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Golf Green Grass Types Explained

ByMichael Reeves

← Golf Lifestyle & Culture | Golf Technology & Innovation


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Quick Answer

  • Bentgrass and Bermudagrass are the MVPs on most golf course greens.
  • The best choice boils down to your climate, how you want the ball to roll, and how much upkeep you’re willing to do.
  • Hybrid Bermudas are tough, disease-resistant, and give you that smooth, fast putting surface.

Who This Is For

  • Golf course superintendents and anyone on the grounds crew.
  • Golfers who want to know why their favorite course plays the way it does.
  • Turf nerds and students of the game.

What Type of Grass is Used on Golf Course Greens: Your First Look

Before you even think about strategy or your next shot, you gotta know what you’re putting on. This isn’t just about looks; it’s about how the ball rolls and how much work goes into keeping it that way.

  • Confirm the Exact Species: Don’t guess. Check the course’s official documentation or, better yet, have a chat with the greenskeeper. They know their turf.
  • Know Your Climate Zone: Is this course in the scorching South or the chilly North? That’s the biggest factor in what grass thrives.
  • Assess Maintenance Resources: Some grasses are divas. They need constant attention, specific fertilizers, and a lot of water. Others are more low-key. What’s the budget and manpower situation?

A Step-by-Step Plan for Understanding Golf Course Green Grass

Alright, let’s dig into what’s growing under your feet.

1. Identify the Primary Grass Species on Your Golf Course Greens:

  • Action: Get down close. Look at the leaf blades. Are they fine and needle-like, or thicker and more pointed? Check the color – is it a deep, rich green or a lighter, almost blue-green?
  • What to Look For: Bentgrass typically has fine, soft blades that grow horizontally, creating a dense mat. Bermudagrass has broader blades, often feels a bit rougher, and tends to grow more upright and vigorously.
  • Mistake to Avoid: Assuming all greens on a course are the same. Microclimates, reseeding, and renovations can mean different grasses are used in different areas. I’ve seen it happen – one green plays totally different than the next.

2. Research the Growth Habits and Optimal Environmental Conditions for the Identified Grass:

  • Action: Once you have a suspect (or a confirmed ID), hit the books (or the internet). What are its favorite temperatures? How much sun does it crave? Does it like it wet or dry?
  • What to Look For: Bentgrass generally prefers cooler temperatures (60-75°F) and can tolerate shade better than Bermudagrass. Bermudagrass loves the heat (80-95°F) and needs full sun to really shine.
  • Mistake to Avoid: Overlooking seasonal variations. A grass that looks great in spring might struggle in the summer heat or freeze in the winter if it’s not suited for that climate. You gotta think year-round.

3. Investigate the Disease and Pest Resistance of the Grass Type:

  • Action: Talk to the pros again, or look up common turf diseases and pests in your region. What are the usual suspects for the grass you’ve identified?
  • What to Look For: Bentgrass is susceptible to a bunch of fungal diseases like dollar spot, brown patch, and pythium blight, especially in humid conditions. Bermudagrass is generally more disease

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