Southern Bent recommendation

[jim_lewis]

I know that clubs all over the South are switching from Bent greens to one of the new ultra dwarf Bermudas. However, if you were determined to use Bent, what variety would perform best and best resist heat and disease, especially Pythiam? If possible, please mention a success story.

[RKoehn]

Peachtree in Atlanta and Old Town in Winston-Salem both have pure bent greens.  Peachtree's are relatively new in last few years, I believe.  Perhaps other members will know the type(s), but if not I bet you can call the clubs themselves and ask.

Peachtree is one of the finest conditioned courses you will find anywhere, and the whole experience there is off the charts (great history, great caddies, great terrain, etc.).


p.s.  Most GCA'ers wouldn't like Peachtree, though.  Green fairways, smooth greens, and trees (heavens, no!).

[Adam_Messix]

Jim--

L93 bent has a really good track record everywhere that I've seen in.  It's at Kinloch, The Olde Farm, (and even though not in the South, Olympia Fields North) and it provides a terrific ball roll.  Tends to hold up well in heat and humidity and can take a reasonable amount of play.  I believe that a new grass called 007 is the latest version of L93.  Have not seen it in too many locations so I don't want to comment on it. 

I would agree on the assessment of the greens at Old Town and Peachtree too, the conditioning is excellent.

[Chris Cupit]

Peachtree has A-1
Prior to changing we were A-1/A-4 and Setting Down Creek was too.


I amnot sure at Atlanta but it is either A-1 or the A-1/A-4 blend.


Our issue of changing reflected increased play and a desire to host summer events and outings.  The bent was very good for many years and we did not have a "catastrophe", we just felt that since we were making improvements to a short game area (which by neccesity was going to have bermuda greens, why not bite the bullet and have all the same).


Our TifEagle has been a home run.  Great weather for it in Atlanta.  We re-opened yetserday five weeks and a day after sprigging.


Back to your question, the "A" series of bent has had good success in Atlanta.

[Bill_McBride]

Peachtree has A-1
Prior to changing we were A-1/A-4 and Setting Down Creek was too.


I amnot sure at Atlanta but it is either A-1 or the A-1/A-4 blend.


Our issue of changing reflected increased play and a desire to host summer events and outings.  The bent was very good for many years and we did not have a "catastrophe", we just felt that since we were making improvements to a short game area (which by neccesity was going to have bermuda greens, why not bite the bullet and have all the same).


Our TifEagle has been a home run.  Great weather for it in Atlanta.  We re-opened yetserday five weeks and a day after sprigging.


Back to your question, the "A" series of bent has had good success in Atlanta.

We are very happy with our TifEagle at Pensacola CC as well. 

[Carl Nichols]

007 has been put in at various places in the Mid Atlantic to rave reviews. I believe Five Farms used it for their greens and fairways.

[Don Mahaffey]

Does anyone ever say they made the wrong decision regarding grass choices?   

[Keith OHalloran]

Does anyone ever say they made the wrong decision regarding grass choices?

Ballyneal?

[Randy Thompson]

Does anyone ever say they made the wrong decision regarding grass choices?

TPC Ponte Verde, somewhere around 10 times in 30 years but offically on record, No!

[Carl Nichols]

Does anyone ever say they made the wrong decision regarding grass choices?

To the extent this was directed at me, I'm not talking about the clubs (or their members) who decided to use 007 -- I'm talking about others who have played the courses I'm thinking of.

[Chris Cupit]

Does anyone ever say they made the wrong decision regarding grass choices?

Looking back to my re-do in 2006 I wished I had put in an ultra dwarf bermuda versus the bent.  For lots of good reasons I went with the bent but in hindsight I was wrong about the the long term sustainability of bent at the cutting heights demanded today and given the number of rounds I did.

However, had I gone with the UD back then, I most certainly would have gone with the Champion and I can say that knowing what I know now, I am glad that I waited and went with the TifEagle.

Also, if I had a do over I would have picked a different zoysia for my tees than the Diamond.