Golf Course Grasses

Cris Zimmerman

There are many different types of grasses used on golf courses. But because of the cold weather many months of the year, golf courses in this area are somewhat limited to the type of gasses that can handle the cold weather. So we will discuss some of the types of grasses used in the Dakotas and Minnesota .

First we will start with the greens. Creeping bent grass forms a nice dense mat and has a shallow rooting system. They are a very fine texture and a dark green color making them great for putting surfaces. They can also be mowed very short.

Creeping Bent grass

Secondly, Kentucky Blue Grass. is uses on the golf course in tee areas, rough, hazards, and fairways. 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.

Kentucky Bluegrass

Lastly, golf courses use a perennial ryegrass mixed in with the Kentucky bluegrass. The perennial rye grass is used with the Kentucky Bluegrass because of its ability to handle wear and tear, and its also quick to germinate and help with erosion control. Together the Kentucky bluegrass and the perennial ryegrass is a very strong sod base. The perennial ryegrass will allow the bluegrass time for development and to repair.

Perennial Ryegrass