How Tall Is Golf Grass?

Size

• The typical mowing height for golf greens is about one-eighth of an inch, according to the Grounds Maintenance website for golf professionals. However, some golf courses alter the height of the grass because their golfers want faster greens, which means shorter grass.

Considerations

• Cutting the greens lower than one-eighth of an inch can cause strain on the green. Lower grass heights and more frequent mowing puts more stress on the grass and increases the likelihood that undesirable invasive species will appear.

Potential

• Some golf courses are cutting grasses down to one-tenth of an inch to increase the speed of the greens. To limit growth, superintendents are cutting back on the amount of nitrogen they use on the greens.

Types

• The grasses on fairways and in the rough are grown at different heights. Zoysiagrass, frequently used on fairways, is mowed to a 1-inch height every three to five days. Kentucky Bluegrass is used on fairways and in the rough, where it's kept at heights of between 2 and 3 inches. However, grass heights on the fairway and in the rough will vary from golf course to golf course.