The grass on a golf course is not a single species but a collection of specialized grasses known collectively as turf. The specific type of turf used depends primarily on the local climate and the intended function of the area on the course. This specialized vegetation is maintained with precision to ensure optimal playing conditions, contrasting sharply with typical residential lawn grasses.
Primary Turf Types Used
Golf course turf is divided into two categories based on temperature tolerance: cool-season and warm-season grasses. Cool-season grasses, including Creeping Bentgrass and Perennial Ryegrass, grow best between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They are the preferred choice for northern climates and areas with moderate summers. Bentgrass is valued for its fine texture and tolerance for ultra-low mowing, which creates fast putting surfaces.
Warm-season grasses, such as Bermuda and Zoysia, thrive in hotter climates, with optimal growth occurring between 80 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Bermuda grass is popular across the southern United States due to its heat tolerance, drought resistance, and ability to recover quickly from wear. Zoysia grass is utilized in warm and transitional zones, offering a dense, durable turf that maintains color longer into the cooler fall months. Seashore Paspalum is often selected for coastal courses due to its exceptional tolerance for salt and effluent water.
Turf Placement and Playability
The type of grass is matched to the functional requirements of each area, with the putting green demanding the highest specialization. Greens require turf that can be mowed extremely short to ensure a smooth, true ball roll and fast surface speed. This precision is achieved using Creeping Bentgrass in cooler regions or specific hybrid Bermuda cultivars in warmer climates.
Fairways and tees are the primary playing surfaces and must balance playability with durability to withstand frequent traffic from golfers and maintenance equipment. These areas are mowed slightly higher than the greens, typically maintained between 0.38 and 0.5 inches. Warm-season Bermuda or Zoysia are common choices due to their rapid recovery and resilience. Cool-season areas may use Perennial Ryegrass or Creeping Bentgrass, which provide a dense cushion for the ball.
The rough surrounds the fairways and is managed to penalize an errant shot while remaining playable. The turf here is intentionally maintained at a much higher height, sometimes between 2 and 6 inches. It often consists of durable grasses like Fescue or less manicured Zoysia. Some courses maintain a “semi-rough” or “first cut” immediately adjacent to the fairway, cut to an intermediate height to create a gradual transition in playing difficulty.
Essential Maintenance Considerations
The condition of golf course turf is maintained through specialized practices that go beyond standard lawn care. Ultra-low mowing heights, especially on greens, require precision reel mowers that cut the grass like scissors, promoting a finer texture and smoother surface. This process often occurs daily and is a major factor in the overall health and playability. Aeration is a regular practice where small plugs of soil are removed to relieve compaction, improve drainage, and allow air and nutrients to penetrate the root zone.
In warm-season regions, overseeding is frequently employed to ensure year-round color and playability. This involves planting a cool-season grass like Perennial Ryegrass directly into the dormant warm-season turf during the fall, providing a green playing surface throughout the winter. Regular topdressing involves applying a thin layer of sand to smooth the surface and protect the grass crown. Sophisticated irrigation systems are also used to manage soil moisture precisely.
Superintendents utilize plant growth regulators to temper the growth rate of the turf. This reduces mowing frequency while simultaneously creating a tighter, more dense playing surface that better withstands traffic. These intensive methods are necessary to sustain a healthy playing surface under the stress of low mowing and constant use.