This April, we are scheduled to get new grinders for our shop. This morning, two representatives from this company were on site to teach Matthew and Darren the ins and outs of this equipment. These two pieces of equipment are the backbone of our operation in many ways. Quality of cut impacts many dynamics like green speed, plant health and disease susceptibility, to name a few. There are two grinders, each with their own specific purpose. One is used to sharpen the reel and the other is used to sharpen the bedknife. See my photo below for a look at both of these parts.
When a reel spins, the grass is cut by shearing action. This is exactly how a pair of scissors works and why the reel is spiralled like it is. In order to get a good cut, both the reel and the bedknife need to be sharp. Imagine trying to cut paper with a pair of scissors with only one sharp side. As the mower moves along, the bedknife is what stands the grass upright and then its sharp edge supports the shearing action that ultimately cuts the grass.
Here is an example comparing a reel mower to a pair of scissors:
This process is so precise when mowing turf under 1/8". The mower sharpness and height of cut is checked daily on all of our mowers. Our mowers are sharpened, using these grinding units, as frequently as weekly to once every 3 weeks depending on the time of year and if there's sand on the greens. Sand is the fastest way to dull a reel and bedknife.
Hopefully this gives you a little bit more insight into what goes into providing the day to day conditions you expect at Highlands CC.