Golf grass
Golf grass is the grass preferred for golf turfs. Some popular varieties are used for the golf courses. The golf grass can be selected depending on the climatic conditions at your place. There are a number of golf grass varieties which can be roughly classified into warm season golf grass and cool season golf grass.
Types of golf grass:
There are a number of types of golf grasses. The different types of golf grass are discussed below.
Bermuda grass: It is used in places where the summers are hot and humid. This grass has very fine blades and drought tolerant. It can be mowed less than an inch and repairs easily.
Blue Grass: It is a cool weather grass and used commonly on fairways with moderately cool climates. Blue grass spreads laterally to fill divots. It can tolerate some shade and must be mowed above 1 inch to avoid any damage. It does not hold up well to foot traffic and is very susceptible to diseases.
Rye grass: It is a cool weather grass and can withstand foot traffic. Ryegrass is tolerant to shade. It can be mowed to ½ inch and remain hardy. It does not spread easily and hence filling divots is very critical. This grass has the tendency to thin out during summers. Since it is perennial, it is used in combination with blue grass and it is ideal for mid American fairways.
Zoysia: This grass is deep rooted and low maintenance grass. It is good for cool climates. Since, it is a tough grass; it can tolerate heat and cold. The irrigation requirement of this grass is very less. It turns brown during October to April and establishes slowly in colder climates.
St. Augustine Grass: This is a warm season grass and is usually planted on golf course greens and around the tees. It is coarse textured and needs moderate care. Some varieties are fine textured. These are more commonly used in golf courses with hot summers and high humidity levels.
Characteristics of golf grass
Golf grass needs to have some specific characters to allow the game of golf. It should be:
- Retain green color all round the year
- Soft leaves with medium to fine texture
- Grass should be resistant to frost
- Drought resistant
- Fewer or no seed heads
- Good turf density
- Spread rapidly
- Have good resistance to traffic injury
- Disease resistant
- Pest resistant
Effect of golf grass on the game of golf
The type of grass affects your game of golf. It is more so in case of putting. The golf grass affects your putts and it can be learnt during taking golf instructions. The bounce of the golf ball, the friction between the golf ball and the golf greens determine the green speed. The spin of the golf ball is determined by the golf greens. Tiff grass and Bermuda grasses are fast and can thrive close mowing and heat.
Grass and the grain of putting
You will have to see the grain of the golf greens while you play golf. The grain is the direction in which the blades grow. This happens because of the direction of the sun set, prevailing winds, water drainage on the golf greens, etc. Golf grains affect the putting as down grain will allow the ball to move faster than the puts hit into the grain.
Cultural practices for golf grass
Golf grass needs good maintenance to keep it in good playing condition through out the year. There are a number of cultural practices needed by the golf grass.
Irrigation
Watering the golf greens is an important part of golf green maintenance. The irrigations for golf greens need to be scheduled according the type of grass and the climatic conditions. Usually 2-3 irrigations are recommended in a week.
Fertigation: fertilizer application is essential to keep the nutrient level of the golf greens. Soil testing may help in case of application of specific fertilizers. In general, N-P-K applications are required. Nitrogen application may be done every month to maintain the green color of the grass.
Pest management of golf grass: pests are seen on any grass. It is required to follow integrated pest management to prevent any pests on the golf greens.
Disease management: Disease resistant grass varieties can be used to prevent any golf green diseases. It is also recommended to prevent any water logging to avoid any fungal growth on the golf course. Fungicides can be used as preventive measure to avoid any diseases.
So check the number of golf grass varieties given above and also the ways to maintain them if you have a lawn to which you are planning to give athe shape of a golf lawn.
