Grass Cutting Techniques
By Bobby Ingram
Healthy grass is the foundation on which any great golf course is built. No matter how challenging or fun you make your course, you will have a hard time attracting players if the grass is always sickly or dead, as such grass alters the way the course is meant to be played and often leads to players feeling cheated when unhealthy grass negatively affects a lie. Proper grass cutting is an essential part of maintaining healthy grass all season long.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Cut your rough using the highest setting on your mower that will keep the grass within your desired play level. Higher grass will make your rough more difficult to play out of, but it will also help keep your grass healthy. While extra height is a luxury you cannot afford the fairways or greens, your rough can benefit from proper grass length.
Mow your grass in the early morning. In addition to getting all your mowing out of the way before players arrive, the cooler morning temperatures will allow the grass to better handle the rigors of cutting, as opposed to mid-day heat.
Cut your grass when it is dry, if possible. Balancing the need to cut before players arrive and the need to cut dry grass can be difficult; however, if time allows, a morning cut before players arrive but after some dew has had time to evaporate is the ideal balance.
Change the direction of your cut from day to day. Cutting your grass in the same direction every day not only can damage the grass, but will also cause the grass to list, which will effect the way that your rough plays, and can lead to uneven pace on greens.
Sharpen the blades of your mower regularly. Sharp blades make cleaner, healthier cuts. It is worth the cost of grind stones or more new blades to ensure your grass stays healthy and playable to keep your customers happy.
About The Author
Bobby Ingram is a professional writer who majored in journalism at The College of New Jersey. In addition to work with eHow.com and GolfLink.com, Bobby has done PR with Major League Lacrosse's New Jersey Pride organization, where he served as the team's beat reporter.
