Golf Greens Mowing Frequency

The frequency of mowing will vary according to the desired standards being produced as well as the time of year. During the main growing periods, mowing on four occasions per week would typically be considered a minimum, whilst mowing daily is also a common practice. Trying to leave one or two days during a week as non-mowing days will help to reduce the stress placed on grass plants, however, there is clearly a trade-off to be made between ensuring suitable putting surfaces are produced without leaving the grass to grow to an unacceptable length before being cut.

Whilst the main growth periods are typically around May to mid-June and then from August to mid-September, although the actual peak growth period will depend on prevailing weather conditions, as well as fertiliser and irrigation applications, either side of these the mowing frequency might be reduced to three occasions per week. When growth is minimal and slow then mowing is effectively just occasional topping of the grass sward to keep it within acceptable heights.

The frequency of cut for golf greens has been fairly consistent since the mid-1900s, although modern greenkeeping practices general appear to favour an increased frequency of cut, although this is not necessarily the best approach to take for both club members (as this increases overall maintenance costs), the grass plant and whether a sustainable approach to golf course management is to be practiced, in contrast to just sustaining a high level of inputs.

The following commentary could just as well have been written in 2021 instead of in 1950 “Putting greens are mown during most months of the year, except during frost, and a fairly safe rule is to cut whenever there is any grass to remove. In winter the growth varies greatly according to the weather, and mowing may not be necessary for some weeks. For the first cutting in February or March, set the knives of the machine a little higher than usual, and keep them up while the weather continues cold and windy. …

As the season advances the need for frequent cutting will be evident, until in warm moist weather mowing every alternate day, and possibly every day for a brief period, may not be too much.” (Sutton, M.A.F. (Ed) (1950) ‘Golf Courses: Design, Construction and Upkeep’, 2nd edition, p.61)

Regular mowing is essential on a golf green if a good sward density, encouraged by tillering, along with a smooth even surface is to be maintained, which provides the ideal carpet for the playing of golf. The varying of direction of mow is essential if a grain, or nap, is not to be developed.

The use of groomers, combs or brushes attached to a mower, with these items typically being located between the front roller and the cutting blades, will help to raise up prostrate stems and prone leaves providing for a much cleaner and uniform cut and finish across a green.