Unit V Golf Course Management Lesson 5

Lesson 5. Mowing Golf Courses

The Most Essential Practice on Golf Courses
Terms
chemical mowing: using chemicals (plant growth
regulators) to reduce the growth of turfgrasses in order to
National Science
reduce the frequency of mechanical mowing without Education
compromising the turf quality Standards, Grades
9-12
grain: turfgrass leaves all lie in one direction due to Unifying Concepts
multiple mowing passes in the same direction and Processes:

o'clock pattern: mowing directions to follow 12-6 o'clock Systems, order, and
is set as the direction from tee to the green organization
Evidence, models
reel mower: a mower that has a rotating reel with blades and explanation
, which cut against a stationary bed-knife Science as Inquiry:
rotary mower: a mower that cuts grass leaves by the Understanding about
impact of a rapidly rotating blade scientific inquiry
Abilities to do
scalping: excessive removal of green leaves resulting in a scientific inquiry
brown appearance caused by exposing dead leaves or Life Science:
even bare soil: The main cause of scalping is lower
Interdependence of
mowing height or uneven turf surface. organisms
USGA stimpmeter: an instrument to measure ball speed Matter, energy, and
in feet and inches: The desired ball speed range is organization in living
systems
between 9 to 11 feet.
Behavior of
organisms
Performance Objectives
History and Nature of
The student will Science:
Science as human
• list the mowing height ranges of greens, tees, and fairways. endeavor
• list key factors influencing mowing quality. Nature of scientific
knowledge
• list the basic requirements of mowing greens. Mathematical Skills

• describe the concept of chemical mowing.

Materials Needed
For the class

• Posters
For each small group of students

• Camera
For each student
• Student sheet

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Unit V Golf Course Management Lesson 5
Background Information
Mowing is the most common and critical practice used to prepare the golf
course for the golfers. Mowing greens requires training and experience and full
attention in operating the mower. The mowing height should be flexible. In
general, when a turf is under stress, raising mowing height reduces the stress,
particularly for putting greens, which are mowed at 1/8 to 1/10 of an inch.

Mowing Greens

Purpose of mowing: Desired smooth putting surface and proper ball speed (10
to 11 feet by using a USGA stimpmeter).
Type of mowers: walk-behind or riding reel mowers.
Mowing height: 1/10" - 3/16"
Clippings: removal
The highest mowing frequency: twice a day.
Mowing direction: Changing every time to reduce grain following a sequence of
12-6, 3-9, 7-1, 10-4, 2-8, and 5-11 O'clock pattern.
Mowing stripes: Visible mowing lines left behind.
Impact: The lowest mowing height for putting greens has a significant impact on
turfgrasses - reduced leaf surface for photosynthesis, shortened root systems to
absorb water and nutrients, and frequent mowing traffic compaction of greens
due to the highest mowing frequency.
Degree of training required: highest
The most challenging part: to minimize the impact on the turfgrass without
changing the mowing height

Mowing Tees

Purpose of mowing: Desired smooth tee surface.

Type of mowers: walk-behind or riding reel mowers.
Mowing height: 1/4" - 1/2"
Clippings: removal
The highest mowing frequency: daily.
Mowing direction: Changing every time to reduce grain following a sequence.
of 12-6, 3-9, 7-1, 10-4, 2-8, and 5-11 O'clock pattern.
Mowing stripes: Visible mowing lines left behind.
Degree of training required: high
The most challenging part: smaller size tees and steep slopes around tees.

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Unit V Golf Course Management Lesson 5

Mowing Fairways

Purpose of mowing: Desired smooth surface.

Type of mowers: riding reel mowers.
Mowing height: 1/4" - 1"
Clippings: returned
The highest mowing frequency: daily.
Mowing direction: Changing every time to reduce grain following a sequence.
of 12-6, 3-9, 7-1, 10-4, 2-8, and 5-11 O'clock pattern.
Mowing stripes: Visible mowing lines left behind.
Degree of training required: high
The most challenging part: Straight mowing lines for larger fairways

Mowing Roughs

Purpose of mowing: Desired mowing height.

Type of mowers: walk-behind or riding rotary mowers.
Mowing height: 1.5 to 4.0"
Clippings: returned
The highest mowing frequency: 1-3 times/week
Mowing direction: variable.
Mowing stripes: Visible mowing lines left behind.
Degree of training required: medium
The most challenging part: Straight mowing lines and changing landscape

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Unit V Golf Course Management Lesson 5

Key Factors Influencing Mowing Quality

• Mowing Height
• Mowing Frequency
• Mowing Pattern
• Sharpness of Mower
• Mowing lines
• Overlaps between mowing lines

Teacher Preparation
• Review the lesson "Mowing Lawns".
• Collect photos of a reel mower and a rotary mower.
• Collect rulers for mowing height measurement.
Procedure
1. Present information about mowing golf courses.
2. Explain and compare mowing different parts of a golf course.
3. Explain the key factors influencing mowing.
4. Emphasize safety issues when using mowers.
5. Ask students to use tape measures to measure 1/10", 1/8", 1/4", 1/2", and 1"
lines on their student sheet.
Outside the classroom
1. Demonstrate the basic operation of a mower.
2. Set mowing height of the mower and measure the mowing height.
3. Ask every student in the class to use a mower at least once. If multiple mowers
are available, ask students who have mowed before to help the students who
have not had mowing experience.

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Unit V Golf Course Management Lesson 5
Optional tour of a local golf course to observe mowing
Reflection
What is the mowing height requirement of a putting green?
Why are different sections of a golf course mowed differently?
List the advantages and disadvantages of a job mowing greens.
What equipment is needed for mowing greens?
Enhancement
• Collect photos of different types of mowers used on golf courses
• Explain why mowing does not kill turfgrass.
• Invite a turf mechanic to talk to the class on mowing equipment maintenance.
• Invite a student with mowing experience on golf courses to give a presentation
to the class.
Assessment
Determine the students' performance based on
• the degree of accomplishment on the student sheet.
• the performance during the class or the field trip.
• the participation in the discussion and the reflection questions.
• the degree of accomplishment on the "Scoring Rubric".

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Unit V Golf Course Management Lesson 5

STUDENT FACT SHEEET Student ________________ Date____________

MOWING GOLF COURSES

1. Mowing is the most common practice to prepare the playing surface.
2. Mowing a green is the most critical step in preparing the putting surface
and it requires training and experience.
3. Straight cutting lines, proper overlaps, proper turns, and uniform mowing
patterns are essential for all mowing practices on golf courses.
4. A walk-behind or rider reel mower is used to mow greens at a mowing
height range of 3/16 to 1/10 of an inch.
5. Proper setting of the mower is critical for the mowing quality.
6. Due to the required playing surface, clippings are removed from putting
greens.
7. Frequently emptying mower baskets of clippings will reduce the impact to
the soil and the potential of scalping.
8. A mowing cleanup pass at the edge is critical to having a neat appearance.
9. Greens, tees, and fairways are commonly mowed on a daily basis.
10. If it is necessary, the putting greens are mowed twice a day.
11. Allowing dew to evaporate before mowing reduces disease potential such
as dollar spot and results in a better cut.
12. Safely operating mowing equipment is essential for all operators.
13. Proper training is required for new employees without mowing
experience on golf courses.
14. The sharpness and proper maintenance of mowing equipment is needed.
15. Thorough clean up of mowing or other equipment after mowing is a basic
work ethic.

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Unit V Golf Course Management Lesson 5

STUDENT SHEEET Student ________________ Date____________

MOWING GOLF COURSES

1. Write the definition:

chemical mowing:

grain:

o'clock pattern

reel mower:

rotary mower:

scalping:.

USGA stimpmeter:

2. Measure the following lengths: 1/10", 1/18", 1/4", 1/2", and 1". Draw these
lengths on the ruler below.

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Unit V Golf Course Management Lesson 5

3. Discuss the impact of lower mowing height on the turf.

4. What are the key factors influencing mowing quality?

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Unit V Golf Course Management Lesson 5

A SCORING RUBRIC Name ________________Date _____________

FERTILIZING GOLF COURSES

The purpose of this

lesson was

The main method(s)

or procedure(s) we
learned was (were)

The best example(s)

that I can use to
describe the content
of this lesson

Subjects or courses
that I can relate this
lesson to

The information of
this lesson can be
applied to

In summary, what I
learned

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Unit V Golf Course Management Lesson 5

Figure 1. Mowing Height and Root Depth

Lower Medium Higher

Mowing Mowing Mowing
Height Height Height

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Unit V Golf Course Management Lesson 5

Career Profile Turf Mechanic

A turf mechanic is a professional who maintains and repairs turf equipment. It

requires training in general mechanics with special emphasis on unique turf equipment
such as mowers, cultivation machines, and specialized vehicles used for turf
maintenance.

A golf course, sports field, or lawn maintenance company owns many pieces of
specialized equipment. This includes routinely used equipment such as different types of
mowers, which are the most important type of turf equipment. Seasonal or occasional
equipment such as aerators, spreaders, or sprayers also need to be maintained in
working condition. Routine maintenance is the key to keeping the turf equipment working
properly. A turf mechanic also provides training to the maintenance crew about how to
properly and safely use and clean the equipment. A turf mechanic tests new turf
equipment and helps the manager to make wise decisions in purchasing new turf
equipment. A turf mechanic has sound knowledge of turfgrass management so that he
or she can choose the turf equipment which is needed.

Many universities and colleges offer turf mechanic courses and training. A college
degree or formal training in turf mechanization, agricultural mechanization, or related
fields is recommended in order to become a qualified turf mechanic. Variable
certification programs are also available.

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Unit V Golf Course Management Lesson 5

Figure 2. Mowing a Green Requires Concentration and Training.

It is also Fun!

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Unit V Golf Course Management Lesson 5

Figure 3. A Walk-behind Green Mower

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Unit V Golf Course Management Lesson 5

Figure 4. Modern Mowing Equipment Provides a

Perfect Surface Cut for Greens

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Unit V Golf Course Management Lesson 5

Figure 5. The Ball Speed Is Directly Influenced by Mowing Quality and Other
Practices

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