how do i make my golf course greens faster

Full Answer

How do you increase the speed of a golf green?

The easiest way to increase speed on a green is to make the individual blades of grass shorter, but not all grasses can handle being cut so close to the earth. For many years, the mowing height for an average golf green was about 0.125 inches, with a Stimpmeter rating around 8 feet.

How do golf courses make grass so smooth?

Creating and maintaining a golf course – even just a putting area – is best left to the professionals! Frequent, measured, irrigation, mowing and topdressing with sand help the putting greens to be smooth. Credit: CSSA files So how do golf courses make the grass surface so smooth?

Do golf courses reduce the height of the Greens?

Some courses will reduce mowing heights for short periods of time, for example for a golf tournament. However, extremely short mowing heights can only be maintained for a limited amount of time. Other techniques such as verticutting, rolling and brushing can be employed to help maintain the speed of the greens.

How do Greenskeepers get the golf course so smooth?

If you are an avid golfer, or perhaps an arm-chair golfer watching the Masters or other important golf tournament, you might wonder how greenskeepers get the golf course so smooth. Putting greens get daily maintenance to provide their smooth, reliable surface. Credit: Larry Stowell Turfgrass takes up about 40 million acres in the United States.

What makes a putting green fast or slow?

Resiliency, uniformity, smoothness, and firmness contribute to overall green speed. Resiliency is the capacity of the turf to absorb shock and affects the ability of a putting green to hold a properly struck golf shot. Uniformity implies that each green on a course and all areas of each green putt the same.

Are golf greens faster when wet?

Are wet greens fast or slow? Rain makes greens slower than normal as the moisture on the ground and the ball slows it down. In instances of rain over a number of days greenkeepers will likely not be able to mow greens as normal meaning the grass will be longer and even slower. Putts on wet greens also take less break.

How often should you mow golf greens?

Greens typically need to be mown at least once every three days. Without that regular tending, they become overgrown. Getting them back up to speed is tough. Sometimes it's impossible, and the entire putting surface has to be reseeded, and you're looking at least two months before they're ready for play again.

How often should I water my golf greens?

every two to three daysHow much (and when!) to water your lawn, according to a golf-course superintendent. About a third of an inch of water every two to three days is a good goal for your yard. Ed.

Is it worth playing golf in the rain?

Rain cools the air down, meaning you won't sweat as much, and you'll be able to grip your clubs better. Particularly in summer, cooler conditions should always be welcome.

How much does cold affect golf ball distance?

Most every golfer believes that their golf ball flies much farther in the heat of the summer than in the colder months of winter (or even fall or spring), and, well, it does. According to Titleist research, a golfer will experience an approximately 1.5 percent drop in distance for every 20 degree drop in temperature.

What does top dressing do to greens?

Topdressing improves putting greens smoothness, increases firmness and dilutes thatch. Thatch is a layer of dead and living plant material just below the turf surface.

How often do you fertilize golf greens?

Normal lawn use should be fertilised every 3 months. Minimum maintenance level during Spring and Autumn.

How do you fertilize a golf green?

1:194:31Webcast: How Fertilization Affects Your Golf Course - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAlthough turf growth is strongly influenced by fertilization over fertilizing especially withMoreAlthough turf growth is strongly influenced by fertilization over fertilizing especially with nitrogen is undesirable because it stimulates the growth of leaves.

Is it OK to water grass at night?

“A wet lawn at night is the perfect condition for fungus to grow. Along with cutting grass too short, watering at night is about the worst thing you can do to a lawn.” As a general rule, you should water long enough to moisten the soil down to about 6 inches, which is the average depth of a healthy grass-root system.

How long should you run a sprinkler?

How Long Should I Water at a Time? A watering session should be long enough to soak the area sufficiently so all the roots receive a beneficial drink. Sprinklers should be set to run for about 30 to 35 minutes at a time twice a week. Your goal is at least 1″ of water a week for your lawn.

Can you over water grass?

Yes, your grass can get too much water. If your grass gets too much water, it doesn't get oxygen and can actually suffocate. Too much water also makes your grass more susceptible to disease. Watering Guidelines for New Lawns: New lawns need to be watered every day and sometimes more than once a day to keep soil moist.

How to improve green speed?

Rather than making faster speeds even faster, work on improving average green speed by bringing lowest speeds up, aiming for consistency of speed both between greens, throughout the day and over time.

How fast can you get in golf?

Most clubs will already be achieving over 9ft for summer competitions, which is plenty fast enough, especially if you have undulating or sloping greens. Higher speeds become very challenging and even unenjoyable for the average player.

Why is it important to mowing greens?

Regular mowing is required to maintain green speed. If greens remain wet for prolonged periods due to poor drainage and/or sheltered position and shade , then the surfaces will not be suitable for mowing for a large percentage of the autumn to spring period.

Why is a sward better for golf?

High growth and density creates more friction or drag on the ball, slowing it down. A slow growing, lower density sward is preferable and will dry out more readily , so gaining a firmer, drier surface more rapidly after rainfall.

What grasses produce smooth green surfaces?

Fescue grasses, with their slow growth and needle-like rolled leaves, naturally produce a fine textured and unproductive sward. Which is why this grass species naturally produces surfaces of appropriate green speed and smoothness/trueness, without the need for intensive maintenance and high inputs.

How much moisture does a green need to be year round?

Very few UK greens have sufficiently high infiltration rates to be able to maintain moisture less than 30% year-round.

What is the best way to control organic matter in soil?

The majority are not blessed with well-drained soils and therefore need good surface run-off, light/air, soil improvement and control of organic matter levels (<4%) through sand amelioration and, in many cases, installation of drainage systems .

How to increase green speed?

To balance green speed and turf health, it is recommended to mow as high as possible to achieve the desired green speed, which preserves extra leaf material for photosynthesis and growth. Increasing mowing frequency is another common method to improve surface quality and increase green speed.

How long does it take for greens to increase after rolling?

It is common to see an initial 6- to 12-inch increase in green speed immediately after rolling. In some cases, the increase in speed can last for hours or have a residual effect for one to two days. How long the rolling effect lasts is dependent on several factors including season, day length and turf growth.

How did the height of the grass on putting greens change?

In the early days of golf, the height of the grass on putting greens was controlled naturally by the intense grazing of rabbits and sheep. This changed with the invention of mechanized mowers and the ability to mow the turf lower and more consistently.

Why is mowing and rolling grass important?

Mowing injures the grass; therefore, healthy and actively growing grass is a prerequisite so that it can withstand and recover from the injury caused by mowing and rolling. If putting green turf is experiencing any type of stress – e.g., high temperatures and humidity, frozen conditions or a pest infestation – mowing and rolling practices need to be adjusted and scaled back until the turf recovers, otherwise the risk of additional decline is possible.

How fast does a green grow after double cutting?

Interestingly, double cutting does not result in a rapid increase in green speed. It is typically necessary to double cut greens over several days to see an increase in green speed, often in the range of 6 to 11 inches (Nikolai et. al. 2005). After multiple days of double cutting, green speed will tend to plateau.

Why do you need a sharp mower for putting greens?

Sharp, properly adjusted mowers are critical for producing the cleanest cut, highest quality putting greens, and desired green speed . Rolling greens is normally done as a supplement to mowing for tournament preparation. It is common to see an initial 6- to 12-inch increase in green speed immediately after rolling.

Why do you roll your lawn?

Rolling is a practice that improves surface smoothness, uniformity and increases green speed. There are a variety of lightweight rollers used on greens, including sidewinder units and roller attachments that can be mounted on a triplex mower. Some superintendents choose to roll in conjunction with regular mowing, often rolling two to four times, or more, per week. Conversely, some superintendents choose to alternate between mowing and rolling to reduce plant stress during hot temperatures or periods of slow growth. Research from the University of Tennessee showed that there is no statistical difference in green speed between plots mowed six days per week and rolled three days per week and plots that alternated mowing and rolling. That same research showed that turf quality improved during stressful weather when mowing and rolling were alternated (Samples et. al. 2008).

What are the best ways to maintain fast greens?

While golfers hear a lot of discussion about courses with fast greens, they don’t hear as much about all that goes into providing those conditions. Lower mowing heights, regular topdressing, verticutting and hand watering are just some of the practices involved in maintaining faster greens. In addition, courses that maintain faster greens typically invest heavily in improving putting green growing environments by removing trees and enhancing drainage. The investments required on a daily and yearly basis to deliver faster green speeds are substantial, and beyond the budget of most golf courses.

What is putting green?

Putting greens are comprised of living plants that change and perform differently from season to season and even day to day. Temperatures, humidity, rainfall and routine maintenance practices all influence daily green speed. Maintaining the same green speed throughout the year is impossible, and letting a target number dictate management practices is a recipe for damaged greens and undesirable playing conditions.

What is the most important thing to know about green speed measurements?

One of the most important things to know about green speed measurements is that they should not be used to compare one golf course with another. A green speed that is perfect for one course could be way too fast for a course down the road that has steeper green contours or golfers with different skill levels. There are simply too many variables involved to make reasonable comparisons.

How tall should a putting green be?

On a golf course putting green, the cutting height should be no greater than 0.189-inch! In all truth, that is rather tall to maintain a firm smooth surface. Additionally, on a golf course, grass is mowed almost every day and sometimes more than once a day with a reel mower. The original labor for mowing golf course greens actually came ...

What is sand used for in putting greens?

Frequent, measured, irrigation, mowing and topdressing with sand help the putting greens to be smooth. Credit: CSSA files

What is rolling in golf?

Rolling is an odd-looking mechanical practice for the non-turfgrass junkie to wrap their head around. Rolling results in many benefits, but none more practical than it creates a smooth surface that results in longer ball roll and increased customer satisfaction.

Do putting greens need maintenance?

Putting greens get daily maintenance to provide their smooth, reliable surface. Credit: Larry Stowell

How to keep golf greens short?

As we have learned, there are a wide variety of factors impacting how golf course superintendents are able to keep golf greens grass so short.#N#It starts with the construction of the green itself, the selection of the proper grass variety for the climate, appropriate maintenance and watering techniques, and hiring qualified mowers who can operate precision machinery for the right outcome.#N#The result is a smooth surface every golfer can love.#N#Perhaps you are interested in a job as a greenskeeper.#N#With a golf management degree from the College of Golf you can get started on a path to career you’ll love. Contact us today .

Why are specific grasses used on putting greens?

Specific grasses were tested and used on putting greens due to their characteristics and suitability for growing at shorter heights. Moving forward there are many factors that contribute to putting greens maintenance.

What was the putting green in the 1800s?

Up until the middle 1800s, putting greens were simply grass that was shorter due to sheep grazing there longer. Lawnmowers had not been invented yet. Greens were not specially built nor were they planted with specific grasses. They were selected because the spot was the right distance from the tee box, and the ground offered a natural shape that provided a reasonable surface for putting.#N#That all changed with the invention of the lawnmower. Then greenskeepers began to shape the putting green distinct from the surrounding area. They were contoured and graded in order to provide different challenges depending on where the hole was. Specific grasses were tested and used on putting greens due to their characteristics and suitability for growing at shorter heights.#N#Moving forward there are many factors that contribute to putting greens maintenance.

How to build a hydroponic green?

Today, science has advanced considerably in the construction of greens.#N#A modern green is really a large hydroponic system.#N#Construction starts with digging a hole the size of the green between 12 and 16 inches deep. #N#This hole is lined with a layer of plastic and then covered with gravel.#N#Drainage channels and sand are added.#N#Specialists then contour the surface to ensure rainwater runs off quickly and evenly, leaving no puddles behind.#N#All of this must be built in an area with lots of sunlight and free flow of air.#N#Once in the right grass seed is selected, the green needs lots of water and nutrients.#N#These days, greens keepers also use:#N#-Fungicides that keep diseases from overtaking the grass.#N#-Pesticides to prevent damage from invading insects.#N#-A number of different herbicides to kill weeds.#N#After the green has flourished, maintenance is key.#N#The green must be mowed every day with a special mower.#N#Workers must water and fertilize it constantly, adding the right mix of the above chemicals and aerating it on a regular basis.

Why do we use different grass varieties?

The soil of each of the 18 different greens on a course varied widely in their quality. Some could hold water well, and others had much more soil than others. Some drained well while others did not.

What do green keepers use?

These days, greens keepers also use: -Fungicides that keep diseases from overtaking the grass. -Pesticides to prevent damage from invading insects. -A number of different herbicides to kill weeds. After the green has flourished, maintenance is key. The green must be mowed every day with a special mower.

What is a golf course mower?

To keep the grass so short on greens, special mowers are used. Golf course mowers are reel mowers, not rotary like most lawn mowers used at home. The reel spins and cuts the grass like a tight scissor cut. The cut height is set by adjusting the difference between the front and rear rollers.

How does grass affect golf?

On fast greens, a slight tap of the putter sends the ball many feet, while a ball struck the same way on a slow green will travel only inches.

What type of grass is used in golf courses?

To meet specific needs of both professional golfers and weekend duffers on the United States' 16,000 courses, turf scientists have developed and bred new species and varieties of grasses, he said. The various grasses, such as Bermuda, fescue, bentgrass and Kentucky, fill niches on golf courses since different conditions are required depending on the level of play and whether the turf is in the rough, on the fairway or on the green. Climate and soil conditions also play a role in the type of grass used.

Why do golf courses cost more to maintain?

In addition, courses that are consistently kept in championship condition cost substantially more to maintain because of more frequent mowing, reseeding, irrigation and other factors , Bigelow said. This can dramatically increase the cost of playing at those facilities and make them less accessible to the general public.

Do Bermuda grasses travel over the tips?

Since those grass varieties are stiff, the ball travels over just the tips, which lessens the friction between the ball and the plant.

Why do you aerate greens?

Aeration comes in when soils are heavily compacted or the turf is thick with thatch. The greens get punched and sanded, and the sand is worked into each aeration hole to improve air and water flow, giving the roots a better chance to drink and breathe. There is, of course, plenty more to the science of sanding.

Why is sanding greens important?

The green might get spongy, or develop brown spots, or become vulnerable to scalping during mowing. Sanding helps protect against all that. That’s not all, Kidd says. Sanding also improves drainage and helps level out the green, creating smooth, consistent putting surfaces, and firm, fast conditions year round.

What happens if you use wrong sand in a green?

Using the wrong sand, Kidd says, can adversely effect the movement of water and nutrients upwards and downwards through the root zone.

What is golf sand made of?

Golf course sands are different. They are made of round particles “resembling a bucket of balls with large pore spaces between each ball ,” Kidd says. They promote good drainage, and healthy air and water circulation.

Do you need to aerate your turf?

If the soil is heavy, you might need to aerate to keep your turf healthy. The staff at a respected lawn care store should be able to help you make smart choices. You might not wind up with a patch of grass as pure as a putting green, but you’ll have a pretty sweet place to chip and pitch.

Is sand good for grass?

They’re made up of angular particles that are meant “to provide strength and structure.”. That’s good for buildings, but bad for grass, as the sand binds together, reducing the air and water flow needed for healthy root growth. Golf course sands are different.

Can you chip and pitch on a putting green?

You might not wind up with a patch of grass as pure as a putting green, but you’ll have a pretty sweet place to chip and pitch.

How to get more speed out of golf cart?

Upgrading tires and increasing your tire size is by far one of the most economical and easiest ways to get more speed out of your golf cart. Equally applied, this is a great solution for both gas and electric golf carts. If you install a tire with a larger diameter on your golf cart, the end result is a higher top speed.

How fast can a golf cart go?

Most new and used golf carts are made to go a top speed of around 15 miles per hour . Although that is the perfect speed for most folks, there is an equal amount (if not more) of folks out there who are looking to increase their golf cart top speed and go faster than 20 MPH let's say.

How to avoid uneven power in golf cart?

The answer is simple: Upgrade all of the parts necessary to have even power and torque throughout your WHOLE cart. Upgrading power, in our opinion, should be an "All Or Nothing" project. Your cart will thank you in the long-run.

How does a new battery affect a golf cart?

A new battery will increase a golf cart’s motor output. The result of the motor output increase is higher speed. Purchasing new batteries with a higher voltage maximum will increase your golf cart’s speed dramatically. We highly recommend Golf Cart Batteries, if you plan to replace.

What to consider when taking off a golf cart?

Something also to consider is excessive "stuff" in / on your golf cart. Before going on a trip or long haul with your golf cart, or even if you're just driving around the neighborhood: Take a few minutes of time before taking off to make sure that the golf cart is free of any clutter or unnecessary items.

Where to find battery voltage on golf cart?

Check Your Motor: Your battery voltage information can generally be found printed on the golf cart motor.

Can you install a torque motor in an electric golf cart?

Essentially, installing a torque motor or speed motor may not be the end solution. With that said, something that you will want to keep in mind as you are upgrading, are the two main/major electrical components within your electric golf cart, that play a huge role in your golf carts system: