Different Species of Grass on Golf Courses | DTE Golf® (2024)

Originally, when the game of golf came into existence, people did not pay much attention to the type of grass on the golf course. Previously, the grass was just grass and no difference in it. But today, the game of golf has advanced to a much greater level. The type of grass on the golf course is the critical part of the game now. The grass type can either make or break the game.

Top golf course maintenance companies know the type of exact grass to be used. A golf course consultation will help make the turf choice based on the land, weather, design, and maintenance of the golf course.

Down To Earth Golf’s experience in creating and maintaining golf courses dates back decades, adding experience and knowledge. Owing to that knowledge, our expertise and years of experience, we have compiled a few of the grass types used on the golf course and in which part of the golf course. Read below for more information on different types of grasses used on golf courses and where we recommend using them.

Grass on Fairways

Golf course fairways have the most varied types of grasses. Generally, golf courses that are older than 25 years have Kentucky Bluegrass or Perennial Ryegrass fairways. These grasses are highly durable, and demand limited golf maintenance. They can survive almost all the seasons and easily withstand significant weather changes.

But when it comes to newer golf courses that have been created within the past 25 years, the fairways are typically of Creeping Bentgrass. This particular grass type tolerates low cuttings. Few golf courses have Zoysia Grass fairways which are known to withstand severe drought and high heat well.

Grass in the Rough

When it comes to the rough area of the golf course, the common grass used is Kentucky Bluegrass or Perennial Rye. The quality of this grass to withstand severe climatic conditions makes it hard grass and thus suitable for roughs. When compared to the height of the fairways grass, the grass on the rough is at least one and a half inches long. Since these grass types, Rye and Bluegrass, do best in long lengths, they are perfect for roughs.

Grass on the Greens

The greens of the golf course are the most attractive areas for the players as well as on-lookers. Most modern-day course owners prefer Bermuda Grass or Bentgrass on the greens. The combination of these two types of grass is used with a logic behind them. Bermuda Grass grows well in Southern climates, while for Northern Climates, Bentgrass is excellent.

These grasses can be cut to the lowest point without fear of damaging the grass or the greens allowing for a smooth putting surface can be easily created with these grasses. But as for older golf courses, the grass on the greens is Poa Annua (Annual Bluegrass) or Ryegrass. These grasses are categorized under hard grass but over time have been found to create a bumpier surface.

To ensure that the grass on each part of the golf course is healthy, you must consider hiring a professional golf course service provider. We at DTE Golf® provide maintenance all year round and create new golf courses. You can contact us today for all your golf needs.

Different Species of Grass on Golf Courses | DTE Golf® (2024)

FAQs

Different Species of Grass on Golf Courses | DTE Golf®? ›

Most modern-day course owners prefer Bermuda Grass or Bentgrass on the greens. The combination of these two types of grass is used with a logic behind them. Bermuda Grass grows well in Southern climates, while for Northern Climates, Bentgrass is excellent.

What type of grass do golf courses use? ›

Most modern-day course owners prefer Bermuda Grass or Bentgrass on the greens. The combination of these two types of grass is used with a logic behind them. Bermuda Grass grows well in Southern climates, while for Northern Climates, Bentgrass is excellent.

What type of grass is at PGA National? ›

PGA National Resort - The Staple has TifEagle Bermuda Grass greens and Celebration Bermuda Grass fairways.

Do golf courses use Kentucky bluegrass? ›

Kentucky Bluegrass

This is a common grass used at golf facilities with tight budgets and must manage maintenance costs. Less costly to maintain than bentgrass, this grass cannot withstand lower mowing heights resulting in a bit longer and fluffier fairway condition.

What type of grass is golf putting? ›

Most golf courses use either bent grass, couch, or zoysia. Some of the newer zoysia varieties are really an excellent option – less pressure from disease, fewer nutrient inputs, and super fine leaf blades for putting.

What grass is used at Augusta National? ›

The primary grass blanketing the tees and fairways of Augusta National is Bermuda grass, selected for its durability and resilience in the face of Georgia's balmy summers.

What type of grass is used at Pebble Beach? ›

Poa annua is more tolerant of low-light environments and more traffic tolerant than creeping bentgrass, so using this grass variety would make sense in certain circ*mstances. The most widely known example of Poa annua in golf is its use on the putting greens at the famous Pebble Beach Golf Resort.

What type of grass is used on golf greens in Florida? ›

Bermuda grass is a popular choice for Florida golf courses due to its excellent drought tolerance and fast recovery rate. It thrives in full sun and can withstand heavy foot traffic.

What kind of grass is at TPC Scottsdale? ›

The primary turf is Bermuda, a hardy warm-season grass that goes dormant in the winter. For appearance and playability, that Bermuda gets an autumn overseed of cool-season perennial rye, which provides a verdant cover throughout the colder months.

What grass do Michigan golf courses use? ›

It is important to select a grass species cultivar that is well adapted to the area, able to perform well and well suited to the intended level of management. In Michigan, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, fine-leaf fescue and creeping bentgrass are the most commonly used turfgrasses.

What kind of grass does Southern Hills golf course use? ›

Southern Hills has Bermuda grass fairways and greens. The greens are overseeded in late fall, and the Bermuda fairways were dormant when we played the course.

Why is golf course grass so nice? ›

Fertilizers typically contain a balance of potassium and nitrogen, which helps the grass stay strong, even when it's subjected to extreme temperature and heavy traffic. Weeds are kept at bay almost automatically, because no sunlight or moisture can get to them — the turf is too dense.

Is zoysia grass used on golf courses? ›

One of the greatest strengths of zoysiagrass is its ability to produce a dense, thick mat of thatch intermixed with soil. This mat layer provides the support and resiliency to withstand traffic from thousands of rounds of golf.

What type of grass is used on golf courses in Texas? ›

Tifway 419 Bermuda grass is one of the most popular turfgrass varieties used in golf courses and sports fields. It is known for its durability, making it an ideal choice for areas that experience heavy foot traffic. This makes it the go-to choice for golf courses, sports fields, parks, and other public spaces.

Is tall fescue used on golf courses? ›

Traditional cool-season grasses for golf roughs are the normal species used in fairways, including Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, fine and tall fescues.

What is bermuda grass golf? ›

Bermuda grass is a type of warm-season grass that is commonly used on golf courses. It is known for its ability to tolerate and recover quickly from damage, such as heavy foot traffic and divots. Bermuda grass is also relatively drought-tolerant, which makes it a good choice for areas that receive little rainfall.

Why is bentgrass used on golf courses? ›

Creeping bentgrass was chosen because it forms a dense mat. This makes it easy to putt on. Another good reason that most golf courses use creeping bentgrass is because of its short mowing capabilities. Most golf course mow their greens at an 1/8" or less.

What do golf courses use to cut their grass? ›

Reel Mowers

A reel mower that is correctly adjusted cuts grass as neatly as a sharp pair of scissors and offers better-quality results compared to other mower types. Reel mowers also consume less fuel, need less power, and, therefore, are more productive to operate than flail or rotary mowers.

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