Golf course maintenance requires precision turf management, where mowing frequency varies dramatically across the property. The schedule is determined by the specific function and required grass height (HOC) of each area. Maintaining turf health and playability demands a dynamic approach that balances the grass’s biological growth rate with the sport’s exacting standards. This area-specific approach ensures golfers experience consistent playing conditions.
The Daily Routine of Mowing Greens
The putting greens receive the most extreme and frequent care on any golf course, as their condition is the primary measure of a course’s quality. Greens are typically mowed six to seven days per week, and often daily, to maintain a consistent, ultra-low HOC. This HOC is usually set between 0.100 and 0.150 inches, which is only slightly more than the thickness of a few dimes stacked together.
This near-daily schedule is necessary to adhere to the “one-third rule” of turfgrass management. This rule dictates that no more than 30% to 40% of the grass blade should be removed in a single mowing to prevent stressing the plant. Since the turf is kept so short, even minimal growth requires a fresh cut to maintain an even surface and promote the high shoot density needed for a true roll of the golf ball.
Superintendents often use specialized walk-behind reel mowers on greens because they provide the cleanest possible shear cut and minimize soil compaction. During peak season, greens may be double-cut, where the area is mowed twice in two different directions on the same morning. This achieves maximum surface uniformity and ball speed, which is measured by the stimp reading of the putting surface.
Frequency for Fairways and Tees
Fairways and tee boxes also require frequent mowing, though not with the same intensity as the greens, because the acceptable grass height is significantly higher. Fairways, which comprise a large portion of the course, are generally maintained at an HOC between 0.375 and 0.5 inches. Maintaining this height typically requires mowing three or more times per week during the active growing season.
Tee boxes often receive a slightly more frequent cut than the fairways, generally four to five times per week. Their HOC is similar to the fairways, often between 0.450 and 0.600 inches, providing a dense, level surface for the ball. The goal for both fairways and tees is a consistent playing surface that allows the ball to “sit up” for a clean shot, contrasting with the speed required on the greens.
Because of the vast acreage of fairways, maintenance crews use larger, multi-unit reel mowers, sometimes called gang mowers, to cover the area efficiently. Even with this equipment, mowing twenty to thirty acres of fairway can take many hours of labor per cutting. Changing the mowing pattern with each cut on both tees and fairways is a standard practice to prevent the turf from developing a grain or leaning in one direction.
Managing the Rough and Perimeter Areas
The grass in the rough and other perimeter areas is maintained at a much higher HOC and, consequently, requires far less frequent mowing than the primary playing surfaces. Rough height is designed to penalize an inaccurate shot, and the HOC typically falls between 2 to 3 inches. Due to this height, the rough is generally mowed only once or twice per week.
For courses with deep rough, perimeter areas may be cut bi-weekly, depending on the grass species and growth rate. The rough often covers the largest area of the course, making frequent mowing impractical. Maintenance crews must still manage clippings, especially during rapid growth, to prevent large piles of dead grass from accumulating and hindering play.
External Factors That Change the Mowing Schedule
The ideal mowing schedules are constantly adjusted in response to a variety of external environmental and logistical factors. Seasonal changes are a primary driver, as turf growth accelerates significantly in the spring and summer, requiring an increase in mowing frequency to keep up. Conversely, grass growth slows considerably in the cooler temperatures of the fall and winter, allowing superintendents to reduce the cutting schedule.
Weather conditions force immediate changes to the planned routine. Excessive rain delays mowing because cutting wet turf can damage the grass and compact the soil. During intense heat and drought, frequency is often reduced, and the HOC may be raised slightly to protect the root system. Tournament play introduces another variable, often requiring specific, demanding standards, such as lowering the HOC on fairways or double-cutting the greens for maximum speed and consistency.