How High? The Disturbance Theory Take on Mowing

摘要

The essential purpose of greenkeeping is to produce the best possible playing surface under the prevailing conditions. For the vast majority of UK greens the ideal playing surface would benefit from a greater dominance of browntop bents and/or fine fescues (depending on the character of the course). The "Holy Grail" of greenkeeping is to achieve the desired fine grass dominance without having to compromise on playing quality. The seamless and artful transition from annual meadow-grass to browntop bent and/or fine fescue dominance with the only change being improvement. No undue stress or deterioration, the greens simply keep getting better and better. Summer playing qualities improve, winter payability gets better, vulnerabilities decline and the benchmark is raised. The greenkeepers are praised and valued for their expert work. The golfers simply become ever more satisfied with themselves and with the world at large. Life is a wonderful thing and golf is one of its essential pleasures.