How to Select Turfgrass

Choose a cool-season grass such as fescue or bluegrass if your course or golf practice area is an area with a climate that has a harsh winter season with regular snow and frost and does not regularly stay in the upper 90s in the summertime. If your climate has mild winters and hot summers, then consider turfgrasses such as zoysiagrass or Bermuda grass for the primary areas of the course or practice area.

Choose a turfgrass to plant in areas covered by significant shade. St. Augustine grass, zoysiagrass or a cool-weather variant of fescue are popular options to mix with your primary turfgrass in the shady areas on your course or practice area. These will take longer to establish than the type you choose to plant in the primary planting area.

Verify the fertilizing requirements for the turfgrass you are considering planting. Cold-weather grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, rye grass and both tall and fine fescue will require nitrogren fertilizers in varying quantities based on the state in which you live. Bermuda and related warm-weather grasses typically do not require as frequent nitrogen fertilizing after you have established the turfgrass. A slow-releasing fertilizer for these types of grass is normally preferred at less frequent intervals than the cold-weather grasses.

Calculate your budget for watering based on the available water supply and the turggrass's watering requirements. Warm-weather grasses such as Bermuda and seashore paspalum are more drought-resistant for areas with warmer summertime periods than bluegrass and fescue. If your golf course does not have a lake or large pond that can be used for consistent watering, then your cost will probably increase during the summer if your turfgrass is not drought-resistant.