what kind of grass in golf course

by Luella Donnelly PhD 8 min read

Popular Kinds of Grass Used on Golf Courses

  • Bermuda. Bermuda grass is one of the most popular varieties of grass for golf courses because of how hearty it is.
  • Bentgrass. Another incredibly common type of fairway grass on golf courses is Bentgrass. This grass type grows very thick so it can tolerate a lot of traffic.
  • Rye. Ryegrass is one of my favorite types of grass from a texture standpoint. ...
  • Zoysia. Zoysia is a stiff type of grass that grows more slowly than other varieties. ...
  • Poa Annua. Poa Annua grass is a bit less durable than the other varieties. It is almost exclusively used on golf courses along the West Coast of the United States.

Bentgrass is one of the most popular types of grass planted on golf courses. It's available in many varieties, commonly found in cool summer and coastal regions. It's short, even, and flat, making it the perfect match for putting greens and courses.Apr 12, 2021

What is the best grass for a golf course?

What Types of Grasses Are Planted on Golf Fairways?

  • Geography, Maintenance Issues. A player and her caddie walk down a well-groomed fairway. ...
  • Southern Grasses. Palm-tree dotted golf courses in the South usually include Bermuda grass on fairways. ...
  • Northern Grasses. ...
  • West and Northwest Grasses. ...

What type of grass is used in golf course?

What Different Types Of Grass Are Used On Golf Courses?

  • Bentgrass. Bentgrass is a very common type of grass used on fairways of golf courses. ...
  • Bermuda. Bermuda grass is very durable and strong, this makes it a very popular choice when it comes to golf courses, it can withstand even the angriest golfer or the ...
  • Poa Annua. ...
  • Ryegrass. ...
  • Zoysia. ...

What is the best grass seed for golf courses?

Types of Golf Course Grass

  1. Bermuda Grass for Golf Course. It is befitting to mention this turf grass type first as it one of the most popular grasses used in golf courses.
  2. Bentgrass. This is arguably the second most popular golf course grass out there. ...
  3. Fescue Grass for Golf Course. ...
  4. Ryegrass. ...
  5. Zoysia Grass for Golf Course. ...
  6. Poa Annua Grass. ...

What type of grass is used on putting greens?

  • Putting greens are not constructed haphazardly. The materials used to build new putting greens are carefully selected, tested and then retested to ensure that they meet specific requirements.
  • Old, soil-based putting greens were often built to a set of specifications. ...
  • Modern putting greens have extensive internal drainage systems. ...

What grass is best for golf?

The operators of most modern-day courses prefer bentgrass or Bermuda grass on the greens. Bentgrass does well in northern climates, and Bermuda grass grows well in southern climates. You can cut both extremely low without stressing the plant, and create a smooth putting surface.

What type of grass do Texas golf courses use?

In our region, the most popular grasses for golf greens are Tifway Bermuda and Zeon Zoysia. Find out more about these varieties in our online store. The Grass Outlet is Texas's resource for lush, green turfgrass for both residential and commercial applications.

How do I make my lawn look like a golf course?

There are four main factors that go into giving your lawn that lush, golf-course look.Mow your lawn properly. Often, people take shortcuts when it comes to mowing their lawn. ... Apply the right fertilizer (at the right times). ... Use the right amount of water (and consider irrigation). ... Stop the weeds dead in their tracks.

What type of Bermuda grass do golf courses use?

Bermudagrass. Bermudagrass has been and continues to be one of the most popular grasses used on golf courses. Bermuda is a warm season grass that can withstand drought-like conditions, extreme heat, and can even tolerate a bit of shade. With that said, Bermudagrass is best suited for southern climates.

Do golf courses use Kentucky bluegrass?

Blue Grass makes up a majority of the golf course. Kentucky Blue grass establishes a thick carpet quality, with color ranging from emerald green to dark blue. Lastly, golf courses use a perennial ryegrass mixed in with the Kentucky bluegrass.

What kind of grass is at Augusta?

To overcome this problem, the grass on the tees, fairways and roughs at Augusta are over seeded with perennial ryegrass. The greens, however, are bentgrass (since 1981). Bentgrass has no need for over seeding with it being a cool season variety.

What do golf courses use to keep grass green?

Grow Greens Hydroponically Many golf greens use a hydroponic system for growing grass. This system is installed during construction — a bulldozer makes a hole for the green that is between 12 and 16 inches deep. In more advanced systems, the hole is lined with plastic, before gravel, drainage pipes and sand are added.

What is the difference between bent grass and Bermuda grass?

The two most common types of grass for greens are Bentgrass and Bermuda. Bentgrass thrives in cooler climates and is typically seen more in northern states, while Bermuda loves the heat and is more commonly seen in the South. There are many exceptions to this rule, but it is generally a good guideline to keep in mind.

How do golf courses cut grass so short?

To keep the grass so short on greens, special mowers are used. Golf course mowers are reel mowers, not rotary like most lawn mowers used at home. The reel spins and cuts the grass like a tight scissor cut. The cut height is set by adjusting the difference between the front and rear rollers.

Why do golf courses use poa annua?

Poa annua is easily the one best-known to golfers, primarily because of its use as the putting surfaces at Pebble Beach. Poa annua is a "warm-season grass," meaning it is a grass that grows better and healthier in warmer climates.

What is coarse grass?

Coarse grasses (also known as weed grasses) are simply patches of different grass species within a lawn. Where different grasses are easily and clearly distinguishable, coarse grasses are more than likely present. Early identification and removal are vital, as there are no chemical controls for coarse grass in lawns.

What is bentgrass in golf?

Bentgrass is characterized by very thin blades that grow densely and can be very closely mowed, resulting in a felt-like smoothness to the putting surface. It has a shallow, dense root system and its density helps protect it against foot traffic. Bentgrasses are tolerant of cold, but not too fond of heat.

What type of grass is used in golf courses?

1. Bermuda Grass for Golf Course. It is befitting to mention this turf grass type first as it one of the most popular grasses used in golf courses. Bermuda is a warm-season grass and, as such, is used majorly in warm areas that typically reach temperatures unconducive for several kinds of grass.

What is the best grass for golf?

5. Zoysia Grass for Golf Course. Zoysia is a native Asian grass but has been in the US for more than a century and has become a popular golf course grass in that time. It is a warm-season grass best suited to warmer climes. This is a creeping heat and drought tolerant grass that will save you a lot on irrigation.

Why does turf grass need to be tall?

Here are the reasons why. Turf grasses need to withstand the cold or heat prevalent in the region: one of the major characteristics your turf grass needs to have is to withstand the prevalent temperature in that region. Be it cold or heat. It needs to stand still tall when this temperature hits.

What is perennial rye grass?

Perennial ryegrass is one of the most popular cool-season turf grasses around . It is usually planted on tees and fairways of golf courses. It has a fine texture like the fescue grass.

What is fescue grass?

Fescue grass is a cool-season grass that can withstand colder temperatures and some degree of heat. This makes it an attractive golf course grass for moderate regions experiencing both worlds. Fescue grass can also be used on fairways and has a good feel and look to it.

What is golf course grass?

Golf course grass is commonly known as turf grass, and the grass types used differ from region to region by their ability to withstand both cold and heat. Turf grass differs from the regular lawn grass you may find in homes. Although some grasses used in home lawns can be used in golf courses.

Why is grass important in golf?

Golf courses give a lot of us the ambiance to relax, play the game, and have a swell time, even with friends and family. Apart from a vast expanse of land, of course, the grass is the next biggest and arguably most important part of a golf course. Not only is it needed to cover most of the vast land, the type of grass determines the level ...

Importance of grass type in golf courses

Grass-type featured in the golf courses has the major potential to impact the golfer’s strategy. The well-experienced person playing golf always knows which ball-hitting strategy can help him to achieve his goal.

Best grass types for golf courses

Here are some famous and top-grown grasses for golf courses. All of these grasses are discussed with their turf qualities and environmental requirements.

Care of Golf Course Grasses in a Residential Lawn

Picking the right type of golf course grass for your residential lawn is not enough, you will need to take great care of its maintenance.

Golf Course Grasses for various geographical locations

Each grass species works well for some unique geographical locations having compatible climatic conditions to grass requirements.

What type of grass is used on golf courses?

Bentgrass. Another incredibly common type of fairway grass on golf courses is Bentgrass. This grass type grows very thick so it can tolerate a lot of traffic. It’s one reason why some courses choose Bentgrass.

What type of grass is best for golf?

Bermuda. Bermuda grass is one of the most popular varieties of grass for golf courses because of how hearty it is. It is incredibly durable and stands up to lots of abuse from golfers. More importantly, it is well-suited to southern climates because it is very drought resistant. This makes it a good choice for residential lawns as well – especially ...

Why do golf courses use reel mowers?

Landscapers use reel mowers on golf courses because of how cleanly they cut the blades of grass. It is also crucial not to mow your grass too short. Ideally, maintain your lawn at one or two inches in height. Once established you can gradually cut your grass shorter with each mow to achieve the length you want.

Why is it important to let grass grow longer?

Letting grass grow longer encourages deeper root growth. One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is overwatering their lawns. You don’t necessarily need an irrigation system. It is more important to water infrequently but deeply.

Is Zoysia a good grass for a golf course?

It is highly tolerant of hot climates and is also drought-resistant. This makes Zoysia an ideal choice for golf courses and lawns in Southern states. The nature of how slowly it grows can be a big drawback.

Does rye grass self spread?

Many varieities of Perennial rye grass don’t self-spread, so repairs require more work than grasses which spread via Rhizomes. Annual ryegrass is quick to establish, but the major limitation with annual rye is that it will die in temperatures that drop below freezing.

Can you use carpet grass on a golf course?

Most of the varieties of grass used on golf courses are available to anyone. It’s just a matter of picking the right one for your environment, ...

What kind of grass is used on golf fairways?

The kinds of grasses vary the greatest on golf course fairways. Most courses older than 25 years have perennial ryegrass or Kentucky bluegrass fairways. These are low maintenance and durable grasses that hold up in many kinds of climates, and can withstand a lot of play.

What grass is on the fairways?

Grass just off the fairways on most courses is either Kentucky bluegrass or perennial rye. These are hardy grasses that can thrive in most climates, and do well when they grow a bit longer. Most of the rough on courses often is as much as one-half inch or more longer than the the grass on fairways. Bluegrass and ryegrass are suitable for ...

Where did the grass grow in golf?

The grass was whatever grew naturally in the links' sandy soil along Scotland's coast. But today, the kind of grass is a key part of the game.

Can you cut Bermuda grass in northern climates?

You can cut both extremely low without stressing the plant, and create a smooth putting surface. Many older courses still have ryegrass or poa annua (annual bluegrass) on the greens.

Growing Grass For Golfing

When selecting turf grass for a golf course, the choice is going to focus on a few key characteristics of the grass type:

Types Of Golf Course Grasses

Golf courses choose hearty, resilient grasses that can take some wear and remain in good condition. These same choices are available for your home lawn as well, so if you want to recreate that lush, dense coverage that you find across fairways and putting greens, you have several options to choose from.

Grass Across The Course

Grass on the putting green and tee have similar characteristics. The top choices are Bermuda grass and Bentgrass due to their stiff blades, density, and ability to be cut down low. They can be walked on and remain intact, and their stiffness on the putting green allows the ball to roll across without getting caught.

Maintaining Golf Course Grasses

Each section of the golf course requires regular maintenance to ensure it remains distinct and in good condition.

What is putting green?

The putting green, or simply ‘the green’, refers to the section of a golf course where the hole and the flagstick are located. This part of the course is typically oval-shaped and is specifically designed for putting.

Best Golf Green Grass Types

When selecting the best golf course putting green grass, you should factor in the blade texture and whether the grass can withstand being mowed low. Some of the best grass types for a golf course putting green include bentgrass, Bermuda grass, perennial ryegrass, fescue grass, Poa annua, and Zoysia grass.

Can you grow fairway grass at home?

You can successfully grow fairway grass at home provided you adopt the correct planting and maintenance practices. Fairway grass varieties are usually low growing types, as golf turfs have to be mowed low. Common low-growing turfgrasses used on golf fairways include Bermuda grass and bentgrass.

What type of grass is used on golf courses?

Bentgrass. Bentgrass is one of the most common types of grasses found on golf courses. Course superintendents prefer this grass due to its thick, mat-like quality. Bentgrass is not ideal for locations that have a consistently hot climate.

Why is the grass on a golf course different from other sports?

The game of golf is different from many other sports because each golf course is different, all the way down to the grass.

What is the sport grass of the South?

Bermuda grass is often referred to as "The Sport Grass of the South" due to its presence on golf courses and sporting fields in the South and for its ability to withstand high temperatures, high humidity and drought-like conditions. Temperatures under 30 degrees Fahrenheit will most likely kill the stem. Leaves of Bermuda grass, which coupled ...

What temperature kills Bermuda grass?

Temperatures under 30 degrees Fahrenheit will most likely kill the stem. Leaves of Bermuda grass, which coupled with this grass' preference for humid conditions, limits the range of this grass in the United States to the southeast. The famed TPC at Sawgrass course features Bermuda grass.

How is golf different from other sports?

The game of golf is different from many other sports because each golf course is different, all the way down to the grass. Most other games, such as basketball and football, have courts or fields with standardized sizes and features on which the games are played.

Where is the best place to put bent grass?

Good locations for bent grass include the Northeast, most of the Midwestern states and the Pacific Northwest. The grass favors cooler evenings and nights, which reduces the stress on the grass. Muirfield Village Golf Club in Ohio, which "Golf" magazine consistently ranks as one of top courses, features bentgrass.

Is Poa Annua grass invasive?

Poa annua grass is most often used as golf course turf on the West Coast of the United States. In many locations in the United States, Poa Annua grass is viewed as an invasive species.

1. Bermuda

When you hear top players talking about grain, they’re often talking about Bermuda. They’re not wrong. A durable, drought-tolerant, warm-season turf that is prevalent across the South, Bermuda can indeed get grainy. But that trait is tempered when the grass is tightly mown, the way that Tour pros like it.

2. Bentgrass

Unlike your grandparents, bentgrass has little interest in retiring to Florida. It’s a cool-season grass, with thin blades that can be mown closely. Compared to Bermuda, bentgrass has little grain. As with other turf types, it can play differently depending on the region and time of year.

4. Zoysia

If zoysia were a teenager, you might compliment it for its posture. It stands up straight, yielding sweet lies in the fairway. “The ball is teed up so nicely for you, it almost feels like cheating,” Westacott says.

5. Poa annua

Golfers love excuses, and poa often serves as scapegoat. An alternate logo for the PGA Tour could be a player pointing in frustration at a missed putt, blaming his poor stroke on this cool-season grass. The bad rap has roots in reality. Poa is fast-growing, and the seedheads it produces can lead to late-day bumpiness on the greens.

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