Jackson Reid
Golf course superintendents use a combination of mowing and rolling to deliver fast, true putting surfaces on a consistent basis. The height of the grass on golf greens is typically maintained at a very low height, often below 1 inch, and this requires specialized equipment such as reel mowers and lightweight rollers. The mowing height can vary depending on the season, with closer mowing in early spring to increase turf density and control thatch. Golf courses also frequently water, fertilize, and aerate their greens to maintain the health of the turf. Achieving and maintaining the desired green speed and turf performance requires a significant amount of time, effort, and cost.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Grass height | Less than 0.1 inches or 3mm |
| Mowing frequency | Daily or twice a day |
| Rolling frequency | Two to five times a week |
| Watering frequency | Daily |
| Fertilizing frequency | Weekly |
| Aeration frequency | Yearly |
| Overseeding frequency | Yearly |
| Mowing type | Reel mower |
| Number of blades | 11-15 |
| Grass type | Turfgrass |
| Soil type | Sand |
| Root depth | Reduced when mowing height is reduced |
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What You'll Learn
Reel mowers are required to cut grass at low heights
Reel mowers are specialised tools that can achieve these low cutting heights, with some mowers offering up to 36 different cutting heights. They are designed to create a scissor-like cutting action, where the turfgrass leaves are clipped by the crossing of two cutting edges: the reel blades and a bedknife. This scissor-like action allows reel mowers to cut grass much lower than rotary mowers, which cannot effectively mow grass below a one-inch height of cut.
The ability to achieve these very low cutting heights is advantageous for golf course maintenance, as it contributes to the desired smooth and fast greens. However, it comes at a cost, as reel mowers used on golf courses can be significantly more expensive than residential rotary mowers. Additionally, reel mowers require more maintenance and specialised equipment to keep their numerous blades sharp and precise.
To achieve the desired low cutting heights, reel mowers rely on several design features. Front rollers play a crucial role in maintaining a steady height adjustment, preventing scalping on high spots, and ensuring effective cutting in low spots. They also improve manoeuvrability by providing better traction and stability on uneven terrain, reducing the likelihood of uneven cuts.
Achieving and maintaining low cutting heights with reel mowers require proper techniques and lawn care practices. Overlapping each mowing pass by about one to two inches ensures consistent coverage and avoids uncut strips of grass. Deep watering, regular fertilisation, and proper nutrient supply are essential to promote robust root growth and help the grass withstand the stress of low mowing heights.
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The turf must be healthy and actively growing before mowing
The health of the turfgrass is of paramount importance when considering how low to cut golf greens. Mowing should only be undertaken when the turf is healthy and actively growing. This is because healthy turf can withstand lower cutting heights and will recover more quickly from any damage caused by mowing.
Before mowing, ensure the turf is actively growing by checking for signs of growth. This includes looking for new leaf development and measuring the height of the turf. Only when the turf is actively growing should you begin to lower the height of your mowing equipment.
Start by gradually lowering the height of your mowing equipment over several mowing sessions. This gradual lowering allows the turf to adjust to the new cutting height and reduces the risk of shocking or damaging the grass plants. Aim to remove no more than a third of the grass blade length in a single mowing session.
Additionally, ensure that your mowing equipment is properly maintained and sharpened. Dull blades can tear and damage the grass blades, causing unnecessary stress to the turf. Regularly maintain your mowing equipment to ensure a clean and precise cut that promotes healthy turf recovery.
By following these practices, you can ensure that your turf remains healthy and resilient even when mowed to the low heights typically associated with golf greens. Remember, the specific mowing height and frequency will depend on various factors, including grass species, climate, and the desired playing conditions, so adapt your mowing practices accordingly.
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Grass type, mower type, and fertiliser regimen are important
Golf greens are typically cut at a height below 1 inch, which requires a specialised type of reel mower. This is quite different from the turf in a backyard, which is usually mowed between 2 and 3 inches in height. The reel mower creates a scissor-like action, with turfgrass leaves clipped by the crossing of two cutting edges—the reel blades and the bedknife.
The grass type, mower type, and fertiliser regimen are important factors in achieving and maintaining golf greens. Grass type is crucial as some grasses are more suitable for low cutting heights than others. For example, Bermuda grass is known to snag clubs on chip shots, whereas bentgrass has little grain and can be mown closely. Fescue is another option that requires less frequent mowing and is low-maintenance.
The mower type is also essential as not all mowers can effectively cut grass below 1 inch. Reel mowers, such as the Toro Greensmaster, are specifically designed for this purpose and offer precision and a consistent cut. They require specialised grinding equipment to maintain sharp edges and precise angles.
Finally, the fertiliser regimen plays a vital role in the health and appearance of golf greens. Fertilisers like Greens Plus 14-4-10, a slow-release liquid fertiliser, provide nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, resulting in deep green grass colour and consistent growth. It is important to follow application guidelines and consider factors such as available nitrogen sources and irrigation requirements.
By carefully considering grass type, mower type, and fertiliser regimen, golf course managers can ensure that their greens are maintained at the desired low heights, providing optimal playing conditions for golfers.
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Mowing and rolling greens increases speed and turf performance
Mowing and rolling greens is a practice used by superintendents to achieve smooth, fast greens. The process of mowing injures the grass, so healthy and actively growing grass is necessary for it to withstand and recover from the injury caused by mowing and rolling. Turfgrass health is improved by rolling greens, which can include reduced turf stress, disease suppression, and a smoother surface.
Golf course mechanics use precise tools to ensure the rollers of the cutting unit are true and minimise any variance in height. Accurate gauges are also vital to setting up the cutting unit for consistent results. The quality and frequency of mowing and rolling operations directly impact turf quality and surface conditions.
Sharp, precisely adjusted mowers cut grass blades cleanly and evenly, benefiting turfgrass health and putting quality. If the turf is experiencing any type of stress, such as high temperatures, mowing and rolling practices need to be adjusted and scaled back until the turf recovers. Mowing in different directions from day to day can also help to minimise grain, which refers to turfgrass plants lying horizontally in one or more directions.
To achieve faster green speeds, superintendents have experimented with different mowing and rolling programs. One method is double cutting, which involves mowing the green in one direction and then mowing again perpendicular to the first mowing. This method can significantly increase ball speed, but it can also result in reduced stress tolerance and significant wear damage.
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Golf greens require more frequent fertilisation and watering
Golf course superintendents use a combination of mowing and rolling to achieve smooth, fast greens. Mowing and rolling are both essential practices in golf course maintenance, with the former injuring the grass and the latter providing a true putting surface.
Light and frequent topdressing is beneficial for golf greens. Fertilisation programs should be based on regular soil tests to determine accurate supplemental nutrient needs. Soil tests are instrumental in determining phosphorus and potassium recommendations and identifying pH problems. Soil samples should be taken from greens, tees, and fairways separately.
Water-soluble fertilizers are commonly used on golf courses, with recommended application rates of 0.5 lbs N/1,000 sq. ft in general, 0.4 lbs N/1,000 sq. ft on sand, and no more than 0.7 lbs N/1,000 sq. ft on other soils. More frequent applications are recommended, especially on sandy soils, as they lose nutrients quickly.
In addition to fertilisation and watering, other practices such as aeration, overseeding, and fungicide applications are also important for maintaining the health and performance of golf greens.
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Frequently asked questions
Golf greens are typically cut below 1 inch.
Reel mowers are used to cut golf greens. These mowers have 11-15 blades and create a scissor-like action to cut the grass.
Golf greens are typically cut daily, and rolled two to five times a week. For a PGA tournament, greens may be cut twice in the morning and twice in the evening.
Mowing height has a direct impact on root depth. Lower mowing heights lead to reduced root depth, which requires more frequent fertilisation and watering. Mowing height should be raised during stressful periods, such as extended cloudy weather, to maintain turf health.
In addition to the time of year and growth rate of the grass, golfer demands for faster greens can influence the mowing height. However, excessively low mowing heights can lead to turf loss and increased maintenance requirements.
