The Green: How different types of grass affect your golf game

As a golfer, you know that no two greens are the same. Sometimes the ball rolls super smoothly, sometimes it bounces uncontrollably - this is often due to the condition of the green. But did you know that it's not just the condition of the green that matters, but also the type of grass? In this blog post, we take a closer look at the different types of grass on golf courses, how they differ in Europe, the USA and Asia and what you should look out for on your next round. The condition of the green affects your game more than you think.

Why are there different types of grass on golf courses?

Quite simply: climate. Different regions of the world have different climate zones, and grasses adapt to these conditions. Some grasses thrive in cool regions, others love warm temperatures. This means that golf courses in Germany and Europe often have different grasses to those in the USA or Asia.

The choice of grass species is therefore a question of weather, temperatures, soil conditions and maintenance intensity. Each type of grass has its own characteristics that influence play on the green. But it's not just about the grass itself - factors such as the time of day, the weather conditions and the unevenness (undulations) of the green also play a role.

The most common types of grass on golf courses in Germany and Europe

Cool season grasses dominate in Germany and large parts of Europe. These grasses are robust, hardy and cope well with the cooler temperatures and changeable weather conditions. Here are the two most commonly used species:

1. Festuca (sheep's fescue)

Festuca grass is one of the most commonly used grass species on European golf courses. It grows slowly, is very resistant to drought and has a fine leaf growth that enables relatively fast and even putting. Festuca is particularly popular on links courses, as it also copes well with rougher, windy conditions.

2. Agrostis (bunch grasses)

Agrostis is also widespread, especially on manicured, fast greens. It is dense and fine-leaved and provides a smooth surface, which has a positive effect on putting speed. In Germany and Central Europe, bunch grasses are mainly found on top courses where they receive intensive care.

Grass species in the USA and Asia: what is different?

While Europe has a cooler climate, the USA and parts of Asia have to contend with warmer temperatures. This means that different grasses are often used here, which are better adapted to the hot summers.

1. Bermuda-Gras (USA und Asien)

Bermuda grass is probably the best-known grass on golf courses in the warmer regions of the USA and Asia. It tolerates high temperatures and grows quickly, making it an ideal choice for warm climates. However, it has a coarser leaf structure, which makes putting a little more challenging. The ball often rolls slower and more unpredictably on Bermuda grass, especially if the grass is not perfectly cut.

2. Zoysia grass (Asia and southern states of the USA)

Zoysia grass is particularly popular in Asia and the southern USA. It grows densely and feels almost like a carpet, making it comfortable for golfers. It tolerates heat and humidity well, but tends to turn brown in the cooler months of the year. Nevertheless, the quality of play on Zoysia remains stable - it offers consistent roll, but you may need to apply more force when putting as it is slightly slower.

What you should look out for as a golfer: Grass, time of day, weather and co.

1. Time of day

In the morning, the grass is often still damp from dew, which can dampen the speed of the ball. This is especially true for finer grass such as Festuca and Agrostis. Later in the day, when the dew has evaporated and the greens become drier, the ball rolls faster. However, on heat-adapted grasses such as Bermuda, the time of day may have less of an impact as these grasses tolerate heat well.

2. Weather conditions

When it rains, the green soaks up water, which slows the ball down. This can cause the ball to feel more resistance, especially on dense grasses such as Zoysia or Bermuda. In hot, dry conditions, on the other hand, the greens can become very fast, which in turn can affect your control when putting.

3. Green condition

In addition to the type of grass, the undulations and unevenness on the green also play an important role. The more undulating the green, the more difficult it is to read the putting line correctly. Precision is key here - and you also need to take the time to analyse the conditions before you hit the ball. Festuca greens, for example, can be even trickier on undulating ground because the ball rolls faster on the fine grass.

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If you want to find out more about green texture and how to analyse it optimally, check out our blog post "Green textures" for all the information!

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4. Temperature and dryness

High temperatures and drought make greens tougher and faster. This is particularly noticeable on grasses such as Agrostis or Festuca, which grow better in cooler climates. Bermuda and Zoysia grass, on the other hand, tolerate these conditions better, but the ball often rolls slower if the grass is not perfectly cut.

Conclusion: The right grass makes all the difference

It may seem inconspicuous at first glance, but the type of grass you play on has a massive impact on your golf game. Whether you're playing on the fast, fine greens in Europe or the more robust, heat-loving greens in the USA and Asia, the grass, weather conditions and time of day should always factor into your strategy. So, the next time you walk across the green, pay attention not only to your putting line, but also to the grass condition. It can be the key to your best score!