Golf Tees Grass Species

Grass species composition can be quite varied. The traditional species of red fescues and common browntop bents are often seen as the ideal species mixture for golf tees in many situations, especially for links type courses and from a ‘purist’ greenkeeper perspective.

The inclusion of dwarf perennial ryegrass, as well as smooth stalked meadow grass, has often been resisted by many greenkeepers and agronomists for use in tees, with the argument that the more traditional species, where managed correctly, produce a superior surface. (Arthur, J. (2003) 2nd Edn, ‘Practical Greenkeeping’, pp153-154)

With the intensification of use on many golf courses, more courses and tees having been built on heavier soils and also where tees are subject to light shading at times, the use of dwarf perennial ryegrass cultivars are often considered.

Significant grass breeding developments continue to take place and with improvements in plant traits, such as leaf fineness and sward density at lower heights of cut, the use of turf type (‘dwarf’) perennial ryegrass is now a common feature on many tees.

Whilst there are opposing views as to the species which are most suitable for golf tees, the decision should be primarily influenced by the needs of the course as it is the greenkeeping staff who will be working with the consequences of any decision.

For relatively low budget course, with high levels of usage, the inclusion of perennial ryegrass cultivars will often form a core part of the grass seed mixture.

For higher quality, or the more intensively maintained courses the inclusion, or not, of perennial ryegrass will often be down to personal preference, the range of working practices undertaken, and the club’s management plan.

The measure of success will be judged on how well the desired outcomes are consistently achieved.