Team,
Sorry I'm not talking about recently legalized states that have recreational use!
I was searching for a thread or resource on here, seeing as this is the enlightened group about golf course architecture, for the types of grass used on golf courses and why it maybe preferable in different parts of the world. I did some searches online, but I'm sure many here have years of experience and knowledge to chime in about their experience and types of grass with their positives and negatives. I have listed some information found below, which is just internet info. Please let me know what to add and I will or correct it as it has been from a hodgepodge of different sources. Poa Annua I'm not sure if I should put it alone or what do you think?
The real question is where to use what and what the positives and negatives. Thanks all
BermudaAmong the most time-tested and well-known golf course grasses, Bermuda grass is used in warm-weather golf locations, including Florida and Georgia, according to Golfways. Bermuda grass withstands heat, can be mowed low, repairs quickly and is drought resistant. On the negative side, Bermuda grasses will die back in colder weather and may be overseeded with perennial ryegrass to fill in holes. The tees and fairways at Augusta National are Bermuda.
BentgrassAvailable in several varieties, bentgrass is found on golf courses in cool summer or coastal locations, including in the North, Mid-Atlantic, coastal California and the Midwest. Bentgrass is a member of the poa family and is considered the best grass for golf course greens in the South, according to Aggie Horticulture. Bentgrass is used on the greens at Augusta National. It has a fine texture and can stand up to constant and low mowing.
FescuesA large family of grasses which can be used on all areas of a golf course, most usually in cooler climates. They adapt well to less fertile conditions and although some varieties are appropriate for close mowing they are most often distinguishable as tall rough grasses, particularly on links courses.
KikuyuA grass native to Africa but also very common in other parts of the world including places like Australia and the United States. Kikuyu is very much a warm season grass with a broad leaf blade and very thick, extensive rhizomes and stolons….it thrives in the heat and goes dormant in the cold. Golfers love playing off the spongy lies you get on the fairway but fear playing out of this grass when cut as rough – in fact golfers have been known to break their wrists playing out of kikuyu rough.
Perennial RyegrassA longtime favorite for use on golf courses, perennial ryegrass can be found in nearly any cool-summer region. Perennial ryegrass is used on the tee boxes and fairways at several of the Pebble Beach golf courses and is used to overseed the Bermuda grass on the tee boxes and fairways at Augusta National. Ryegrass has a fine texture and is a clumping rather than running grass. This grass must be heavily planted for tight, hole-free turf.
PaspalumA warm season grass which is tolerant of salt water and heat. It can be used for tees, greens, fairways and roughs and provides a very dark green color.
ZoysiaZoysia can be used in a wide range of climates, with the exception of desert or cold western locations. Because of its range, zoysia is a popular choice throughout the country. This grass, which is a member of the poa family, is deep-rooted, clumping and holds its color well. The blades are fine and may be mowed to 3/4 of an inch. Zoysia is often used on municipal courses.