Trevor Ng
Golf courses require a lot of maintenance to keep them in top condition. The grass on greens is usually kept short, often at a height of between 2.5 and 5mm. This requires a lot of work, including mowing, watering, and fertilizing, and the process can be complex. The type of grass used, the time of year, and the type of mower used can all impact the mowing height and frequency.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Grass type | Poa annua, Bermuda grass, Kikuyu, Creeping Bentgrass, Hybrid Bermudagrass, Seashore Paspalum |
| Mowing height | 2.5-5.0 mm, 1/3rd of an inch |
| Mowing frequency | Daily, or every other day |
| Watering frequency | Daily |
| Fertilizer frequency | Weekly |
| Topdressing frequency | Every three weeks, or twice a year |
| Nitrogen (N) supply | 15-40 g N m-2 |
| Green speed | Stimpmeter reading of 7.5-10.5 feet |
| R&A Holing Out Test | Applicable |
| Clegg reading | Above 87 for a firm surface, below 87 for a soft surface |
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What You'll Learn
Grass type, mower type, and fertiliser regimen
Golf course grass length is maintained through a combination of grass type, mower type, and fertiliser regimen. The grass type commonly used on golf courses includes Bermuda, bentgrass, fescue, zoysia, poa, and rye. Each grass type has unique characteristics and requirements that influence the choice of mower and fertiliser application.
For instance, zoysia is a warm-season grass that is cold-tolerant and requires less water, allowing it to be kept firmer. However, it is susceptible to diseases and may need protective applications, making it expensive to maintain. Rye grass, on the other hand, is commonly used in autumn overseeding and requires ample water. It has a fine texture and grows upright, allowing for aesthetically pleasing mowing patterns. However, it struggles in high temperatures and when mowed too low.
To maintain the desired grass length, golf courses utilise various mower types, including riding mowers, walk-behind mowers, reel mowers, fairway mowers, rough mowers, trim and surrounds mowers, fraise mowers, and greens rollers. These mowers ensure the grass is cut to the appropriate height for the specific area of the course, such as the tees, fairways, or greens.
Fertiliser application is another critical aspect of grass length management on golf courses. Superintendents are responsible for implementing fertility programs that meet the nutritional requirements of the turfgrass. While granular fertilisers were traditionally used, there is a growing trend towards using liquid fertilisers, which can be microapplied to meet the heightened expectations of putting surfaces. The frequency and amount of fertiliser applied depend on factors such as the time of year, desired outcomes, and weather conditions.
By combining the appropriate grass type with the right mower and fertiliser regimen, golf course superintendents can achieve the lush, highly manicured turf conditions expected by golfers while also maintaining the health and playability of the turfgrass.
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Mowing height and frequency
The type of mower also affects mowing height. Flail-type and rotary mowers work best at heights above 1 inch, while reel mowers excel at heights below 1 inch and are used on most golf courses. Additionally, the season influences mowing height. Turfgrasses can be mowed closer in early spring without issues, increasing turf density and controlling thatch. During stressful periods, such as extended cloudy weather, mowing heights should be raised to reduce stress on the grass.
The grass's growth rate determines the mowing frequency. When turf becomes too tall, it should not be mowed down to the desired height all at once, as this can negatively impact root growth and turf density while promoting weed establishment. Instead, tall grass should be mowed frequently, gradually reducing the height with each mowing until the intended height is achieved.
Golf greens require frequent mowing and watering, and the grass's health depends on precise fertiliser and irrigation regimens. Nitrogen (N) is critical to managing the growth rate, and its supply should match the desired growth rate. Proper location is also essential, with adequate sunlight, airflow, and drainage contributing to optimal putting green health and performance.
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Turf health and maintenance
Maintaining the turf health of a golf course is a challenging task that requires a solid understanding of plant physiology, plant pathology, and chemistry. It is a meticulous process that demands daily attention and quick improvisation in the face of unforeseen circumstances. Here are some essential aspects of golf course turf maintenance:
Grass Type Selection
The choice of grass type is critical and depends on various factors such as climate, temperature, maintenance requirements, and playing conditions. For example, warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia are ideal for southern regions, while cool-season grasses, such as bentgrass and fescue, thrive in colder climates. Bentgrass, in particular, is widely recommended for putting greens due to its smooth and consistent surface, even at low mowing heights.
Soil and Water Management
Soil tests are routinely conducted on golf courses to determine the exact nutritional needs of the turf. Proper watering practices are also essential. Deep and infrequent irrigation encourages healthy grass roots, and watering in the early morning reduces water loss due to evaporation and lowers the risk of disease. Additionally, it is crucial to avoid over-saturating the soil, especially after rainfall, to prevent stunting root growth.
Mowing and Fertilization
Mowing practices vary depending on the area of the course. Greens are typically mowed daily to maintain ultra-low heights, while tee boxes are kept slightly longer. A general rule is to never cut more than one-third of the blade in a single mowing to reduce stress on the grass. Fertilizer applications should also be timed appropriately, with spring being a crucial period to promote healthy turf growth.
Pest and Disease Control
Fungicide and insecticide applications are an essential aspect of turf maintenance. These applications are based on the timing and severity of disease and insect pressures. Soil conditions and drainage play a role in preventing the accumulation of water, which can lead to disease and pest issues.
Aesthetics and Playability
The aesthetics and playability of the course are also carefully considered. This includes rolling the greens in specific directions to affect ball movement and ensuring proper drainage in bunkers to maintain healthy turfgrass. Additionally, the overall health and visual appeal of the course can be enhanced by blending various grass types to create a smooth and consistent playing surface.
In conclusion, maintaining the turf health of a golf course requires a combination of scientific knowledge, experience, and a deep understanding of the game of golf. It involves a range of practices, from grass type selection to meticulous mowing, watering, and fertilization routines, all aimed at providing pristine playing conditions for golfers while preserving the health and beauty of the turf.
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Watering and irrigation
To maintain a healthy lawn, it is crucial to understand the water requirements of the grass and provide adequate hydration without overwatering or underwatering. Overwatering can lead to issues such as root rot, pest infestations, and the growth of weeds like ground ivy. It can also result in lawn flooding, creating an unpleasant playing surface. On the other hand, underwatering can cause turf to die off, especially in warm weather, as the grass roots may not grow deep enough to access water.
To determine if your lawn needs watering, look for visual clues such as dull-colored gray grass, which indicates thirst. You can also try walking on the grass; well-watered grass will spring back quickly, while underwatered grass will remain flat due to a lack of moisture. Additionally, slightly curly grass blades and difficulty inserting a screwdriver into the soil are signs that it's time to water. The best time of day to water your lawn is early in the morning, preferably between 4 and 6 a.m.
It is recommended to avoid watering in the night or immediately after mowing. Night-time watering can promote the growth of fungus and mildew, as moisture tends to sit on the grass for extended periods. Similarly, watering freshly mowed turf can be detrimental, as the grass is in a vulnerable state and requires time to recover. Allowing at least a day for the turf to heal before watering is advisable.
Water reuse and recycling are essential components of sustainable golf course management. Treating and reusing wastewater on-site can reduce the energy and costs associated with transporting it to distant treatment plants. This practice is environmentally friendly and helps conserve water resources, making it a preferred option for golf courses aiming for sustainability.
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Golf course conditions and preparation
The preparation and maintenance of a golf course is a highly specialised task, with upper management closely monitoring the conditions of the greens. The grass type, mowing frequency, fertilisers, and fungicides are all determined by highly educated management. The greens are considered the most important part of the course, and they require precise and frequent care. This includes daily mowing and watering, weekly fertilising, yearly aeration, and overseeding.
The type of grass used on a golf course can vary depending on the location and desired playing conditions. For example, the 2021 U.S. Open course at Torrey Pines featured a mix of different grasses, including Bermuda grass on the tees and kikuyu on the fairways. To achieve the desired conditions, the grass length is typically kept very short, with greens mowers using 11-15 blade reels and tee mowers using 7-9 blade reels.
Additionally, the greens may be rolled in certain directions to affect how the ball plays and improve the aesthetic look of the course. This process is determined by stimp readings and greens maps, which help identify if the ball is rolling correctly in relation to the pin placement.
Golf course management also involves addressing common issues such as loose impediments in bunkers and stones. Recent changes to the Rules of Golf have provided more flexibility in how courses are maintained, allowing for the removal of loose impediments like leaves and sticks from bunkers, which previously created challenging situations for golfers and maintenance staff.
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Frequently asked questions
The grass on golf greens is usually kept very short, with a length of 2.5 to 5.0 mm.
Short grass allows for smoother and faster play, as the ball can roll more easily with less resistance.
Groundskeepers use a variety of techniques to maintain short grass, including mowing, watering, fertilizing, and aerating the greens regularly. They may also use specific grass types that thrive at shorter lengths, such as creeping bentgrass or Bermuda grass.
The frequency of mowing depends on various factors, including grass type, time of year, and desired playing conditions. Most golf courses mow their greens daily or every other day to maintain the short length.
Maintaining short grass requires a significant amount of time and resources. If the grass is cut too short, it can affect the root-to-shoot ratio, requiring additional fertilization and water. Scalping the turf can also decrease turf density and increase weed growth.
