The turfgrass covering a golf course is not a single type of lawn but a specialized product chosen for high performance. These grasses are cultivated to handle extraordinary stress, maintain a uniform surface, and recover quickly from repeated impact. Selection prioritizes specific characteristics like high shoot density (the number of individual grass plants per square unit) and exceptional resilience to traffic. Many different grass species are used across the course, each selected to perform optimally under diverse maintenance conditions.
The Fundamental Climate Divide
The primary factor determining the type of turfgrass used is the regional climate, which divides species into two broad categories. Cool-season grasses thrive in areas with temperate summers and cold winters, typically the northern regions. These grasses, including bentgrass and bluegrass, perform best when air temperatures are consistently between 60°F and 75°F. They utilize the C3 photosynthetic pathway, optimized for energy production in cooler environments.
Warm-season grasses are the preferred choice for courses located in southern and tropical latitudes, where summers are long and hot. Species such as Bermuda and Zoysia grass thrive in temperatures ranging from 80°F to 95°F. They employ the C4 photosynthetic pathway, which allows them to efficiently convert sunlight into energy while conserving water in high heat. Warm-season grasses will go dormant and turn brown when temperatures drop below approximately 50°F, whereas cool-season varieties often remain green year-round.
The Putting Green Standard
The putting green demands the most specialized and high-maintenance turf on the entire course, dictating the use of species that tolerate ultra-low mowing. The requirement for a smooth, fast, and true ball roll necessitates an extremely high shoot density, sometimes exceeding 27 billion shoots per acre. This density helps the turf resist compaction and damage caused by foot traffic and constant, close mowing.
In cool-season climates, the standard is Creeping Bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera), known for its fine texture and ability to be mowed as low as 0.125 inches. Newer cultivars maintain density and resist disease pressure even under “scalping” conditions. This species uses stolons (above-ground runners) to spread and recover, which is an important trait for a constantly stressed surface.
Courses in warm-season regions rely on specific hybrid cultivars of Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon), bred for a finer texture than common counterparts. These hybrids, such as TifEagle or Champion, possess the necessary density to produce a consistent putting surface. While resilient to heat, they must be mowed daily with specialized reel mowers to maintain the required height, often slightly higher than bentgrass greens.
Fairways, Tees, and Roughs
The grass species selected for fairways and tees must prioritize durability and recovery, as these areas sustain the highest volume of traffic. Fairways are typically cut at a medium height, roughly 0.5 to 0.75 inches, which is significantly higher than the greens but low enough to provide a clean lie for the golf ball.
In cool-season areas, Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis) is popular for fairways due to its deep color and ability to self-repair effectively through underground stems called rhizomes. Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne) is also common in northern fairways and is often used for “overseeding” warm-season fairways in the South to provide temporary green color during winter dormancy.
Warm-season fairways and tees frequently feature common Bermuda Grass or Zoysia Grass (Zoysia spp.). Both are known for aggressive lateral growth that allows them to quickly repair divots and withstand heavy compaction. Zoysia is particularly valued for its shade tolerance and lower water requirements compared to Bermuda.
The roughs surround the fairways and greens and are designed to be challenging for the golfer while requiring less intensive management. These areas feature coarser, hardier grasses mowed less frequently and at a much higher height, sometimes over three inches. Fescue grasses (Festuca spp.) are a common choice in cooler climates because they are drought-tolerant and survive with minimal fertilization and irrigation. Coarser grasses in the rough create a clear visual contrast with the fairway and penalize inaccurate shots by tangling the club head.