf density, control thatch, and encourage earlier greening. During stressful periods, such as extended cloudy weather, mowing heights should be raised to reduce potential damage to the turf.
Additionally, mowing equipment maintenance is critical to ensuring optimal performance and minimizing turf injury. Sharp blades on reel mowers are crucial for a clean cut, reducing the stress on the grass and promoting quicker recovery. Dull blades can tear the grass, causing unnecessary damage and impacting turf health. Regular maintenance and sharpening of mowing equipment are essential practices for golf course superintendents.
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Turfgrass species
Turfgrass management is a critical aspect of maintaining golf greens, and selecting the right turfgrass species is essential to achieving the desired playing surface. The choice of turfgrass species depends on various factors, including geographical location, weather conditions, maintenance requirements, and the ability to withstand traffic and mowing practices. Here is an overview of some common turfgrass species used on golf greens and their characteristics:
Bentgrass: Bentgrass is a popular choice for golf greens in colder or coastal regions, including coastal California, the Midwest, and the Mid-Atlantic. It is known for providing a smooth, firm, and fast surface. Bentgrass is a cool-season grass with thin blades that can be mown closely. While it requires frequent watering during hot temperatures, it can be at its best when slightly stressed. Bentgrass is often considered one of the best turfgrasses for withstanding vehicles in colder areas.
Bermuda Grass: Bermuda grass is ideal for golf courses in hot weather conditions. It has a high heat tolerance and can be mowed very low without damaging the grass. Bermuda grass is drought-resistant and requires less frequent maintenance. However, it may pose challenges during colder months and increased traffic during those periods. As Bermuda grass grows, it exhibits more grain, which can affect the roll on fairways and the pace of putts.
Perennial Ryegrass: Perennial ryegrass is a sought-after turfgrass for cooler summer regions. It is low maintenance, durable, and naturally pest-resistant. This grass is thicker than other varieties and requires deep rooting to reach its full potential. Perennial ryegrass is commonly used on fairways and tee boxes and can also be used to overseed Bermuda grass.
Fescue: Fescue is a versatile grass that can be maintained as short grass on greens, fairways, and tees. It is slow-growing and requires less frequent mowing and watering, making it a favourite among course operators for its ease of maintenance. Fescue provides firm, bouncy conditions, contributing to the traditional golf experience.
Poa: Poa is a cool-season grass that can be found on renowned golf courses like Pebble Beach and Oakmont. While it has a reputation for being challenging, it excels in low-light and damp environments and can withstand heavy traffic. Properly maintained, Poa can provide an exceptional playing surface.
These turfgrass species, when combined with appropriate mowing and rolling practices, contribute to the creation of smooth, fast, and consistent golf greens that meet the demands of golfers while preserving the health of the turf.
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Frequently asked questions
Golf greens are typically mowed to a height of less than 0.25 inches to provide a fast, smooth, and consistent playing surface. Reel mowers are used on the majority of golf courses and perform best at heights below 1 inch.
Several factors impact the mowing height, including grass type, mower type, shade, time of year, mowing frequency, root growth, and stress. For example, turfgrasses have increased growth in early spring, allowing for closer mowing without significant consequences.
The frequency of mowing depends on the grass's growth rate. Regular mowing is essential to maintain the desired height and quality of the turf. However, it is important to adjust mowing practices during periods of stress, such as high temperatures, frozen conditions, or pest infestations.
One challenge is finding the right balance between mowing and rolling to achieve the desired green speed while preserving turf health. Excessively low mowing and frequent rolling can lead to turf loss and injury. Additionally, mowing injures the grass, so healthy and actively growing grass is necessary for recovery.
Starting in the middle or "mowing towards a point in the distance" can help create straight lines and manage slopes on the green. The use of reel mowers with precise blades and rollers ensures a consistent cutting height, even on contoured surfaces.
