Cutting, fertilizing and watering — daily care of the course
How the grading works — and what the marks really mean
The greenkeeper's yearly cycle
§Cutting
Cutting is one of the most visible tasks but also one of the most important. Different areas are cut at different heights: greens very short, fairways a little higher and rough longer. Cutting height, frequency and pattern affect both appearance and grass health. If you cut too short or too infrequently the grass suffers — it's about balance.
§Watering
Water is vital, but too much is just as harmful as too little. Too much water gives weak grass, disease and soft turf; too little gives dry, brown and worn grass. The greenkeeper assesses soil moisture, weather and season and controls watering accordingly — often with automatic systems that water at night to reduce evaporation.
Fertilisation and nutrition
Grass needs nutrients to grow and be resistant. Fertilising provides the substances the soil lacks, but it must be dosed correctly: too little gives weak grass, too much can damage the grass, cause too rapid growth and burden the environment. Knowing the soil and grass's needs is a central part of the trade.
Aeration and top dressing
When a field is used heavily the soil gets compacted and roots have trouble getting air and water. Aeration — making holes in the ground — loosens it and helps roots. Top dressing where you distribute a thin layer of sand or soil levels the surface and improves soil structure. These tasks are a big part of long-term care.
§Disease, weeds and pests
Grass can be affected by fungal diseases, weeds and pests. The greenkeeper keeps an eye on the course, recognises early signs and intervenes — preferably preventively and as gently as possible. With growing environmental focus, the aim is to use less chemicals and instead strengthen the grass's own resistance.
§The weather and the season determine
No day as a greenkeeper is the same because the weather determines a lot. Spring is about getting the course going after winter summer is about watering and hard use autumn is about preparing for winter and winter is about maintenance and repair. Planning according to weather and season is a big part of the craft.
“You do not develop a course in one day — you tend it every day.”
— Experienced greenkeeper.