Among the operations done, mowing is the most costly practice that gives severe physiological stress to the turf. The health and vigor of turfgrass relate directly to the methods used for mowing it. The mower must be sharp and set for the correct height. A dull mower pulls up seedling plants or tears the leaves instead of shearing them, causing it to have some bruising, tearing of tissue and shock. When grass is shocked and bruised, it responds by not growing immediately and becoming more prone to pest infestation due to its low resistance.
Mowing is one of the most important maintenance practice done on turf. Different areas have different mowing heights as well as mowing frequencies. Mowing is done with the use of reel-type mowers, whose blades are regularly sharpened for a cleaner and even more cut on the grass. Mowing directions are changed regularly especially in the greens. This is to maintain the upright stand of the turf.
Mowing height. The greens at WWGCC were mowed using the TORO 1000 GREENS MOWER, a motorized reel-type and walk-behind mower and cut at an average of 2.7 mm to 4 mm. However, during tournaments; the cutting height is adjusted at a lower cutting height to ensure faster ball speed. On the other hand, during rainy days, the cutting height is adjusted at a higher height. For greens that have severe damage, the cutting height is much higher for it to rejuvenate.
A 5-gang, ride on, reel-type mowers are used in fairways. The mower used is TORO RM 6500 D. The mowing height on the fairways has an average of 10-15 mm. Approach is defined as the extension of the fairway, adjoining the collar and in front of the putting greens. The cutting height of approach has an average of 10-12 mm.