Putting Green Mowing Frequency and Height and Rolling Effects on Ball Roll Distance.

Rolling putting greens may allow turf managers to decrease mowing frequency or increase mowing height without losing green speed.  Increasing mowing height or decreasing mowing frequency would be beneficial in minimizing summer stress on creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.)  putting greens in Arkansas and throughout the transition zone.  The objective of this study was to determine the effects of mowing and rolling frequency (3 or 6 times per week) and mowing height (3 or 4 mm) on turf quality and green speed (ball roll distance) on a sand-based putting green.  This study contained eight combinations of mowing and rolling treatments, which were applied during a six week period in fall of 2007 and throughout the 2008 growing season.  Turf quality was visually rated weekly and ball roll distance was measured twice weekly with a Pelzmeter.  Rolling treatments have had a greater impact on significantly increasing ball roll distance compared to reducing mowing height.  Furthermore, mowing frequency was reduced without a decrease in ball roll distance if the turf was rolled on days when mowing was skipped.  To date, treatments have had a minimal effect on visual turf quality.