Harper Lin
Mowing a golf green is a precise task that requires the right equipment and technique to achieve the desired results. The key to success is a well-maintained reel mower with sharp blades, accurate gauges, and a good understanding of the grass height required. Mowing a golf green is very different from mowing a regular lawn, as the grass needs to be cut at a very low height, often less than 0.1 inches, to create a smooth and fast surface for putting. To achieve this, superintendents and groundskeepers use a combination of mowing patterns, such as starting from the side and mowing towards a point in the distance, and rolling the turf to manage the speed and performance of the green.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lawn mower type | Reel mower |
| Lawn mower model | Toro Greensmaster 1600 |
| Lawn mower price | $300 for a rotary mower, upwards of $9,000 for a reel mower |
| Lawn mower maintenance | Requires specialised grinding equipment to maintain sharp edges and precise angles |
| Lawn mower blades | 11-15 blades that require sharpening |
| Measurement tools | Dial calipers, dial indicators |
| Mowing technique | Mow from one side to another, not starting in the middle; mow towards a point in the distance |
| Mowing frequency | The shorter the grass, the more frequent the mowing; mow every day or every other day to maintain a putting green |
| Grass height | No more than 1/3 of the grass length should be removed at a time; grass can be cut to less than 0.1 inches |
| Fertilizer | Mirimichi Premium Organic, Lebanon Turf Humic Max |
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What You'll Learn
Use a specialised reel mower
To achieve the look of a golf green, you will need to use a specialised reel mower. Reel mowers create a scissor-like action where the turfgrass leaves are clipped by the crossing of two cutting edges—the reel blades and bedknife. This is in contrast to a rotary-style lawnmower, which chops the grass with a single blade and cannot effectively cut grass below a 1-inch height.
Reel mowers can cut grass to less than 0.1 inches, which is the desired length for golf greens. To achieve this, the blades of a reel mower must be extremely sharp. Before mowing, you will need to check the 11-15 blades of your reel mower and sharpen them if necessary. Reel mowers also require specialised grinding equipment to maintain sharp edges and precise angles.
Accurate gauges are vital to setting up the cutting unit for consistent results. Dial calipers can be used to ensure the rollers of the cutting unit are true and minimise any variance in height. Dial indicators are often used to ensure mowing heights are accurate to the thousandth of an inch. These measurements and subsequent fine-tuning need to occur before every mowing session.
Reel mowers used on golf courses are expensive, with prices starting at $9,000. Used reel mowers can be found at significant discounts, but they often require costly replacement parts such as new bearings, bedknives, or reel cylinders.
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Mowing frequency
To achieve the pristine stripes of a golf green, it is recommended to mow from one side to another, rather than starting in the middle. The first stripe should be perfectly straight and perpendicular to the previous mow. One effective method for achieving this is to pick a target in the distance, such as a tree, and maintain your focus on it as you mow the first stripe. From there, you can aim the lines on your bucket at the edge of the previous stripe. Taking a wide turn in the rough also helps to keep the lines straight.
It is important to note that mowing injures the grass, so it is crucial to ensure the grass is healthy and actively growing before mowing. If the turf is experiencing any stress, such as high temperatures, frozen conditions, or pest infestation, mowing practices should be adjusted and scaled back to prevent further decline.
Additionally, accurate gauges are essential for achieving consistent results. Dial calipers and dial indicators are commonly used to ensure mowing heights are accurate to the thousandth of an inch. With such low cutting heights, these measurements and fine-tuning need to occur before each mowing session.
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Lawn care and fertilising
To achieve a golf course-style lawn, you'll need to invest time and effort into its care and maintenance. Here are some detailed instructions on lawn care and fertilising to help you get started:
Lawn Care
Lawn care for a golf course-style lawn requires dedication and consistency. Here are some key steps to follow:
- Mowing Equipment: Invest in a good-quality reel mower, such as the Toro Greensmaster 1600, which is specifically designed to cut grass at low heights. Ensure you have accurate gauges to set the cutting height precisely.
- Mowing Technique: Aim for a beautifully striped lawn by mowing in straight lines. Maintain the desired grass height by ensuring that no more than 1/3 of the grass length is removed in each mowing session.
- Grass Type: Choose a grass type that is suitable for your region and soil type. For example, Tifway 419 is a common cultivar, and overseeding with Arden 15 Bermuda can enhance colour and reduce water and fertiliser needs.
- Weed and Pest Control: Implement strategies to keep weeds and pests like grubs, armyworms, and fire ants at bay. This will help maintain the health and appearance of your lawn.
- Topdressing: This is a challenging aspect of lawn care, but it is essential for achieving a smooth and even surface.
Fertilising
Fertilising is crucial for promoting the deep green colour associated with golf courses. Here are some tips for effective fertilising:
- Fertiliser Type: Opt for a slow-release, organic fertiliser like Mirimichi Premium Organic, which contains iron, humate, and beneficial bacteria. Alternatively, Lebanon Turf Humic Max is an excellent choice for improving soil quality while feeding the grass.
- Fertiliser Application: Apply fertiliser in granular form or spray it onto the lawn. For best results, follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates and frequency.
- Nutrient Management: Ensure your lawn receives the necessary nutrients, with a particular focus on nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK). Consider using a high-nitrogen fertiliser like the Golf Course Lawn 20-2-3 Liquid Fertiliser for rapid and robust grass growth.
- Plant Growth Regulators: Consider using products like Primo Maxx to regulate plant growth and reduce the need for frequent mowing.
Remember, achieving and maintaining a golf course-style lawn requires a significant amount of time and effort. Be prepared to invest in the necessary equipment, fertiliser, and lawn care products to get the desired results.
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Measuring grass height
Measuring the grass height is an important part of maintaining a golf green. The height of the grass on a golf course is typically between 2.5 and 5 mm, with the lowest cut reserved for putting greens. This height can vary depending on several factors, such as grass type, time of year, and desired playing surface. For example, during the early spring, when turfgrasses have an increased growth habit, they can be mowed closer without negatively impacting overall health. In contrast, during the summer or other stressful times, the grass should be allowed to grow longer to help moderate stress.
The ideal height of the grass also depends on the type of grass being grown. For instance, the recommended mowing height for creeping bentgrass and mixtures of creeping bentgrass and annual bluegrass is typically between 0.156 and 0.187 of an inch. However, it's important to note that mowing heights for putting greens have decreased over the years, with some sources recommending a height as low as 0.1 inches or even 0.100 of an inch.
When determining the height to cut the grass, it's crucial to consider the stress placed on the turf. A taller turf generally offers better protection against pests and other stressors, while a closely cropped turf is often considered more aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, lowering the mowing height increases the stress on the grass, making it more susceptible to environmental and biotic stressors, such as algae and moss. Therefore, it's important to balance golfer expectations with the health of the turfgrass.
It's also worth noting that if the turf has become too tall, it should not be mowed down to the desired height all at once. This practice, known as scalping, can negatively impact root growth and decrease turf density. Instead, the height should be gradually lowered over multiple mowing sessions until the intended height is achieved.
To measure the grass height accurately, specialised equipment, such as a stimpmeter, can be used. This device measures ball roll distance and helps to keep green speeds consistent. Additionally, it's important to consider the tolerance range of the specific grass variety when determining the appropriate mowing height.
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Mowing technique
Mowing a golf green requires a specific technique to achieve the desired results. Here are some key considerations and steps to follow when mowing a golf green:
- Mowing Equipment: Golf course greens require a specialised type of reel mower that can cut grass at very low heights. These mowers create a scissor-like action, with turfgrass leaves clipped by the crossing of the reel blades and the bedknife. Ensure your reel mower is properly maintained, with sharp blades, to achieve clean cuts.
- Grass Height Consistency: Achieving consistent grass height is crucial. Use dial calipers to ensure the rollers of the cutting unit are accurate to the thousandth of an inch. This minimises any variance in the height of the cut, maintaining a smooth and even surface.
- Mowing Frequency: Mowing frequency plays a vital role in achieving a golf course-like lawn. To maintain the desired grass height, mow frequently, removing no more than 1/3 of the grass length in a single pass. This promotes lawn health and facilitates faster regrowth.
- Mowing Pattern: Start by mowing a perfectly straight line, perpendicular to the previous mow. This initial stripe sets the foundation for the rest of the mowing pattern. Aim for a laser-straight line, as it makes it easier to align subsequent passes. You can improve consistency by focusing on a target point in the distance, such as a tree, and adjusting the mower's path accordingly.
- Cleanup Cut: It is recommended to perform the cleanup cut last. This helps ensure that any minor imperfections or uneven areas are addressed, creating a uniform finish across the entire green.
- Adjust for Grass Health: Monitor the health of the grass and adjust mowing practices accordingly. For instance, if the turf is experiencing stress from high temperatures, frozen conditions, or pest infestations, reduce the frequency of mowing and rolling to prevent further decline.
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Frequently asked questions
A specialised type of reel mower is required to cut grass to the height of a golf green. While a new residential, walk-behind rotary mower can be purchased for $300, a walk-behind reel mower used on a golf course can cost upwards of $9,000.
Mowing frequency is a big reason why golf courses look the way they do. To keep your lawn healthy, you should only cut 1/3 of the blade at a time. This means you might need to mow every day or every other day to maintain the look of a golf green.
Pick a target off in the distance (e.g. a tree) and stare at that target as you mow your first stripe. It's important to have a perfectly straight and perpendicular line to the previous mow.
Accurate gauges are vital to setting up the cutting unit for consistent results. Dial calipers and dial indicators are used to ensure mowing heights are accurate to the thousandth of an inch.
For a slow-release fertiliser, Mirimichi Premium Organic is a good option. It is OMRI-certified organic and contains iron, humate and beneficial bacteria to promote a deep green colour.
