How to Identify Types of Grass
By Mike Camunas
Golf courses always use varying types of grasses. From Bermuda grass to Penncross to Ryegrass to Bluegrasses, all are used in develop each hole. Different grasses are used on the tee box, fairway, rough and green, so it's important to know and be able to identify the grasses since it could help with your golf game.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Observe the color of the grass. Healthy grass will range from light to dark green, but grass on the greens and grass on the fairways will all be different colors and shades of green. The rough is usually the darkest green.
Feel the grass. What does it feel like? Coarse or fine? Grass in the rough will also be longer and thicker than the grass used on a green. Grass on the green will be short and thick.
Take samples of the grass to help identify it. Pull out some blades and examine them. If need be, examine them with a magnifying glass.
Narrow down the type of grass that would be regional to the climate. Ryegrass, Bluegrass and Fescue are likely for areas with cold winters and regular summer rainfall. Warm season grasses are Zoysia, Bermuda, Centipede and St. Augustine.
If you still can't figure out the type or are not particularly interested in doing the research, consult the superintendent at the course, who should be able to help you identify the grass.
Tips & Warnings
Keep in mind that handling grass and being around freshly cut grass can cause an allergic reaction to hay fever. If you are sensitive to grasses, it might be wise to wear gloves and even goggles.
About The Author
Mike Camunas is a free lance reporter, covering local golf in the Tampa Bay area, from events to golfers hitting hole in ones, to even covering the professional events that hit town. He has been playing golf for about 11 years and has never seen his handicap lower. Perhaps one day. He attended the University of South Florida.
