A closer cut

As new technology replaces old mowing fleets, course superintendents are seeing improved ball speeds, labor savings and healthier greens that withstand more wear and tear by making use of frequency of clip.

At Washington National Golf Club in Auburn, Washington, golf course superintendent Trevor Broersma purchased a fleet of six FOC-adjustable mowers two and a half years ago and noticed an immediate change in the greens. Stimpmeter speeds increased from 11 to just below 12. Praise from guests hinted that the greens were performing consistently better, both hole-to-hole and throughout the day.

"We were able to raise the height of the cut and switch our mowing schedule to alternating days, mowing one day and rolling the next," he said. "The greens are smoother and faster because we’re mowing less and [FOC-adjustable mowers] cut so much more grass." Broersma said the ability to set FOC, mow speed and reel speed allows him to accomplish more by doing less. "I'm mowing less so I can put that labor savings toward improving other parts of the course."

When course superintendents convert to this new breed of mowers, it isn't just the green speed or labor savings they find intriguing; it’s the improved health of the turf. Fertilizers and fungicides last longer with a healthier plant that's less stressed by frequent mowing, he said.

Like any new tool, FOC-adjustable mowers typically require a transition period. Six or seven years ago, Matt Beaver, a course superintendent at Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Orlando, FL, started using a prototype made by Jacobsen.

"When we started, they were brand new, so we really didn't know what they could do or even what a given FOC number meant,” he said. “It was hard to wrap our heads around it initially."

After a period of experimentation, Beaver said they discovered a formula that works for their course. They still vary FOC from time to time, depending on tournament play, conditions and the amount of time they have available for mowing. "We've tried to use FOC here to increase our height of cut, so there is less stress on the grass without sacrificing ball roll. It has allowed us to keep speeds up and keep the greens healthier," he said. "I think our membership appreciates that."

For courses just getting started with FOC-adjustable mowers, Kyle Jacobsen suggests matching your height of cut with an FOC setting that’s equal to or lower than your height of cut. As the manager of grounds and greens for the 36-hole Twin Orchard Country Club in Long Grove, Ill., Jacobsen’s goal was to find the lowest possible FOC for good green performance. “We’ll adjust the height, but we leave our FOC the same to keep the greens shaved,” he said. “It’s such a nice, clean cut when the FOC is set low. That’s what works best for us.”

Broersma’s start up philosophy is a little different. “Decide what your overall goal is,” he said. “Is it green speed? Consistency? Quality of cut? How often do you need to mow?” Once you know those things, you can experiment with reel and mowing speeds for best results. “It really makes a superintendent’s life easier, that’s for sure.”