Winter, or the ‘off season’, is the time when mowers are refurbished, sharpened and adjusted to provide the best possible quality of cut when they are used in the spring. However, this is not the end of the mower maintenance for the season. During the spring when the grass is growing aggressively, it takes a toll on the mowers. They need to be adjusted each and every day to ensure that the grass is mowed cleanly. If the grass is ripped or torn it is more susceptible to infection from disease or insects. Using a sharp, well-adjusted mower is a best management practice. If possible, ask the mechanic to walk out on the course to see how the mowers are performing. A little field adjustment could mean a lot when it comes to the playing quality offered to the golfers as well as minimize potential damage from disease.
As you might expect, the mowers are kept cutting at their best during the U.S. Open. However, mowing is just one of the many tasks that are underwaythis week at Merion Golf Club in Ardmore, Pennsylvania. If you would like to see a little of what goes on to prepare a course for the national championship click one of the links below.
Maintenance pictures from the 2013 U.S. Open at Merion - album view
Maintenance pictures from the 2013 U.S. Open at Merion - slide show view
Source: Keith Happ (khapp@usga.org)
Information on the USGA’s Turf Advisory Service
Contact the Green Section Staff