Jackson Reid
Golf greens are cut extremely short, usually to about an eighth of an inch long. This requires a lot of maintenance, including mowing and watering daily, as well as precise fertilisation and aeration regimens. The grass type, mower, and terrain also play a role in how short the grass can be cut. For example, Bermuda grass is used in warmer locations and is not recommended to be cut less than 5/32 of an inch, whereas Bentgrass is hardier and can be cut slightly shorter.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Grass type | Bermuda, Bentgrass, Poa annua |
| Grass height | 2.5-5.0mm, 4mm, 3mm, 2mm, ⅛" |
| Mowing frequency | Daily |
| Watering frequency | Daily |
| Fertilizer frequency | Weekly |
| Aeration frequency | Monthly |
| Verticutting frequency | Fortnightly |
| Nitrogen (N) rate | 15-40g N m^2 |
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What You'll Learn
Grass type
The grass on golf courses is cut to a specific height to ensure the best playing experience for golfers. The standard height for golf greens is 0.125 inches or 3.125 mm. This length of grass allows for a smooth and even surface for the golf ball to roll on without bouncing erratically.
Golf courses use a variety of grass types, but the two preferred grass cultivar types for greens are Bentgrass and Bermuda grass. These grass types are popular because they can tolerate low-height cuts and have creeping properties. Bentgrass is a cool-season grass, while Bermuda is a warm-season grass. Bermuda grass is a common warm-weather grass found on southern lawns and golf courses.
Some golf courses may also use Poa annua, a cool-season grass, and Bermudagrass, as seen in Australia. Additionally, kikuyu grass, a spongy, dense, and lush grass native to Africa, can be used on golf courses. It creates a tricky texture when kept short, as the ball sits up high, making it challenging for golfers. For cold-weather lawns and to prepare for tournaments during the winter, golf courses may overseed with ryegrass, a quickly-germinating cold-weather grass species.
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Mowing equipment
Golf course superintendents and greenkeepers often rely on specialised mowing equipment to achieve the desired grass height and ensure optimal playing conditions. One of the most commonly used mowers for golf greens is the reel mower or cylinder mower. These mowers feature a reel or cylinder with multiple blades that rotate and cut the grass against a fixed bed knife, providing a precise and even cut. The number of blades in the reel can vary, typically ranging from 7 to 9 blades for tee mowers and 11 to 15 blades for greens mowers.
One notable feature of greens mowers is the front and rear roller design. The rollers help to average out uneven terrain, preventing scalping and ensuring a consistent cut even on undulating greens. This design is especially useful in maintaining the extremely low heights often seen on golf greens. Toro, a well-known manufacturer of greens mowers, offers their Greensmaster line, which includes both walk-behind and riding models. These mowers provide precision and productivity, with options for different powertrains, including gas, diesel, hybrid, and all-electric.
In recent years, autonomous solutions have also gained traction in the golf course industry. Robotic mowers, such as those offered by Husqvarna, provide several benefits, including reduced carbon dioxide emissions, low noise levels, and high-quality turf. The CEORA™ robotic mower, for instance, is ideal for larger areas and delivers consistent results. It utilises EPOS® technology, which employs GPS and satellite guidance for efficient mowing patterns.
Additionally, some golf courses may opt for tractor-based solutions, such as those offered by Ventrac. Their golf course tractors, like the AWD 4520, can manoeuvre into various places and, when paired with a front-mounted reel mower, reduce the manual labour required to maintain professional-looking turf. Ventrac also offers a range of attachments for their tractors, such as the Power Rake, which smooths out imperfections in golf cart paths, and the Tough Cut mower deck, which handles tall fescue around tee boxes.
Overall, the choice of mowing equipment depends on various factors, including the size and terrain of the golf course, environmental considerations, and budgetary constraints. By selecting the appropriate equipment and implementing a comprehensive maintenance plan, superintendents and greenkeepers can ensure that their golf greens are consistently cut to the desired height.
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Fertilizer
Maintaining golf courses to a high standard requires expert care and maintenance. Mowing heights are particularly important on greens, as the grass needs to be smooth, firm, uniform, and produce good speed. The grass on a typical putting green is cut to about ⅛ of an inch long, or 3mm, and sometimes even 2mm.
The two most common grass types for golf greens are Bermuda or Bentgrass. Bentgrass is more hardy and can be cut shorter, but it is recommended that Bermuda grass is not cut less than 5/32 of an inch for an extended period. Dwarf species of bent and Bermuda grasses have also been introduced, which can be cut at or below 1/8 of an inch.
To achieve these very precise mowing heights, golf courses use a special type of mower called a "greens mower". These mowers are designed specifically for cutting golf greens and can cut the grass to any desired height.
For example, the University of Arkansas recommends feeding creeping bentgrass greens four times a year: twice in spring and twice in fall. In spring, feeding should occur on or around May 1 and June 1, at a rate of 1/2 pound of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. In fall, fertilize on or around September 15 and November 15, at a rate of 1 pound of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. To calculate the actual nitrogen content, multiply the bag's weight by its nitrogen percentage.
Topdressing with soil or sand can also improve green speed and discourage thatch. Golf courses often topdress at three-week intervals, but this can also be done twice a year: once in early May and again in late September. For native soil putting greens, use a 1/8-inch layer of the same soil used in the foundation.
Creating and maintaining a golf course green is a complex and time-consuming process, requiring a lot of planning and resources.
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Irrigation
Maintaining greens on golf courses requires a lot of work, and one of the most important aspects is irrigation. The health of the grass is paramount, and keeping the greens dry is one way to increase speed. However, irrigation is necessary to prevent drought stress, and it is important to know the soil moisture content to keep the soil air as high as possible and to avoid using too much water.
The salt content of the irrigation water is a concern, as salt can accumulate in the soil and cause problems for the grass. One source recommends leaching to manage salt content, but knowing the amount of salt in the water is crucial.
Fertilization is also important, and nitrogen (N) controls the growth rate. The desired growth rate must be matched with the correct amount of nitrogen, and too little or too much can cause issues. For busy courses, a relatively high growth rate is required to recover from traffic damage.
Potassium (K) levels can be increased to improve stress tolerance. The ratio of nitrogen to potassium has increased to meet demands for higher speeds, and superintendents must closely monitor turf conditions, paying attention to water and fertilizer levels.
Increasing the frequency of cutting and rolling the greens can increase speed, but this also increases the stress on the grass. This can be mitigated by good soil physics, soil biology, increased cultivation, irrigation, and fertilization. However, this also increases maintenance costs.
Overall, irrigation plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and performance of golf course greens, and it must be carefully managed along with other aspects such as fertilization and cutting practices.
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Aeration
Filling the aeration holes with sand is a recommended practice. Sand helps speed up the recovery process, making the putting surface firm and smooth. Additionally, sand creates channels that facilitate water and air movement, diluting thatch and promoting quicker recovery.
Verticutting is another crucial procedure related to aeration. It involves aggressive and frequent cutting of the grass, promoting upright growth. This vertical growth minimizes friction, allowing the ball to roll smoothly. Reducing verticutting can lead to lateral growth, causing drag or 'nap', which affects the ball's roll. While some advocate for grooming instead of verticutting, it is important to consider the potential motives behind such recommendations.
Overall, aeration is a vital component of golf green maintenance, ensuring optimal playing conditions and a high-quality golfing experience. While it may cause temporary disruptions, the long-term benefits are significant, and proper aeration techniques, such as sand filling and verticutting, can help minimize any inconveniences.
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Frequently asked questions
A typical putting green has grass that is cut to about ⅛ of an inch long, or between 2.5 and 5.0 mm.
The greens have to look their best and be smooth, firm, and uniform to produce good speed.
The two most common grass types for golf greens are Bermuda or Bentgrass. Bermuda grass is used in warmer, southern locations and is not recommended to be cut less than 5/32 of an inch. Bentgrass is hardier and can be used in colder climates and cut slightly shorter.
Golf courses use reel mowers or cylinder mowers that work like a giant electric shaver. These mowers cut the grass with a scissor-like motion that is more accurate and does less damage to the grass blades.
The mowing height of putting greens is usually known on a daily basis. The frequency of cut depends on the grass type, time of year, and type of putting surface.
