Fairway is the closely mown area between the tee box and greens of golf hole. It is the target for golfers on all holes other than 3 par. The grass is usually cut very low up to 3 – 8 inch to ½ inch. It is an advantageous area for the golfer to hit from as it offers a good lie for the ball. In addition, a golfer will have to make at least one extra shot from the fairway or rough.
Fairway covers a large portion of the golf course. You will have to choose the right grass and mixture for fairway to minimize the expenses on these.
Choice of grass for fairway
The normal cutting height on fairway is around 2 – 5 cm. this is not a problem for fine fescues this is not a problem. It is a problem in case of perennial rye grass and poa grass. Hence it is very important that you choose a correct variety of grass or a correct combination of grasses. This is to be done taking into considerations the requirements of a fairway and the climate.
Fine Fescues
Red fescues is the most dense and low growing variety of grass suitable for fairway. It tolerates close mowing and is extremely drought resistance. It maintains good summer appearance and is among the winter hardy turf grasses found. It is also suitable for low maintenance golf courses. It can be used in combination with Agrostis tenuis if the fairway is to be dense and low growing.
Poa Pratensis
The new varieties of Poa Pratensis are very tolerant and suitable for golf courses with many players. This is applicable for pay and play golf courses. It regenerates quickly as new leaves set in and it is a robust grass that withstands diseases. Important varieties with fine leaves and low growth are more beneficial so that they withstand close mowing.
Hence, when you think about the management, watering, fertigation and use of pesticides, it is important to consider the fairway.
