how to mow greens on golf course

by Barry Orn PhD 9 min read

7 Tips to Mowing a Golf Course Green

  1. Choosing where to park the trailer and cart- The specialized hand mowers are transported in a trailer hitched to a...
  2. Unloading the mower and preparing to cut- One must make sure to delicately unload the mower and not damage the blades.
  3. Choosing a pattern- Golf greens are mowed front to back, side to side, left to right and...

Part of a video titled Cutting a Golf Green Part 1 of 2 - LandscapeSafety.com
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While mowing it is not appropriate to slow the machine. You must keep a constant ground speed whenMoreWhile mowing it is not appropriate to slow the machine. You must keep a constant ground speed when the reels are touching the putting surface.

Full Answer

Is it easy to mow a golf course green?

Dec 17, 2019 · 7 Tips to Mowing a Golf Course Green 1. Choosing where to park the trailer and cart- The specialized hand mowers are transported in a trailer hitched to a... 2. Unloading the mower and preparing to cut- One must make sure to delicately unload the mower and not damage the blades. 3. Choosing a ...

What is the role of mowing on a golf course?

Aug 02, 2019 · Triplex mowers can provide excellent mowing quality and require fewer employees to mow greens compared to the use of walk-behind greens mowers. Maintain the highest possible cutting height to achieve the desired green speed so …

How do I choose the best mowers for my golf course?

Feb 28, 2015 · Improve mowing quality and surface smoothness. Cut laterally growing stolons and promote an upright growth habit. Open grooves in the turf canopy for the incorporation of sand topdressing. Dislodge and remove Poa annua seedheads. The process involves using a putting green mower fitted with thin, tightly spaced blades that cut vertically into the turf.

What is the average mowing height for a golf green?

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 …

How often should you mow golf greens?

once every three daysGreens 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.Apr 10, 2020

How do you rough mow a golf course?

9:3915:52Basic Fairway and Rough Mowing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake a slow wide turn to avoid scuffing the turf then line up your second pass to slightly overlapMoreMake a slow wide turn to avoid scuffing the turf then line up your second pass to slightly overlap the first by about three inches. With gang mowers move completely on to the fairway.

Do golf greens get mowed?

On average, greens are mowed at least five days per week, and in most cases six or seven days per week.

How do you cut straight lines on greens?

1:043:18How To Mow Straight Lines In Your Lawn - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSecondly I recommend rear-wheel drive zone a front-wheel drive like my neighbors Toro here againMoreSecondly I recommend rear-wheel drive zone a front-wheel drive like my neighbors Toro here again whenever you hit a bump those front wheels come off the ground the drive wheels are no longer engaged.

How long does it take to mow a golf course?

Golf course superintendents would much prefer to complete fairway and rough mowing ahead of play because mowing during play can be very inefficient. Unfortunately, fairway mowing often requires three to four units mowing for three to four hours to complete the process. Rough mowing often takes longer.Aug 25, 2020

Why are golf courses striped?

The alternating light and dark stripes you see on the golf course is caused by light reflection on the grass blades. During nationally televised golf tournaments, superintendents will mow tees and fairways in the same direction for several days.

How do you maintain golf greens?

Proper mowing includes daily mowing, daily changing of mowing patterns, mowing at the correct height, precise adjustment of mowers, daily cleaning and sharpening of mowers, training of mower operators and visual inspection of results. Mowing is the single most important practice in greens maintenance.

How short are putting greens cut?

0.125-inchThere is much more to just building a putting green, planting grass and purchasing a reel mower. Today's putting greens typically are maintained at or below a 0.125-inch height of cut – i.e., one eighth of an inch.Feb 3, 2016

How do I make my lawn look like a putting green?

There are four main factors that go into giving your lawn that lush, golf-course look.Mow your lawn properly. Often, people take shortcuts when it comes to mowing their lawn. ... Apply the right fertilizer (at the right times). ... Use the right amount of water (and consider irrigation). ... Stop the weeds dead in their tracks.Apr 15, 2021

How do you mow without leaving lines?

If you notice lines in your lawn after you mow it, you should check to ensure that your blades are sufficiently sharp for cutting. To make sure that your blades are suitable, you should sharpen them between once and twice per season. Oh, and by the way, blunt blades can cause other problems, too.

How do you cut perfect lines?

0:002:17How To Mow Straight Lines - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipRight there on that edge the entire time down and then once I make my second pass. I'm simply goingMoreRight there on that edge the entire time down and then once I make my second pass. I'm simply going to put this tire in the tire track previous.

How do you mow lines?

0:553:02How To Mow Stripes In Your Lawn - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe don't want thin stripes we want big fat ones. So what that means is you're going to have to goMoreWe don't want thin stripes we want big fat ones. So what that means is you're going to have to go over areas twice because you're going to have to do two passes in the same direction each time.

What are the factors that affect mowing?

External influences such as disease, drought and heat influence mowing practices. Superintendents must adjust their mowing strategies accordingly. Other inputs, such as the use of growth regulators, can affect mowing practices. Mowing is the primary input in golf course maintenance, and the growth rate of the grass is a product of the environment.

What are the features of a lawn mower?

When evaluating mowers, superintendents rely on a number of features to help them select the best equipment. They include: 1 Price 2 Size and speed of the mower 3 Maneuverability 4 Durability 5 Design 6 Ease of operation 7 Ability to maintain the mowers 8 Size and type of terrain to be mowed

Is East Lake Golf Club hilly?

Ralph Kepple, Certified Golf Course Superintendent at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, relies on machines that are easy to operate and easy to maintain. Although East Lake is “not overly hilly,” he says, the type of terrain is an important consideration as well. “If a mower is not going to make it up a hill, that’s a problem,” Kepple adds.

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 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 .

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.

Is Bermuda grass hard to grow?

The problem is that bentgrass is difficult to grow in the summer, so Bermuda grass will always be a staple in hot climates. You may still see some courses using ryegrass or a bluegrass called poa annua, although these varieties are going out of style.

What is the most common way to mow a fairway?

The most common fairway mowing methods are striping, contour mowing, the classic cut, and pushing and pulling. Striping – This is the method practiced by most golf courses. Stripes are often mowed in at least two directions to create a checkerboard pattern. This method creates a striking aesthetic appearance.

What is the purpose of mowing?

The true function of mowing is to prepare the golf course for play although mowing patterns are often used to highlight the different features of a golf course. The mowing pattern can have a big impact on the appearance of the golf course and the health of the turf while affecting your labor and fuel consumption line items.

What is the USGA Green Section Record article about?

A USGA Green Section Record article highlighted the costs associated with mowing patterns and there was a nice article in the January issue of Golf Course Industry Magazine about alternative mowing patterns.

What is a classic cut?

The classic cut reduces mower traffic in the rough and often takes less time compared to striping helping to reduce labor and fuel costs. Pushing and Pulling – This method creates a fairway that is void of stripes. Pushing the fairway is when the turf is mowed from tee to green and pulling is mowing the turf from green to tee.

Who is John Torsiello?

John Torsiello is a writer from Torrington, Conn., and a frequent GCI contributor.

What does it mean to be humble?

Staying humble means not hogging all the glory, not taking credit that isn’t yours and remembering that you’re part of a team. Staying hungry is always wanting to improve not only yourself but your people, your course and your industry reputation. Don’t Complain.

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Selected with Care

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The end result of any mowing strategy will only be as good as the mowing equipment in a golf course’s maintenance fleet. Ralph Kepple, Certified Golf Course Superintendent at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, relies on machines that are easy to operate and easy to maintain. Although East Lake is “not overly hilly,” he says, t…
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Proper Mechanics

  • The selection of mowing equipment is not the only key to achieving a quality cut, however. The people who maintain and operate the machinery are vital to the process as well—and of these, no one is more critical than the mechanic. “He’s my key employee, and he would be the hardest to replace,” Patton says. “He can do things I can’t do.” Kepple agrees. “A great mechanic will take y…
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Extremes Are No Game

  • External conditions such as disease, drought and heat also affect golf course mowing practices. Many properties in various parts of the country struggled with a prolonged heat wave last summer, and maintenance crews had to adjust their mowing practices accordingly. “We live with the weather the same way a farmer lives with it,” explains Patton. Last year’s heat did not affect t…
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Added Inputs

  • At Forest Creek GC, the staff rolls greens after aerification to smooth out the turf, and the crew rolls or double-cuts greens in preparation for tournaments or other special events. However, notes Patton, the crew can double-cut greens faster than it can roll the greens, because the property has a fleet of 20 walking greens mowers but only two rollers for 36 holes. The property also uses gro…
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