Golf Rough Scarification

To help reduce the development of a soft thatch layer, scarification should be carried out to keep the base of the sward open, although this will primarily be in the semi-rough rather than rough.

The use a chain harrow with tines pointing downwards will also tear out loose and decaying vegetation helping to maintain the desired more open sward.

Where excess vegetative arisings are produced then these will need to be raked or vacuumed up and removed to a compost heap or disposed of in some other suitable way.

The use of a verticutter might also be considered on a semi-rough, especially for higher class courses, although for many situations scarification should suffice.