1. Bermuda
NewsWhen elite players speak about grain, they often mention Bermuda. They are not incorrect. Bermuda, a hardy, drought-tolerant, warm-season grass found across the South, may become grainy. When the grass is closely mown, as Tour professionals like, that feature is mitigated.
The trouble is, the more Bermuda develops, the more grain it reveals, which may alter everything from fairway roll to putt velocity and break. When swinging quicker on approach shots from the fairway, you may not detect the influence of grain. But it’s impossible to ignore it on and around the greens. Bermuda is infamous for snagging clubs on chip shots into the grain. Similarly, down- or up-grain putts might be the difference between a birdie bid being too long or too short. As a general guideline, if the grass seems glossy, you’re putting with the grain. The grain is running against you if the lawn has a duller tone. Make the necessary changes.
2. Bentgrass
Unlike your grandparents, bentgrass has no desire to retire to Florida. It’s a cool-season grass with tiny blades that allow for close mowing. In comparison to Bermuda, bentgrass contains very little grain. It may play differently based on the place and time of year, much like other grass kinds. But, particularly in the spring and autumn, adds Westacott, bentgrass in the Northeast is a thing of beauty, running smooth, firm, and fast on the fairways and greens.
Because bentgrass can not tolerate extreme heat, it requires a lot of water when temperatures spike. As a result, if you play on bentgrass in the height of summer, the greens and fairways may be rather soft. When bentgrass becomes dry, it begins to exhibit symptoms of strain by becoming somewhat brown.
3. Fescue
“Oh, he’s discovered the fescue.” Many of us image airy, golden meadows tall enough to engulf Ian Woosnam when we hear that term. After all, fescue is the grass of links golf, and it often populates the unmowed native regions where you’d like not hit your ball. But fescue may also be used as short grass, which is ideal for fairways, greens, and tees for a variety of reasons.
It is popular among course operators because to its simplicity of upkeep. Because it grows slowly, it needs less frequent mowing than many other grasses. It also requires less water. As a playing surface, it is the purist’s choice, giving the firm, bouncy conditions that we envision when we think of golf over the pond.
4. Zoysia
If zoysia were a teenager, you would probably commend it on its posture. It stands up straight and produces good lying on the fairway.
Zoysia is a warm-season grass that is cold-tolerant enough for transition zones. It also requires less water, allowing it to be maintained tougher than other grasses. It also contains less grain than Bermuda, so that’s an advantage. If there is a maintenance disadvantage.
5. Poa annua
Golfers like making excuses, and poa is often used as a scapegoat. A golfer gesturing in annoyance after a missed putt, blaming his bad stroke on the cool-season grass, may be an alternative emblem for the PGA Tour. The terrible rap has historical origins. Poa grows quickly, and the seedheads it generates may cause late-day bumpiness on the greens.