Golf course maintenance hinges on the head greenskeeper's knowledge of the maintenance and care of the grass sod resident on his golf course. Many golf courses employ a head greenskeeper who has a certification or degree in landscaping or agronomy. Having a fundamental knowledge of how each type of grass sod will grow and withstand traffic on the golf course helps the greenskeeper maintain the course in the best condition possible to support sustained or heavy play of the course. Some of the most popular types of grass sod for golf courses are Zoysiagrass, Bermuda and Bluegrass.
Zoysiagrass Sod
Zoysiagrass sod is a popular turf grass sod used in the southeastern United States. It is considered a turf grass suitable for hot climates and will go dormant in the winter if the area in which it is planted experiences freezes. Zoysaigrass is becoming more popular with golf course greenskeepers due to its slower growth, requiring less course maintenance than other turf grasses. Zoysiagrass does require more water than other warm weather turf grasses in times of drought in order to maintain its health and growth rate. The slow growth of the turf also results in a longer time to establish Zoysiagrass turf--sometimes requiring in excess of one growing season to fully establish the grass.
Bermuda Grass Sod
Bermuda grass sod is one of the most popular turf grasses to use on golf courses in warm climates. There are several Bermuda sod variants available for course managers to use based on the area of the course where you are planting sod. Bermuda is popular for its resistance to drought and the fine texture of the grass. It can be mowed to the low heights required on golf greens, tee boxes and fairways, and the grass can be repaired in a short time frame. It will turn dormant in cooler climates; however, many course managers will use rye grass to fill in damaged and low growth areas of the Bermuda until the new growing season arrives.
Kentucky Bluegrass Sod
Kentucky Bluegrass is a popular grass sod for golf courses located in midwestern and northern climates. The grass is distinctive for its dark blue-green color and is drought and disease resistant. There are several variants of Bluegrass available to use for your golf course or sports field. All of the types are known for their quick recovery from heavy wear and tear and their ability to withstand being mowed to a short height. Bluegrass is also popular for its early change of color back to green in the spring months compared to other northern grasses.
About The Author
An experienced free-lance sports and technology writer and focus in both areas for my writing. I have played golf for more than 20 years and have had the great opportunity to play in over 30 states and numerous countries in addition to having experience running charity golf tournaments for the past two years. If I'm not working, I can usually be found on the local golf course.
